Renault Duster Facelift Will Get AMT

The French carmaker is now looking to take it a notch higher with the highly-anticipated facelift of its compact SUV. Interestingly, the list of changes on the upcoming Duster facelift may not merely be cosmetic. Word has it that the car will also get an automated manual transmission (AMT).

By Kritika Sethi

1 mins read

Published on October 3, 2015

Highlights

The Renault Duster was the product that set the ball rolling for the compact SUV/crossover segment in India since its launch in 2012. This Renault car faces competition from several cars, including the Ford EcoSport and relatively newer products like the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, but continues to steadily stand its ground. The French carmaker is now looking to take it a notch higher with the highly-anticipated facelift of its compact SUV. Interestingly, the list of changes on the upcoming Duster facelift may not merely be cosmetic. Word has it that the car will also get an automated manual transmission (AMT). Previous reports had claimed Renault was going to offer the 6-speed dual clutch transmission, Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC), with the facelift. However, compared to the costs involved with an AMT, the EDC would have certainly been more expensive. Delving into the details about the AMT, it will be the same Easy-R AMT technology that made its debut on Dacia models at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Easy-R gearbox is likely to be offered with the 1.5-litre dCi 110PS variant of the compact SUV. Also Read - Renault Duster AMT vs Hyundai Creta AT vs Mahindra Scorpio AT: Spec Comparison Other than the AMT, the Renault Duster facelift will also sport some changes to both, exteriors and cabin. Seemingly inspired by the Brazilian-spec model, the compact SUV will sport a new single slate grille instead of the current multi-slat chrome design, new head-lamp cluster, and new alloy wheels along with a slightly updated bumper. The rear-end of the car will also get redesigned tail-lamps. The new Renault Duster's cabin is also expected to feature some changes, while the equipment list may remain changed. The carmaker offers an optional MediaNAV System with multimedia, navigation and Bluetooth, among other provisions on the current model. As far as engine options go, the Renault Duster facelift will house the same engines as the one that do duty on the current model, namely the 1.5-litre dCi diesel and 1.6-litre petrol. One must note, the Renault Duster AMT will allow the carmaker to adroitly tackle competition from relatively new rivals with automatic transmission i.e. the Hyundai Creta and the Mahindra Scorpio. The Renault Duster AMT is expected to be launched in India in this fiscal year. Renault Duster AMT Specs: Engine - 1.5-litre diesel Displacement: 1461cc Power: 108bhp Torque: 245Nm Transmission: Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)