New Renault Duster Facelift Vs Old Duster — Here Are All The Differences!

Renault India launched the Duster SUV in India a few years back. Since then, the SUV has performed extremely well for the French brand in India, bringing in consistent month-on-month sales. Renault has even over the years, brought in mild updates to the SUV to help keep the model in line with the market trends.

However, over the last one year, the sales of the Duster SUV has been on the decline. The Renault Duster began to feel a bit outdated in terms of its design, features and interiors.

Now, Renault has addressed the issue with the launch of the new 2019 Duster facelift model. The new Renault Duster facelift comes with a host of new updates, making it an attractive package in the SUV segment.

Here is a brief comparison between the new Renault Duster facelift and the older model

Design

The new Renault Duster facelift carries forward the same silhouette as the previous model. However, it does come with a host of subtle changes and revised design elements, providing a more upmarket and fresh appeal.

The front of the new Duster comes with a revised grille, with chrome inserts and surrounds. The headlamps now come with projector lamps and LED DRLs while the entire cluster has been updated as well for a more modern look. Renault has also revised the bulges and creases on the bonnet, providing a more bulky yet sporty appeal.

The sides of the Renault Duster, remain pretty much unchanged. It still continues to feature 16-inch wheels, although the alloy wheel design has been revised, looking more stylish and impressive than before. The rear profile also continues to receive minimal changes, with just the updated taillights and a black cladding being the only additional design elements.

Interiors

While most of the exteriors have received just subtle updates, most of the updates have been done to the interiors. The new Renault Duster facelift comes with revamped interiors, this includes a new dashboard, a more premium layout.

The centre console now receives a gloss black finish around the newly designed rectangular AC vents. The large 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment cluster also comes with in-built features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Navigation. Renault has also updated the steering wheel of the Duster with the one seen on the recently unveiled Triber MPV.

Engine Specifications

The new Renault Duster carries forward the same mechanicals as the previous model. This includes a 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engine produces 106bhp and 142Nm of torque while the diesel motor churns out 85bhp and 245Nm of torque.

The petrol engine comes mated to either a five-speed manual or CVT gearbox. The diesel engine, on the other hand, is mated to a six-speed manual with the optional AMT transmission also on offer.

Features

The new Renault Duster comes with all the features available on the previous model, along with a host of new and additional equipment. Renault has also updated the Duster SUV with the standard safety features, which were mandated from 1st of April 2019. This includes safety features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, front seat-belt reminders, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts and high-speed alert system. The higher variants will also come with ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and Hill-Start assist system as standard as well.

Pricing

The new Renault Duster facelift will now be offered in four variants: RXE, RXS, RXZ and the RXS(O). Prices remain pretty much unchanged from the previous model, which starts at Rs 7.99 lakh for the base variant and goes up all the way to Rs 12.50 lakh for the top-spec trim. All prices are ex-showroom (Delhi).

Verdict

The new Renault Duster facelift comes with a host of updates and additional features and equipment. It also receives all the mandatory safety updates, which were missing on the previous model. The 2019 Renault Duster facelift will continue to rival the likes of the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV500, Jeep Compass and the recently introduced MG Hector.