The French automobile manufacturer unveiled facelift for their Duster SUV at the Auto Expo 2016. Just to recap Renault Duster was the best selling compact SUV in India. Duster ruled the roost for a while and touched almost 1.5 lakh units till 2015 and became the fastest selling SUV in India.
To reclaim the market (Captured by Hyundai Creta) Renault has launched a face-lift and a new variant.
2016 facelift means more equipment, improvements under the hood and a new AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) trim.
The 2016 Renault Duster now features minor updates to the exteriors, upgraded interiors, new Easy-R AMT gearbox and new T4 ‘Electrical and Electronic’ architecture.
In terms of exteriors 2016 Renault Duster, headlamps are slightly tweaked to accommodate DRL’s, radiator grille now comes with two thick slats instead of three thin slats, new ORVM with turn indicators with carbon fiber finish, electrically adjustable and fold-able ORVM, new alloy wheel design, improved roof rail designs. Rear now comes with new LED based tail lamps with a waterfall design, a new bumper and a larger skid plate.
Interiors of the 2016 Renault Duster, gets an updated center console with piano black finish equipped with a 7″ MEDIANAV system with rear camera input and guidelines. Other change include Automatic climate control, new power window system with anti pinch, new fabric upholstery, driver seat armrest and a 3 spoke steering wheel. Previous gen 4WD duster use to have the spare wheel inside the boot, this has now been carried over to the 2WD as well.
2016 Renault Duster has an upgraded ‘T4 Electrical & Electronics” architecture and a new “CMO10” engine compartment for better engine refinement. It continues to be powered by the 1.5 litre K9K diesel engine with engine output of 85 PS and 110 PS mated to a 6 speed manual or a 6 speed Easy-R AMT gearbox.
On the safety front, the new 2016 Renault Duster comes equipped with rear view camera, ABS with EBD, ESP, brake assist, dual airbags and hill start assist.
Even though the changes are less cosmetic and more towards mechanical and upgraded features. Renault research was efficient in implementing what was received as feedback from the market. High NVH and heavy clutch were major issues that have been taken care of in this mid life facelift.
Renault makes the best selling crossover that is easy on pocket more refined, more safe and more attractive with AMT as the market shifts towards easy to drive transmissions. Not only that, it’s unique in the market with an option of AWD as well makes it an all round compact UV too.
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