Renault Duster to evolve in a bid to counteract Ford EcoSport

Renault Duster is the first affordable compact crossover SUV and that has clearly given the car a great start in every market including Brazil and India.

The fact that the car arrived much earlier than the global Ford EcoSport has helped it to have a strong case for itself. The Duster still manages to outsell the new Ford EcoSport in Brazil but just barely.

The Renault Duster is facing stiff competition from the newly arrived EcoSport but manages to trump it with a slightly lesser price in the Brazilian market and Renault clearly knows that it needs to step up its game by sprucing up its SUV in order to stay ahead.

The next generation Duster is still a long time away considering the fact that the new Logan has been launched only recently. So, the mid life facelift will be Renault's plan to make the Duster feel new and fresh.

The Duster facelift's visual changes will most probably be based on the DCross Concept showcased at the Sao Paulo Motor Show in October. As all facelifts go, the changes are more of an evolution rather than being dramatic.

The DCross is a design study which featured new headlamps, front grill, bumper. The rear too has few subtle redesigning and reprofiling. Apart from the exterior changes, the Renault Duster facelift will have improved interior quality and more equipment. Extra equipment is a must since that is the department where the EcoSport has clear advantage.

The facelifted Renault Duster is expected to surface at the end of 2013 as a 2014 model and will likely make its debut in Brazil before eventually making it into our shores. Right now Renault India is preparing themselves to welcome the EcoSport by introducing the 4WD Duster early next year.

[Source: Carros.ig.com.br]