French automaker Renault is all geared up to launch the updated facelift version of their Duster in the Indian market. The global markets already have got the next-generation model of the Duster, but Renault is only bringing the facelifted version of the SUV to the Indian market and the Indian customers will have to wait a bit longer than the others to see the next gen version of the compact SUV in their market. The disappointing sales of Captur means that the Duster in its facelift avatar will exist in the Indian market for the time to come and will remain one of the top choices of the French maker’s portfolio in the Indian market. However, the Duster will have company in form of a smaller sub-4-meter compact SUV in the Indian market. This sub-4-meter compact SUV from Renault will utilise the CMF-A platform of the company that is also seen on the Kwid. Upon launch, this sub-4-meter compact SUV will lock horns with the likes of the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Tata Nexon.
The upcoming facelifted Duster will not see any mechanical changes as this is only the facelift version of the SUV. However, one can expect to see a lot of changes both inside and outside the upcoming SUV. There will be changes on the design front and the interior will also be revised and revamped with some new features so as to keep the facelift version of Duster relevant in the market. Among the changes on the exterior front, one can expect a changed grille with a lot of chrome work, new front bumper with skid plate, revised fog lamp housing with a chrome decorative element and projector headlamps with LED DRLs. The alloy wheels get a new design, making the profile of the Duster fresher.
The back of the facelifted vehicle will come with black cladding near the tail gate and revised tail lamps as well as the bumper. Step into the cabin and there is a black theme dashboard and new upholstery all over. There is also a large touch infotainment display that comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. The upcoming facelift of Duster will also come in two new shades in addition to the existing colour schemes of the SUV.
As far as the mechanicals of the upcoming version of Duster are concerned the brand will likely discontinue the lower tuning diesel engine. The 1.5L diesel engine of the SUV is likely to be updated as per the upcoming BS-VI norms, a similar upgrade is also expected on the 1.6L petrol engine. The 1.5L diesel engine of Duster is rated to deliver 108 Bhp and 240 Nm and comes with the option of a 6-speed manual and a 6 speed AMT gearbox. Whereas the petrol engine of the SUV is rated to deliver 104 Bhp and 140 Nm and comes with the option of a manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. Since this is just a facelift and not a generation upgrade, expect the starting price of the Duster to remain the same as the previous model.