‘Upgraded’ Renault Duster SPIED testing in India

The current version of the Renault Duster sold in India has dipped in sales and the compact SUV has begun to show its age amid the new rivals. Renault sells a newer generation version of the compact SUV in the international market but that is not coming to our shores anytime soon now. However, an updated version of the Duster SUV has been spied testing in India. The new updated model will go on sale around April 2020 and is not the all-new Duster on sale in international markets. Rather, the Duster under the camouflage covers here is the current-gen model that will be upgraded to meet BSVI emission standards and the upcoming pedestrian protection safety standards.

Both the BSVI emission standards and the pedestrian protection safety standards will kick-in by April 1, 2020, and therefore the updated Duster will be launched around the same timeframe. The new car will feature a higher bonnet than on the current model in order to create the necessary space between the bonnet lid and engine components underneath. This will be done to meet the new Pedestrian Protection safety norms. This bonnet redesign will result in better pedestrian safety and is essential to meet to meet pedestrian safety standards.

Moving on, the updated Duster will also get a set of new bumpers and a redesigned grille. The company will also equip the compact SUV with LED DRLS incorporated in the headlight but the overall headlight design will remain the same. The same is suggested by the spy shots too. Moreover, reports suggest that the new updated Duster might feature a sunroof too.  New roof rails are the only other exterior design change and the rest of the exteriors will remian the same. However, Renault will equip the Duster with standard rear parking sensors, a passenger seat-belt alert and speed warning system to comply with the BNSVAP standards. Talking about the interiors, some significant updates can be expected which include an all-new infotainment system along witha slightly altered design theme and materials

Sources reveal that only the 110hp variant of the 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine will be upgraded to BSVI emission standards. The other lower powered 85hp version will most probably be discontinued. On the other hand, the petrol engine will also receive an upgrade to BSVI emission norms. Transmission options will probably be a 6-speed manual for the diesel and a 5-speed manual for the petrol. The Duster diesel will be continued to be sold with an AMT transmission while the petrol will be available with a CVT gearbox.

Renault currently has no plans to launch the all-new generation of the Duster in India. It has been on sale in Europe since 2017 and is a completely different car as compared to the current generation model.

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