Renault India is planning to axe the Duster SUV in the country, reveals an ET Auto report. The French automaker is phasing out the Duster in order to lower down the costs while intending to accentuate profitability. The final batch of Renault Duster SUVs is said to be rolling out of the company's Chennai manufacturing unit in October 2021 as per the component suppliers. It has been learnt that Renault will be introducing the new-generation Duster in the Indian market after a few months of discontinuing the older model. Though, the exact launch timeline is not known yet.
The new-gen Renault Duster is already on sale in several global markets. In fact, the brand took the wraps off the Duster facelift for European countries with an array of cosmetic updates and new features. The 2021 Renault Duster facelift flaunts new LED headlamps with Y-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) while riding on newly designed alloy wheels. The rear end boasts of restyled LED tail-lamp cluster while the cabin comes equipped with a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. Some of the other notable features in the SUV include a 3.5-inch digital instrument cluster, multi-view camera, blind-spot monitor and 4x4 monitor with an inclinometer and altimeter.
Needless to say, Renault Duster has been the French brand's most popular vehicle in the Indian market. Renault India MD Venkataram Mamillapalle stated that there might be a temporary gap but promised that the Duster would be back. Renault Duster in its present avatar is only offered with two petrol engines as the diesel versions were discontinued following the implementation of BS6 emission norms in the country on April 1, 2020. It is available in three trims namely RxE, RxS and RxZ in a price range of Rs 9.86-14.25 Lakhs (Ex. Showroom, Delhi). Renault Duster rivals the likes of Maruti S-Cross, Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Kia Seltos and Tata Harrier in the Indian market.
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