Renault will most likely skip the second generation Duster in India and directly launch the third generation in 2023.
The Renault Duster compact SUV has proven to be a best seller for the French auto manufacturer in India. However, the company could not introduce the second generation Duster in India, following which, they are now planning to develop the third generation Duster in India.
It was expected that the second generation Duster will be launched in India this year but now it seems like the company will directly launch the third generation of the SUV in India, while the current generation will get a major facelift and will continue to be sold for now.
The Duster is a Dacia product, which is Renault’s Romanian subsidiary. With the European markets moving towards electrification and regulatory changes, the third generation Renault Duster seems more relevant to Indian and Latin American markets. Given the brand’s investments for research and development in India, it is likely that Renault will design and develop the new Duster in India.
The European model of the Duster sits on a modified version of the vehicle’s BO platform. The SUV, which was launched in Europe also adheres to the regulations which are implemented there. This will require significant financial investments to produce the Duster here. The Duster in India has also lent its platform to the Renault Captur and Nissan Kicks which could also be a source of Renault’s finances and developing an all-new model was not cost effective. Development of the third generation Duster is expected to begin in the second half of the year, and a global debut most likely in 2023.
The current generation Renault Duster will get another facelift for India. This will include both styling and equipment changes. It is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine making 105 BHP and a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine making 84 BHP and 108 BHP depending on the variant. A variety of transmission options like CVT, AMT, 5-speed MT and 6-speed MT are offered. The Renault Duster rivals the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and Maruti S-Cross.
Third Generation Renault Duster
– Renault likely to develop the third generation Duster in India
– The current generation of the Duster is expected to get a facelift in India
– The third generation Renault Duster is expected to launch in India by 2023
Source – Auto.NDTV.com
