A new report on Motoring World suggests that the upcoming Renault Duster facelift, scheduled for a launch in the next 3-4 months, will get a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
Under pressure from the recently launched Hyundai Creta, which has already amassed tremendous interest, and the promising Maruti Suzuki S-Cross (due for a 5 August launch), the Duster refresh has to be comprehensive for it to stay in the game.
According to the report, the face-lift will visually resemble the Duster Adventure edition pictured above. On the offing will be beefier front and side cladding, front and rear skid plates, along with a dark grey finish for the alloy wheels.
However, the biggest news will be the inclusion of the new six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission called the Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC). Already offered in the Dacia Duster on sale in Russia, the EDC also gets a low ratio mode.
The reports suggest that the new transmission will be mated to the 110 PS variant with the 1.5-litre diesel engine. However, paddle shifters won’t be included. At launch, only the 2WD version will be offered with the EDC.
Apart from the new transmission, the face-lifted Duster range is expected to continue mechanically unchanged, and is likely to hit showrooms by Oct-Nov this year.