2018 Renault Duster Spied

The 2018 Dacia Duster, which will be sold as Renault Duster in India, was recently spotted testing. A thick layer of camouflage makes it difficult to tell how the exterior lines flow from the front to back, but, a new black grille with wide and chunky blocks is visible. The Kwid also has a similar grille pattern finished in black, but the openings aren't as big as seen on this Duster. The doors have a thick 'Z' shaped trim bulging out, but it could be there only to cover up the silhouette.

A double barrel headlamp setup is carried over. Unfortunately, it still features beams of the reflector kind. Neither projector lights nor LEDs are visible on the test car. The roof rails and tail lamp cluster also retain their shape but they could be hiding finer details underneath the wraps. The overall profile of the SUV remains broad, boxy and bulky, which helps project a rugged image.

Renault is expected to reveal the new 2018 Duster at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which goes live on September 14. The Indian market can expect to see the new Duster on showroom floors by mid-2018. A 7-seat configuration is also rumoured to join later, which will sit on a stretched version of the same CMF (Common Module Family) platform.

Engine options are expected to remain unchanged for the next-gen Duster. Currently, a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine do duty under the Duster's bonnet. Both the engines are available with 5-speed manual transmission, while the more powerful, 110PS version of the diesel engine is also available with a 6-speed manual gearbox with the option of all-wheel drive. Automatic transmission options include a CVT for the petrol and a 6-speed AMT for the diesel powertrain.

Being the first mover in the segment, Renault found gold with the Duster. Despite several attempts, no other car from the French manufacturer performed so well in India. It was only after Renault downsized that same design for the pint-sized Kwid hatchback that it became their next big thing.

Also Read: Renault Duster - Detailed Review

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