The 2025 Renault Duster is set to arrive in showrooms this year, with the small SUV set to challenge the Suzuki Jimny and Toyota Yaris Cross.

Manufactured by Renault’s Romanian budget brand Dacia, the third-generation Duster will launch in Australia with two engines and drive options.

Buyers after a small high-riding SUV can choose the two-wheel-drive Renault Duster with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 113kW and 250Nm – matched with an automatic transmission.

Those wanting off-road capability have the option of a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, sending 96kW and 230Nm to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.

While the Duster isn’t a true, hardcore 4x4 – as it doesn’t have a low-range gearbox or differential locks – the vehicle is said to be relatively handy in low-traction environments, working as a front-wheel-drive but sending power to the rear wheels when needed, much like Volkswagen’s 4Motion system.

The four-wheel-drive model also comes with five selectable off-road modes, as well as hill descent control.

Part of its capability comes from its weight – or lack thereof – with overseas versions of the four-wheel-drive Duster weighing in at just 1390kg. Front-drive versions are approximately 114kg lighter.

Models found in Europe claim approach/departure angles of 31 and 36 degrees respectively in the Duster 4x4, however ground clearance on the Australian model will be five millimetres lower – at 212mm.

The Duster is 4345mm long, 2069mm wide, and 1650mm high, with a wheelbase of 2657mm and a turning circle of 10.86 metres.

Inside, there’s a 7.0-inch digital instrument display and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and rear/multi-view cameras.

On the safety front, the Renault Duster will come with autonomous emergency braking, driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot warning.

Pricing and specifications for the 2025 Renault Duster have yet to be announced for Australia, however the vehicle is expected to launch locally in the second half of 2025.