2018 Renault Duster (Next-Gen): Robust Looks, New Interiors
Major revamp since Duster´s launch seven years ago; Indian launch likely next year.
Although the body shell remains the same as before, the Duster´s SUV stance is enhanced and stability impression heightened.
Since its launch in 2010, Renault Duster has gained huge popularity in many global markets across Europe and Asia, with more than a million units sold. In India too, it is one of the earliest entrant in the compact SUV segment, gave quite a boost to the Renault brand. The company has now revealed the second-generation Duster SUV for global markets, with all-new exterior and interior styling, added equipment, and enhanced safety.
Also Read: 2017 Renault Duster Facelift (Indian Spec)
Design wise, the new Renault Duster now looks aggressive and robust visually. The styling is quite similar to the new Dacia Duster unveiled a couple of months ago, but certain unique aspects keep the cars apart. This includes the Renault´s distinctive Alaskan grille and large brand logo, emphasized hood, and well-integrated headlamps with C-shaped LED DRLs. Although the body shell still remains largely unchanged, the stance of the SUV is enhanced and the stability impression heightened.
The side profile is, again, largely carried over from the outgoing car, except for the black plastic trim on the front fender. Over the rear, changes are quite intense, especially the squared tail lamp scheme and nicely-carved number plate housing. The prominent skid plates up front and rear and the 17-inch alloys are also appealing.
New Renault Duster boasts revised interiors, especially the trendy-looking 3-spoke multi-func steering wheel and instrumentation cluster.
On the inside, the new Duster boasts a quite balanced and suave layout. The sophisticated multi-functional 3-spoke steering wheel, rectangular aircon vents, and MediaNav Evolution touchscreen infotainment system are the highlights. The instrumentation cluster is reworked, the dials are trendy. There seems an improvement in cabin ergonomics and the quality of materials used inside. Key equipment additions includes multi-camera view with the centre-console screen, Blind Spot Warning, a 4×4 monitor, automatic climate control, automatic headlight activation, key-less entry and remote engine start.
Also Read: 2017 Renault Captur (based on Duster platform)
The Renault Duster internationally gets two petrol and a diesel engine option, and their technical specs and power outputs remains unchanged. This includes a 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre 16V 145 PS petrol engine, and the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine, mated either to 5-speed, 6-speed manuals, AMT, or CVT auto gearboxes. In India, the new Duster will continue to be powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines (85 and 110 PS), with existing gearbox options.
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