Renault Duster gets updated in the UK

The Renault Duster is not just popular in India but overseas too, thanks to its practical nature, powerful yet fuel efficient diesel engines and rugged looks. The SUV, which is sold as the Dacia Duster in the UK, has just been upgraded in terms of styling and trim levels.  

Design wise, the Duster gets a more stylish chrome front grille featuring two layers of four small intakes surrounding the Dacia logo. All versions now have a ‘Duster’ branded roof bar. At the rear, a black tailgate trim with ‘Duster’ branding sits above the number plate. The top-spec versions have smart new 16-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles and dark metal door mirror casings.

Inside, the upholstery is new for every variant. The entry-level Access models get 16-inch steel wheels, remote locking, engine immobiliser, electric front windows, anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control, a tyre pressure monitor and four airbags. The 4x4 version has a centre differential lock with 2WD, auto and lock modes. The higher-spec  Ambiance version gets satin chrome door handles, a chrome gear lever insert and instrument surrounds, a CD player with Bluetooth, front fog lights, height-adjustable driver’s seat and a 60:40 split rear seat.

Topping the range is the Laureate variant with 16-inch alloy wheels, electric mirrors and rear windows, cruise control with a speed limiter, trip computer, body coloured door handles, satin chrome Duster-branded roof bars, scuff plates and side sills. Also standard are piano black interior door handles, door and steering wheel inserts and centre console surround.

Like before, the updated Duster gets two-and four -wheel -drive models based on three trim levels and two engines. The engine range consists of a 105bhp, 1.6-litre petrol and the familiar 1.5-litre dCi 110 turbo diesel power units.  

Since its launch in mid-2012, the Duster has been the most affordable SUV in the UK with prices starting at £9,495 (Rs 9.46 lakh). The vehicle was initially built solely at Renault’s Chennai facility in India, but now with the upgraded model, the production has moved to Dacia’s home plant of Pitesti in Romania. Renault India, on the other hand, will continue selling the pre-facelift model for now. That being said, the company is about to launch an all-wheel drive version which will add to the Duster’s appeal here in the Indian market.