All-new 2018 Renault Duster compact SUV revealed, and it’s India-bound

Renault has just revealed the all-new 2018 Duster SUV. The French automaker revealed the Dacia-badged Duster a few months ago, and the Renault-badged version unveiled today has a few styling changes. The front end of the 2018 Renault Duster gets a different grille design and LED inserts for the headlamps. The Dacia logo makes way for the Renault logo. The alloy wheel design is different while the rear is more or less the same except for an additional chrome surround around the license plate.

The interiors of the vehicle also see changes. The steering wheel has a different design and the AC vents are now rectangular, unlike the Dacia version’s round vents. There is more chrome too, with the steering, dashboard and air conditioner vents getting more chrome plated trim.

The vehicle’s engines and gearboxes will remain unchanged. The 2018 Duster will continue with petrol and diesel engine options. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be offered. A front wheel drive layout will be standard, along with an all wheel drive layout as an optional extra. This is similar to what’s on offer in the current version.

Renault will launch the 2018 Duster in India as well but the SUV is expected to be launched here only in 2019. This is because Renault wants to give the recently launched Captur crossover enough time to settle in the Indian market. However, Renault may showcase the new Duster at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo to get buyers excited.

The new Duster continues to be a five seater though it’s been packaged in such a way that it’s more spacious than the older model. In the Indian market, the 2018 Duster is expected to be priced below the Captur. It will compete directly with the Hyundai Creta and the Maruti S-Cross. Starting prices are expected to be around Rs. 8 lakhs.