Soon after Dacia showcased Duster at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault unveiled the same car with its badge two months later. The reason we are talking about this car is because it will come to our shores as well. We expect this car to be coming sometime in the second half of this year.
Inspired by Renault's D-Cross concept, the Duster facelift get exterior tweaks that give it a refreshed look, and additional features making it more feature-rich. However, it largely remains similar to the existing model.
The Renault Duster became an instant success for the French automaker in India, and is still among the top-selling cars for the company here. However, its sales declined after the launch of Ford EcoSport in the market. So, at a time when the Duster's competitors are doing good, and other automakers are planning to launch their sub-compact SUVs, Renault needs the facelifted Duster sooner than later.
The Duster facelift features a dual-tone chrome grille, large air-dams, revised headlamps with double-optic units and day time running LEDs, under body cladding, chromed exhaust pipe in rear diffuser and new tail lamps. The roof rails with Duster logo and robust 16-inches alloys in dark metal shade add more to its muscular appearance. However, the dimensions remain unchanged.
It looks similar to the existing model from inside too. However, the updated Duster gets steering mounted controls, which in the existing model are behind the wheels. Other changes include a new centre console with an updated infotainment system, rear park assist, cruise control and speed limiter, electronic stability control and standard dual front airbags. However, there is no clarity on whether all these changes will be made available in the Indian version or not.
Mechanically, there is no alteration, as the updated Duster continues with the same 1.6-litre petrol, 1.5-litre K9K 85PS diesel and 1.5-litre 110PS diesel engines.
