2018 Renault Duster Facelift Breaks Cover!

The 2018 Dacia (Renault) Duster has been revealed to the world. And contradicting all the rumours, the facelifted Duster has only undergone a heavy cosmetic surgery and is still the same old 5-seater SUV based on the same 'B0' platform. The cosmetic updates, though, are extensive, altering not only the visual bits but even the structure of the SUV. The new Duster will make its international debut in September at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Expect an India launch next year.

From the outside, the 2018 Duster looks quite beefed up. Though the overall appearance is similar, there are extensive changes to the details. The grille is all new, and flanking it are a new set of headlamps which now get 3-piece LED daytime running lights. The front bumper is also new but continues to house the skid plate and the fog lamps in a similar fashion. The biggest change in the front profile is the hood which now has a strong muscular contour. Even the wheel arches have been beefed up to give the SUV a more aggressive stance.

From the side there are some pretty major changes, even though they might be missed at first glance. The window belt line has been raised and the front windscreen has been brought forward by 100mm, opening up a little more room in the cabin. This means that the A pillars have a sharper rake, thereby adding to the sportiness of the SUV. At the rear the 2018 Duster gets an all-new design with squared-off LED tail lamp units, partly similar to the ones on the Jeep Renegade.

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Since the facelift is still based on the current Duster, the dimensions should remain identical. This means you will still get the 210mm ground clearance in the AWD and 205mm in the FWD. Engine options too will remain similar. This means a 106PS/142Nm 1.5-litre petrol with 5-speed manual/6-speed CVT automatic. The diesel is also a 1.5-litre unit but is present in two states of tunes - 85PS/200Nm and 110PS/245Nm. While the former has to make do with a 5-speed manual, the latter gets a 6-speed unit. Not just that, the more powerful Duster also gets an optional AMT or AWD. Interiors are not yet revealed but Renault claims that the 2018 model will come with "completely redesigned, quality-feel interior and new equipment."

Every facelift of the Duster has been better looking than the previous one and this update certainly seems to up the ante even more. With the Renault Captur launching in a few months’ time it will be interesting to see how the two will be positioned with respect to one another.

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