Renault Duster facelift with AMT confirmed - Spied

Expected to launch this financial year.

AutocarIndia has spyshots of the Renault Duster facelift with an AMT gearlever, confirming this technology for the crossover when it goes on sale this financial year.

In a bid to rival compact SUVs and SUVs fitted with an automatic transmission, like the Hyundai Creta and the Mahindra Scorpio, Renault India will introduce the Easy-R AMT technology on the Duster. The Easy-R AMT system debuted on Dacia models at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month.

According to the report, the standard EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission was working out to cost INR 2 lakhs more than an AMT system. However, given the simpleness of the AMT technology, Renault could continue using the 6-speed transmission seen on the current Duster, with the addition of the AMT module. The cost difference between a Duster manual and a Duster AMT is not expected to be more than INR 1 lakh, the report states.

The Duster AMT will be offered on the 110 PS variant of the crossover, though it remains to be seen if the AWD model also benefits from the technology. The fuel efficiency isn't expected to take too much of a dip as well.

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The Duster facelift for India, as seen in spyshots, subscribes to the look of the international model with redesigned headlights, a new grille, new alloy wheels and minor changes to the bumper. Interior changes aren't expected to be drastic as a recent model year update introduced a new steering wheel, and instrument cluster among others.

[Source - AutocarIndia]