Renault, the instigator of compact SUV segment in India with its Duster in 2012, has unveiled the facelifted version of the car to take on the other competitors.

Renault Duster Facelift 1
The refreshed front fascia of the Renault Duster looks nice

The Renault Duster set a new benchmark when it was launched and all of a sudden compact SUV’s became the taste of the season. As the competition is becoming more and more intense, Renault has given a complete makeover to its trendsetting compact SUV. The upgrade is inspired by the Brazilian version of the car and sports new front face including redesigned headlights and fog lamps along with a new single slat front grille. Other updates to the aesthetics include electrically adjustable ORVM with carbon fibre finish, LED tail lights and gunmetal-finish alloy wheels.

The interiors of the new Duster have been revamped completely to give it more modern appearance. The car features completely redesigned dashboard and centre console. The fabric on the seats is also new and it appears more pleasant than before. The list of features on the car is also updated and the changes include an all-new MediaNAV system with multimedia, navigation and bluetooth provisions, auto up-down windows, rear view camera, cruise control with speed limiter and ECO mode for increased fuel economy.

However, the biggest change on the Duster will be the introduction of the Automated Manual Transmission popularly known as Easy-R AMT which is a 6-speed unit. The automatic version will only be available on the diesel variant of the car. This update to the Renault Duster will definitely make it one of the top contender in the compact SUV segment which has players like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti S-cross, Nissan Terrano and Ford Ecosport.

2016 Renault Duster

– Comes with 32 new changes
– Most important addition is the AMT gearbox
– Competes with the Hyundai Creta, Ford EcoSport and Nissan Terrano

Renault Duster Facelift 2
The SUV needed changes to remain relevant in front of the competition
Renault Duster Facelift 3
The feature additions make it a compelling buy yet again
Renault Duster Facelift 4
The dashboard design is new but it still looks a bit dated
Renault Duster Facelift 5
The new seat fabric uplifts the interior ambiance a bit
Renault Duster Facelift 6
Five spoke alloy wheels look cool on the Duster
Renault Duster Facelift 7
LED tail lights and new bumper round up the changes at the rear