Renault Duster petrol range updated

Renault launches the updated Duster petrol range with a new 1.5-litre engine along with a CVT automatic gearbox.

Renault has updated the Duster petrol range in India with a new downsized engine and a CVT automatic gearbox. In addition to the mechanical upgrades, Renault has introduced a couple of new features as well as some subtle cosmetic updates to the vehicle. The refreshed Renault Duster petrol range carries a price tag ranging between Rs 8.49 lakh and Rs 10.32 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The main highlight of the updated Duster petrol is its new 1.5-litre petrol engine that replaces the old model’s 1.6-litre unit. Although it’s a smaller engine, the power output in the new model is up - it develops 104.5bhp against 102bhp. Peak torque, however, is down by 6Nm to 142Nm. Other than that, the petrol motor is now mated to a 6-speed manual transmission as opposed to a 5-speed gearbox in the previous model. Most importantly, though, you can now opt for a CVT automatic gearbox with the petrol engine, which wasn’t the case before. Drive goes to front wheels as default and four-wheel drive is not offered with petrol models.

The new Duster petrol is available in three variants – RXE, RXL for the manual version and RXS trim for CVT automatic. The top-end RXZ is only offered with the diesel versions. As for cosmetic updates, there aren’t any significant revisions to speak of, but the CVT variant gets a couple of differentiating bits such as a shiny black grill, new dual-tone front bumper, side decals, tailgate decal, black door sills and 16-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin layout is unchanged, albeit there’s new seat fabric. The CVT variant gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

On the safety front, all the petrol variants come fitted standard with ABS, EBD with brake assist and driver airbag. The CVT variant adds a front passenger airbag, ESP and hill start assist to the list.

The Renault Duster petrol will mainly compete against the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Ford EcoSport. Both its rivals were offered with a petrol automatic from the get go, meaning the Renault Duster had been losing out on that front for quite a while now. The addition of a CVT variant will certainly bring in new customers for the brand.

Here are the prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the updated Renault Duster petrol range:

RXE – Rs 8.49 lakh

RXL – Rs 9.30 lakh

RXS CVT – Rs 10.32 lakh

Also, read: Renault Duster Long Term Report December 2016