Renault Duster 4X4 with automatic transmission to be launched in Russia in 2014

Renault will launch a new variant of the Duster for the Russian market next year. This will be a four-wheel-drive car with an automatic transmission delivering a power output of 135bhp acquired from a 2.0-litre petrol engine. Currently the automatic transmission is available only with the front-wheel-drive Dusters in Russia.

Renault will offer this powertrain only with the petrol versions and not with the diesel Dusters. The diesel 4X4 variants will continue to have a manual transmission. Apart from changes like the introduction of the four-wheel-drive with automatic transmission, Renault claims that this new variant of the SUV will also have reworked suspension and brakes.

The Renault Duster was brought to Russia in 2012 and ever since then it has been enjoying a good demand there. The sales of the SUV in Russia have increased by 16 per cent for October 2013 in comparison to the corresponding month last year. India has recently seen images of the facelifted Duster. However, it is not confirmed whether the new variant will be launched here with the revised looks next year.

You can look for the specifications and pictures of the Renault Duster available in India here.

Check out our video review of the Renault Duster.