New 2014 Renault Duster facelift- Expected launch and Gallery

With the introduction of EcoSport and Terrano, the compact SUV segment which earlier featured only Duster now looks more crowded. It is the only segment which has received a positive response despite the continuous slowdown in the market. Moreover, carmakers sense the need of a compact UV to secure more market share and are planning to introduce several Mini SUVs in the coming years including Honda Vezel, Hyundai compact SUV, Fiat Punto Adventure and others. So, to remain fresh and to keep buyers engaged, Renault is all set to launch the facelifted Duster in the Indian car market soon.

If reports are to be believed, the French automaker will unveil the new Duster at the next year's Indian Auto Expo or might launch the vehicle at the same event. We expect that the company could also introduce a couple of new variants of the SUV to offer more options to its buyers. It is expected that an AT and a 4x4 versions of the Duster could make its way to the Indian market. We strongly believe that Renault would launch a new variant of Duster which will be powered by the company's new 1.2-litre TCe turbocharged petrol mill, which will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission. This will help the company to counter Ford's immensely popular 1L EcoBoost engine that powers the EcoSport.

The small turbocharged engine will help Renault to get excise benefits and is expected to be priced lesser than other Duster models in India. The 4x4 version would target the young Indian buyers who love to do off-roading. While the automatic variant will attract urban buyers, as it is easier to maneuver on our busy city roads. So, with such speculative variants, Renault would be able to offer an excellent package to its buyers.

A couple of months back, Renault showcased the new Duster under Dacia badge with some cosmetic upgrades at the Frankfurt Motor show. The vehicle receives some minor tweaks to both inside and out, making it look more appealing than before. The new model now features a dual-tone chrome grille, while the Dacia model gets the honeycomb grille. It also features a new headlamps with double-optic units and DRLs, new roof rails, restyled tail-lamps, newly designed scuff plate and chrome-tipped exhaust pipe.

Interiors of the car looks very similar to that of the regular model. However, the company has given some tweaks, including a refreshed instrument cluster, steering mounted controls and a new centre console featuring Renault's infotainment system, to offer more classy feel to its buyers.

We expect that new Duster will carryover the same engine configuration- a 1.5-litre K9K engine which offers two state of power- 85PS and 110PS and a 1.6-litre petrol mill.

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