Renault Duster has been one of the most admired and best-selling SUV in India which along with Kwid hatchback drive French automaker to have a strong hold in the country. Duster got facelift last year where it received AWD, touchscreen system, AMT variant and significant design changes. With the popularity of diesel cars declining, the company has decided to expand Duster’s line up by adding petrol CVT variant.
However, the petrol model will utilise a CVT gearbox, unlike the diesel trim which is available with a six-speed AMT gearbox. The petrol automatic will be offered on RXL and RxZ trims and this will add more appeal to dud seller petrol duster. The new Petrol CVT will allow it take on Hyundai Creta and Honda BR-V.
The new version of Duster will sport the same automatic transmission of Fluence sedan and will get power from a 1.6l K4M engine that makes 102bhp power and 148Nm of torque. It will come with 2WD powertrain like the manual variant. The automatic might shoot up the fuel efficiency around 14.2 Kmpl against 13.06 Kmpl of the manual trim.
It is likely to get same features like a 7-inch MediaNAV touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, beige interiors with charcoal grey floor console, chrome gear knob etc. It also gets 3 Pod information cluster, automatic climate control with heater and rear AC vent, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry, power windows with illuminated switches etc,
In addition to petrol CVT, Renault is looking add another sporty variant to Kwid followed by the recent launch of Kwid Climber. Speaking of the expansion, Mr Sawhney said, “We have more excitement in Kwid and a brand new product which we are currently targeting around festival time.”
