Renault India has launched the facelift version of its popular Duster SUV along with an AMT variant.

The new Duster range, which was recently unveiled at the Auto Expo 2016, is priced from Rs 8.47 lakh for the petrol base variant to Rs 13.57 lakh for the top end, all-wheel drive diesel variant (ex-showroom Delhi).

While the company boasts of 32 new features and variants on the latest generation duster, the most exciting one for Indian customers is the addition of the 6-speed Easy-R automated manual transmission on the SUV.

Given the rising popularity of AMT-equipped cars in India, the move by Renault to introduce its proprietary AMT technology in India seems well-timed and with rising levels of congestion on Indian roads, more customers are likely to opt for AMT-equipped vehicles as well.

Commenting on the launch of the new Duster, Sumit Sawhney, country CEO and managing director, Renault India Operations said, “Duster is a perfect example of Renault’s core specialty of concept innovation, where we redefine an existing segment, offering something new to the customer. Success in the automotive space is led by clutter-breaking products that rewrite automotive trends and make customers’ lives better. Over the years, Duster has firmly etched Renault on India’s automotive map and has achieved a cult status. With the new 6 speed Easy-R Automated Manual Transmission and several technical and design enhancements offered at a compelling price, we are confident that the new Duster will lead our expansion plans in India and strengthen our position in the compact SUV segment.”

Easy-R: affordable two-pedal transmission
The Easy-R is fitted with computer-controlled electromechanical actuators that perform a surrogate role for the driver, declutching, changing gear and then re-engaging the clutch. The Easy-R automated manual transmission has two operational modes: ‘Drive’ and ‘Manual’ (impulse shift). 

In ‘Drive’ mode, the computer controls gearshifts according to prevailing running conditions. Changes are timed according to factors such as engine revs, vehicle speed, driving style and so on. In ‘Manual’ (impulse shift) mode, the driver assumes full control of gear changes.

Apart from the Easy-R and cosmetic upgrades, the Duster also features new security-based ‘CMO10’ & ‘T4 E&E’ architecture enabling enhanced safety and superior ride and handling.

Under the hood

The Duster facelift is powered by the same petrol and diesel engines as the outgoing model. While the petrol engine has an output of 102.5bhp, the diesel is a 1.5-litre common rail direct injection motor which comes in two states of tune – 84bhp and 108.5bhp. The petrol and the 84bhp diesel engine come paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.

The more powerful 108.5bhp diesel is offered with a six-speed manual as standard with the option of the new six-speed AMT gearbox. However, the AWD variant is only available on the top end RXZ manual variant. The Duster facelift gets the addition of a base Standard trim and a mid-RXL trim.

Since its launch in July 2012, Renault has sold over 1.4 Lakh units of the Duster in India and was once the French-carmaker’s most popular offering in the market. But with rising competition in the compact SUV segment, the Duster lost out to the likes of the Eco-Sport and the Creta. However, now with a host of new features and the AMT variant, Renault is hoping to recapture lost ground with the Duster.