Renault India had showcased couple of updated models this year at the Auto Expo. One of the relevant vehicle for our market was the updated Duster that was equipped with a 1.3 litre turbocharged petrol engine. The manufacturer had confirmed that they will be launching it in the Indian market and according to some reports, Renault will be launching the updated Duster SUV in August 2020. The Duster competes with cars such as Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks in the segment and with this new updated engine Duster will become one of the most powerful cars in the segment.
According to Team-Bhp, Renault has plans to launch the 1.3 litre turbocharged petrol version of the Duster in the market next month. The 1.3 litre turbo petrol version is the same engine that we saw in the recently launched Kicks. The engine used in Renault Duster is a 1.3 litre-4 cylinder, turbocharged unit that generates 156 Ps and 250 Nm of peak torque. The engine will be available with a 6-speed manual as well as a CVT gearbox options. This engine is already available on the Nissan Kicks, and most people who have driven the Kicks powered by this engine have come away quite impressed.
Also read: Renault discounts in May 2020
The diesel version of the Duster was discontinued as it was compliant to the latest BS6 emission norms. Apart from the turbo petrol engine, Duster will continue to get the 1.5 litre naturally aspirated unit that was already available. This engine generates 106 Ps and 142 Nm of peak torque. Engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. With the introduction of 1.3 litre turbocharged petrol unit in Duster, it will be the most powerful car in the segment with Nissan Kicks.
Just like what we saw with the Nissan Kicks, Renault is expected to offer the naturally aspirated 1.5 litre unit in the lower trims and the higher trims will get the new 1.3 litre option with CVT and manual gearbox. Apart from the new engine, nothing else is expected to change in the Duster. Even after the facelift, Duster has started feeling outdated specially when compared to the competition. It definitely requires a major update in terms of design and equipment to grab attention from younger audiences. The new updated Renault Duster when launched in the market will definitely be expensive but, is expected to be priced lower than Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Also read: Nissan Magnite teased again: Check out the new teasers