The 2020 Renault
Duster has started reaching dealerships. A new walkaround video has surfaced
online showing what seems to be the updated model's middle grade. The Renault Duster was once one
of its segment best-selling models and its sales peaked at ~8000 units per
month at the time of its launch. But now, the market seems to be losing
interest in the aged, first-gen model, and the monthly sales hardly reach ~1000
units. With the second facelift, the company aims to revive sales by refreshing
its looks and introducing new features.
The 2020 Renault Duster has a higher bonnet line and
a reworked hood to be compliant to the upcoming pedestrian safety norms as well
as a new front grille, a redesigned front bumper, new skid plates, new 17-inch
alloy wheels, tweaked headlamps with projector lighting and LED DRLs, a set of
new roof rails and plastic cladding on the tailgate. The colour options include
a new shade of blue.
There will be some changes on the inside too. These
will include new dual-tone black and dark brown colour scheme, new faux
aluminium and piano black elements on the dashboard, new steering wheel and
rectangular AC vents replacing the circular units.
The 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines from the old
model will continue. The petrol engine comes mated to a 5-speed MT/CVT and the
diesel engine comes linked to a 6-speed MT/6-speed AMT. Reports also suggest
that the company might pull the plug on the diesel engine if upgrading to BS-VI
turns out to be too expensive. It is considering Lean NOx Trap instead of
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system for reducing the cost of the
upgrade.
The 2020 Renault Duster will be launched on 8 July.
It will likely be priced slightly higher than the current model which costs INR
7.99-12.15 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
