While Indian car buyers eagerly anticipate the arrival of Renault’s new Duster SUV to challenge the Hyundai Creta, international markets are once again talking about a rare transformation — the Dacia Duster Pickup. This coach-built utility vehicle has made a return in double-cab form, offering a unique spin on the popular mid-size SUV.
What Makes the Duster Pickup Special
The pickup version is based on the standard Duster platform but carries some distinctive modifications:
- A double-cab layout with seating for four, along with a practical flatbed at the back.
- The loading bay measures roughly 1,050 mm by 1,000 mm, designed to carry up to 430 kilograms — perfect for light-duty transport.
- Retains most of the SUV’s modern interior, including a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhanced safety features like emergency braking assist, stability control, and hill start assist.
- Powered by the same set of engines as the Duster SUV, including the 1.2-litre mild-hybrid turbo petrol and Hybrid 140, with the option of all-wheel drive.
Roots of the Pickup Version
The idea of a Duster-based pickup isn’t new. Romanian coachbuilder Romturingia first experimented with this concept back in 2014, producing around 500 units mainly for fleet use. Over the years, limited single-cab and double-cab prototypes have appeared, but none made it to large-scale production or mainstream sales.
India’s Perspective: Focus on the Creta Rival
In India, Renault is preparing to launch the new-generation Duster SUV by late 2025. This model is expected to be positioned directly against the Hyundai Creta, one of the country’s most successful compact SUVs.
However, there’s no official indication that the pickup version will come to Indian showrooms. Given current demand trends, India’s market continues to favor lifestyle SUVs over compact pickups, making a Duster-based truck unlikely for now.
Why It Matters
- Demonstrates how flexible SUV platforms like the Duster can be re-engineered into practical light-utility vehicles.
- Highlights the possibilities of crossover pickups in global markets where dual passenger and cargo usage is in demand.
- Sparks curiosity about whether compact pickup trucks could one day find a niche in India’s evolving auto segment.
The coach-built Dacia Duster Pickup may never officially arrive in India, but its reappearance globally is a reminder of the SUV’s adaptability. As Indian buyers wait for the new Duster SUV — Renault’s contender against the Hyundai Creta — such innovations show how far the brand’s platform can be stretched beyond conventional boundaries.
