Dacia/Renault Duster 7-seat variant ruled out by Dacia global sales director

17/07/2017 - 12:53 Renault Duster, Renault Sagar Parikh

Last year it was reported that the next-gen Renault Duster (Dacia Duster) due this year will have a 7-seat variant. Now, a report from Auto Express has shot down this speculation with official confirmation.

2018 Renault Duster 7-seater rendering — Stretching the Duster for a 7-seat seating layout would mean compromising its 4x4 capabilities and losing the compactness. IAB rendered the 7-seat Renault Duster last year.

The development was confirmed to the British publication directly by Francois Mariotte, Global Sales Director, Dacia. This is what he said about the rumoured "Grand Duster":

When you want to transform a car that is a five seater from a seven seater there is no way – you will lose the compactness and the 4x4 capabilities of the car. I know there is a lot of noise going around about a seven-seater on Duster. But it’s not on the plan. You can forget it.

On a positive note, Mr. Mariotte confirms 2018 Dacia Duster' debut at the IAA 2017. The biennial German auto show will open its doors on 12 September. Its web reveal may ensue in August.

Its showroom launch in home market Romania could take place as early as January 2018. UK sales of the next-gen Duster will commence in Spring 2018 (March-May 2018). The redesigned Duster next will reach Brazil also next year, but the Indian launch is reportedly only in H1 2019.

The 2018 Dacia Duster will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Francois Mariotte from Dacia has confirmed. Pictured is the current Duster.

Also See: Front of the 2018 Dacia Duster (2018 Renault Duster) rendered

The next-gen Renault Duster won't shift to the CMF platform. It will ride on the current model's robust and proven B0/Logan platform that will help it retain its bargain price. Under the hood, the European buyers would get 1.2-litre TCe turocharged petrol and 1.6-litre dCi turbocharged diesel engine options. The future Duster's 1.6L dCi engine is a version of the Kadjar's 1.6L that replaces the 1.5 dCi. Only the higher-spec configurations would get a four-wheel drive system. Upgrades and features will differ as per the market requirements.

[Source: Auto Express]