We reported earlier that Renault would launch the next-generation Duster in 2016 in the European market, while the India launch is likely to happen in 2017. The next-generation model will get the turbo petrol and turbo diesel engines. Interestingly, the company has decided to offer the current version of the Duster SUV with a new turbocharged petrol engine in some international markets.
At the Geneva Motor Show, the French automaker showcased the 2016 Duster with a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol motor. This unit will replace the range topping 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor. The small turbocharged engine is capable of producing a top power output of 123bhp and a peak torque of 250Nm at as low as 2000 RPMs. Power is transmitted to all the four wheels of the SUV via a six-speed manual gearbox. The SUV will be benefited with brake energy registration and an idle stop system.
Talking about diesel version, the SUV will retain the same tried & tested 1.5-litre K9K turbo diesel engine. This engine offers two states of tunes - 85PS and 110PS. In India, the majority of the sales of SUV come from the diesel power variant.
We believe that Renault India might not bring the new petrol engine with the current model, and instead offer it with the new-gen model. The vehicles that Renault is planning to launch in India this year are the Lodgy MPV and a small 800cc hatchback.
