Renault Likely To Prepone New Duster Launch In India, Here’s The Reason!

New-Renault-Duster-2019-India (New Duster Launch)

The new Renault Duster could be introduced as early as next year considering the below par sales of the Captur SUV

The Duster has almost been a household name for Renault among Indian customers and its played a pivotal role in establishing the brand. The compact SUV has had its heydays but the lack of substantial updates took toll on its volume sales. Renault did bring in a cosmetically revised package and added AMT transmission to the lineup in 2016 but it could not aid much in replicating the previous sales number.

Since late 2015, Renault is riding high on the success of Kwid small hatchback but its popularity did take a hit in recent times. Right from living at the brink of 10,000 unit sales, the Kwid’s monthly figures are facing a certain downward curve lately, due to the arrival of new rivals in the segment such as Tata Tiago.

Renault does have new products in the pipeline such as a mooted subcompact SUV and an affordable MPV, which was spotted testing a few months ago. However, the new generation Duster is a highly anticipated model and Renault could fast track its arrival considering the lukewarm response received by the existing Duster based Captur.

With Nissan actively testing its Kicks SUV scheduled for launch in early 2019, we can expect the new-gen Duster by sometime next year to revive the brand’s fortunes in the flourishing premium SUV space. Having made global premiere at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show under Dacia badge, the upcoming Duster has significant design and interior updates.

2018 Renault Duster Unveiled - Price, Engine, Specs, Features, Pics, Review, Interior 1

Based on the B0/Logan platform, it features upgraded front grille, new front bumper, silver skid plate, reworked headlight unit, integrated LED DRLs in top-end variants, more appealing 17-inch alloy wheels, new aluminum roof bars, tweaked rear end with new tail lights, restyled bonnet, etc.

Moreover, the windshield has been moved forward to liberate more interior room. The cabin has driver-focussed centre console with updated touchscreen infotainment system enabling Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, revised dashboard and premium materials used, auto AC and headlights, keyless entry, new steering wheel with mounted controls and more.

2018 Renault Duster Unveiled - Price, Engine, Specs, Features, Pics, Review, Interior 1

It could use a new 1.6-litre diesel engine instead of the current 1.5-litre dCi unit with manual and automatic transmission options. Expected to be priced between Rs. 8 lakh and Rs. 14 lakh (ex-showroom), Renault could offer 4WD in the high-end grades. Do you want to see Renault introducing new Duster sooner rather than later?

2019 Renault Duster Images