Will introduce Renault's 'Easy-R' AMT to the Indian market.
Autocar India reader, Prajit PS, has caught the facelifted Renault Duster testing in Chennai, ahead of its expected debut at the Auto Expo 2016 in the first week of February. Market launch could happen in March or April 2016.
As seen in many spyshots, the new Renault Duster will look somewhat similar to that of the Brazil-spec model. It gets updated taillight clusters and new alloy wheel designs, while the front-end receives a single slat grille flanked by headlamps with a new cluster design. Besides, every body panel on the car could be different.
Renault India’s Managing Director & CEO Sumit Sawhney told IAB last year that the Renault Duster facelift will have “a lot of innovations.”
Changes will also be seen inside the compact SUV, featuring a new single piece center console panel that houses the round HVAC vents, central cubby hole, and MEDIANAV touchscreen display, while the HVAC controls are now separated from the main console. New fabric upholstery and updated buttons, display graphics are also expected.
Also Read: Renault Kwid AMT, Kwid 1L variants to debut at Auto Expo 2016
The Renault Duster facelift will continue to offer the familiar 1.5-liter K9K dCi diesel engine available in two power tunes: 85 PS and 110 PS. While the former is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the latter gets a 6-speed manual unit as well as a new Easy-R AMT option. Autocar India reports that Renault couldn't integrate the previously rumored 6-speed DCT gearbox due to the high cost difference with the AMT (upwards of INR 2 Lakhs).
[Source: Autocar India]
