Auto Moto has posted more details on the next
generation Renault Duster (Dacia Duster in Europe) ahead of its public premiere
at the 2017 IAA in Frankfurt on September 12. A report last week stated that
the next gen SUV would be unveiled to the media on June 22.
The design of the next generation Renault Duster
will see an evolutionary shift to protect its identity and recall. Auto Moto
states that some exterior elements are new, such as a clamshell hood, grille
with angular chrome inserts (Dacia Duster) inspired by the facelifts of the
Sandero and Logan, new ORVMs with mounted turn indicators, shark fin antenna,
and larger, square-shaped LED taillights that stretch into the tailgate.
Expect Renault to improve quality of materials,
ergonomics and the feature content in the cabin. Auto Moto reports that the
infotainment touchscreen would be lifted to the top of the center console and
autonomous emergency braking system could be an option.
At launch, the Duster will launch in a regular
5-seat version with an overall length of 4.4 m, while a 7-seat version with an
extended length (4.55 m rumoured) will arrive in 2018, referred to by web
reporters as the Renault Grand Duster.
While some claim that the 2018 Duster rides on the
CMF platform that underpins the Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai, it could
prove a challenge for Dacia, Renault’s budget brand, to price the vehicle under
EUR 12,000 with a chassis that has high quality materials and high-end engineering
solutions. The retention of the existing low-cost platform with remodelling
could serve the Duster well without making the affair expensive.
The SUV could come with familiar engine options such
as a 1.2-litre TCe petrol unit, 1.6- and 2.0-litre SCe petrol motors, and a
more efficient 1.6-litre dCi engine. Expect the new Duster in India in 2019.
