Renault Duster Facelift: 8 Things You Must Know

The Renault Duster has embarked on a new journey with its latest version, which was just released in the Indian market. The new avatar bears substantial changes and hopes to tackle the ever-growing competition in a more effective manner. 

Let's take a quick look at the 8 things you must know about the updated Duster!

New Headlights and Tail Lights

The enthusiasts have always appreciated the muscular looks of the Duster since it first broke cover. Over time, however, the appeal of the design did decline. The facelift addresses the ageing design with a set of new lamps at either end. The new hawk-eye headlights, get a slightly different cluster and get a smoked finish as well. The tail-lamps too get an updated design with LED elements, that look super cool!

Revised Grille and Bumpers

The changes to the Duster's appearance are minimal and subtle, but instantly noticeable. The compact SUV gets refreshed bumpers, both at the front and rear. The front also gets a faux skidplate, finished in matte silver. A new color option called 'Cayenne Orange' has been added as well.

New Roof Rail and Alloys

Other aesthetic updates include a new set of alloy wheels. The black shade with the machined surface really complements the compact SUV's design. On the top, the car gets new kayak roof rails with Duster branding, enhancing the overall style quotient.

We think the additions to the exterior do just enough to add some oomph to the ageing design. That said, do not expect the Duster to win any design awards, even with the updates in place. While the Duster fits the bill nicely if you want a brawny muscular-looking SUV, it is still the Hyundai Creta that has the more mature design.The Creta also gets more flamboyant elements, like daytime running lamps and larger 17" wheels, which the Duster lacks.

Cabin Enhancement

The cabin sports a new Crimson with Black theme, while the dashboard has been revamped by incorporating a brand-new centre console and a fresh instrument cluster. Other minor changes include a sportier upholstery and newer fabric on the seats. Also, the ORVM controls are now closer to the door, where they should have been in the first place! Also, the driver’s window now comes with the option of auto up/down.

Creature Comforts

The French automaker has now installed its MediaNav touchscreen infotainment unit in the car. Then there are features like cruise control, reverse camera and new climate control system in the top end trims, which certainly position it neck-to-neck with its rival Creta .

On the inside, Renault hasn't changed a lot. We think this is an opportunity missed, simply because the design looks dated – especially when you compare it to the Creta. While features are now on par, we really wish Renault upped the quality a bit. There are a few rough edges that could be done away with.

Engine and Performance

Renault has kept both the 1.6-litre K4M petrol and the 1.5-litre dCi HP diesel engines unchanged. The petrol motor musters 104PS and 148Nm of torque. The diesel engine is available in two state of tunes viz. 85PS/200Nm and 110PS/245Nm. The new addition in terms of mechanics is the 5-speed AMT gearbox, which is offered with the 110PS 4x2 variant only. Everything else remains identical, including the optional AWD on the 110PS variant. 

The Duster is down on power compared to the Hyundai Creta and on par with its brand-engineered cousin, the Nissan Terrano. Renault's ace is definitely the ride quality which is much better compared to the Hyundai. Moreover, it is the only compact SUV to feature an AWD system. If you plan on mud-plugging, the Duster has you covered!

Safety

The updated Duster is equipped with dual front airbags, ABS, ESP, and EBD with Brake Assist system. Other safety features include Hill Start Assist, rear defogger, rear wiper and washer, reverse parking camera, and impact-sensing door lock. Renault has also stated that the new Duster sports the ‘CMO10’ engine compartment, which in turn has strengthened its overall structure.

Price:

The Duster is now on sale, with prices ranging from Rs. 8.47 lakh to Rs. 13.57 lakh. The new AMT version will be offered at Rs. 11.67 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Renault has got the pricing spot on; we don't think the pricing could have been any better. Moreover, the Duster is priced on-par with the Creta. It's only the top-spec AWD Duster that is slightly expensive in our books.The pricing also leaves the Duster vulnerable to fully loaded sub 4-metre compact SUVs, like the Mahindra TUV300, Ford EcoSport and the recently launched, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. That said, the Duster is a size bigger than the compact brigade and does have better driving dynamics.

Recommended Read:

Duster Facelift Launched: What's New?

Renault Duster Facelift: Variants, Features and Highlights

2016 Renault Duster vs Hyundai Creta: Comparison

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