Renault Duster facelift launched, prices start from Rs 7.99 lakh

Renault India has launched the facelifted Duster today. Prices for the new Duster start at Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base petrol, with prices going up to Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-end petrol CVT, whereas prices for the diesel start at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant and go up to Rs 12.49 lakh (ex-showroom) for the AWD-equipped range-topper. Additionally, Renault says the new Duster gets 25 brand new features and technological enhancements that will “set new standards in the SUV segment.”

The prices for the Duster have reduced marginally for the petrol variants, as the pre-facelift prices started at Rs 8.49 (ex-showroom) for the base petrol with manual transmission and went up to Rs 10.32 lakh (ex-showroom) for the CVT variant. Meanwhile, whereas the base diesel variant earlier priced at Rs 9,26,999 (ex-showroom) was cheaper, the top variant RXZ has had a big drop in prices from Rs 13.56 lakh (ex-showroom).

First looks

Like scenic locations and powerful cars? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

In the cabin of the new Duster

On the inside, the Duster now gets a more stylish Midnight black theme. The seats now get red piping or ‘glaze’, lending it a sporty look while the new style Renault steering wheel with soft-touch buttons along with features such as Cruise Control with speed limiter helps keep long highway journeys convenient. The dual-tone centre fascia with soft-touch dashboard and door trims also give the interiors a more premium feel, enhanced by the ice blue graphic instrument cluster with multi-information display. The fully integrated 6.9inch MediaNAV Evolution touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition and EcoGuide – a system that monitors driving patterns and provides guidelines to improve efficiency. Renault also offers an Arkamys sound system with four speakers and two front tweeters for better clarity and output.

Under the hood

The Duster retains its 1.5-litre petrol making 104bhp and 142Nm, mated to either a five-speed manual or an X-tronic CVT; and the 1.5-litre diesel engine with either a six-speed manual or an AMT. The 1.5-litre diesel engine offers a choice of two power outputs: 108bhp and 83bhp with a torque of 245 Nm and 200 Nm respectively, with the higher-output variant also getting the option for AWD as well as independent rear suspension, which will be helpful when going off-road.