The launch of Hyundai Creta has certainly brought some spice to the compact SUV segment and sold over 6000 units in the first month of its launch. These numbers has challenged the reign of the bestselling Duster that has been dominating the segment since its advent in India. Renault India faced criticism for not bringing an update model to India on time, as the international markets received an update a while ago.
Renault Duster facelift was spotted making rounds in India just a couple days back though fully camouflaged. The Spy shots reveal that the facelift sports reworked tail lamps and new alloy wheels. The changes on the SUV are strictly cosmetic, no mechanical changes expected.
On the outside, the facelift would continue to carry the existing silhouette with revised front and rear profile. The 2016 Duster would feature revamped LED tail lamps, reworked front grille, skid plates, tweaked headlamps and new alloy wheels set up. Overall, it could quite similar to the recently launched Brazilian model of Duster.
As for the interiors, it would get revised dashboard, new upholstery and better quality materials as it has been condemned for average material quality. Some features of current model would be retained like MediaNAV infotainment system, cruise control etc.
Under the hood, the 2016 Duster is expected to get power from 1.5l diesel and 1.6l petrol engines mated to 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. Reports suggest that it will come with a six speed dual clutch automatic transmission along with all wheel drive system.
Considering the changes on the model, expect new Duster to be Rs. 30,000-50,000 dearer than the current model and when it is launched it will take on Hyundai Creta, Nissan Terrano and Maruti S-cross. The new Duster is really important for the carmaker as recently launched cars like Creta and S-cross has heated the competition.
