Second-Gen Duster Spied For The First Time
Modified On Jun 01, 2017 04:18 PM By Raunak for Renault Duster 2016-2019
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If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The second-gen SUV likely to carry forward design cues from the current version
A heavily camouflaged test mule of the second-generation Duster has been spied for the first time in Europe. The 2018 Duster will reportedly have its world premiere at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
A quick recap of the first-gen model!
The current Duster was the first SUV to be made under Renault’s Romanian subsidiary, Dacia. It uses the stretched wheelbase version of Renault-Nissan's B-platform (the B0 to be exact) borrowed from the first-generation Logan (now called the Mahindra Verito).
The Duster nameplate made its world debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show as a concept.
The production-spec model was revealed later that year in December and the Dacia Duster finally rolled off the factory and went on sale in Europe in early 2010.
It became the most affordable SUV in Europe and received rave reviews from the media for its value-for-money packaging. Rebadged as a Renault, the Duster made its way to India in July 2012 with subtle changes which included the addition of rear AC vents among others.
It started the compact SUV craze in the country and is still one of the most popular offerings in its segment. It is also the only compact SUV in the country to offer an AWD (all-wheel-drive) drivetrain. In India, the Duster received its facelift/mid-cycle update in 2016. Recently, Renault also introduced an updated petrol engine along with a CVT gearbox to take on the popular Hyundai Creta AT.
The second-gen Duster
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Renault seems to have kept this old saying in mind while developing the second-gen Duster. From the spy shots, it is quite clear that most of the styling cues from the current car seems to have made its way to the second-gen model as well.
This trend can also be observed in other cars like the new third-gen Swift which borrows some of the looks from its previous generations. The current Safari Storme too has styling bits from the first-gen model. Even the Mini Cooper never strays away from its classic silhouette. Buyers opting for such cars tend to like a bit of similarity with the older versions as it leads to an emotional connect with them.
Though the test mule is heavily camouflaged, it is quite evident that the second-gen Duster will resemble the first-gen model in terms of its looks. Although rumour has it that the second-gen Duster will shift to Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF platform, we do have our doubts on it as the new platform would make it considerably more expensive to produce. Something that wouldn’t suit Dacia’s image of being affordable and good value for money.
Instead, the 2018 Duster is likely to be based on a modified version of the current B0 platform. Another reason for this could be the fact that the upcoming Renault Captur, which will slot above the Duster when launched, is also based on the same B0 platform. The B0 platform has already been heavily localised in several developing countries, including India and Brazil.
The doors and the roof rails of the test mule appear to be a straight lift from the current SUV. Also, notice that the test mule has still got the old-school flip-type door handles. Even the footprint of the second-gen model looks similar as well.
The front fascia has a relatively upright stance, while its squarish headlamps are still present. The lower grille has grown in size. It continues to feature protruding muscular wheel arches along with a generous ground clearance.
There are no interior shots of the second-gen Duster as of now, but in one of the pictures, the 2018 Duster's three circular central air vents are visible (check the picture above). Also, its dash is placed relatively higher like in bigger SUVs. At the rear, the design of the tail lamps are likely to be an evolved version of the current layout.
Mechanically, it is likely to carry forward the same set of engines – a 1.5-litre petrol engine other than the popular 1.5-litre diesel engine in two states of tune. The 2018 Duster could also be offered with Renault's turbocharged petrol engines offered in Europe as well. Its EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmissions could also make it to India.
India has been an important market for the Duster brand and it quite possible that the new version will make its way here soon after its global debut in 2018. Stay tuned to CarDekho for more updates on the second-gen Duster.
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