Renault Duster goes Turbo with a New Petrol Engine

The next-generation 2017 Renault Duster will make its global debut in 2016, followed by an India launch in 2017. Turbo petrol and turbo diesel power are givens on the next generation SUV, considering the fact that Renault has decided to equip the current version of the Duster for the 2016 model year with a 1.2 liter-4 cylinder turbo petrol motor. This engine will replace the range topping 2 liter naturally aspirated petrol motor.

The smaller turbocharged petrol makes 123 Bhp of peak power and 250 Nm of peak torque, generated between 2,000 rpm to 3,000 rpm. A six speed manual gearbox is offered on the vehicle, with an all wheel drive system also added. Brake energy regeneration and an idle stop system are the other major feature additions on the turbo petrol engined Duster, and these features are also expected to grace the next-generation model.

As far as diesel power is concerned, the 1.5 liter K9K turbo diesel motor is expected to be retained, with multiple options of tune, as is the case currently. In the Indian market, the bulk of Duster sales comes from the diesel powered variants. Therefore, Renault may delay the addition of the 1.2 liter turbocharged petrol engine into the SUV’s range until the next generation version arrives into the market here.

However, considering the fact that petrol power is making a big comeback in India, and that turbocharging is the way to go as far as delivering high mileage, performance and low tail pipe emissions is concerned, there’s a high likelihood of a turbocharged petrol engine being added to the India-spec Duster. Already, Ford offers such an option on the EcoSport sold here.

In the next few months, the Duster will receive a mid life makeover. The facelift will allow Renault to keep the SUV current until the all-new model takes over in 2017. The facelift will bring mildly updated exteriors to the table. The headlamps and tail lamps will see a new design with bumper inserts added to the front and rear bumpers. The grille is an all new item while alloy wheels see a revision. On the inside, changes will be limited to fabrics and colour schemes.