It’s been 7 successful years since the original Duster was launched and now it is time for a change. Presenting the Renault Duster 2018 which features all‐new exterior styling and a totally redesigned interior. The SUV also comes with new driving aids, enhanced safety and new equipment making it both versatile and comfortable for everyday driving.
Renault Group had showcased the 2018 Dacia Duster at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Compared to it the Renault version gets a redesigned front grille which is inline with the company’s latest design language. The interior of the Renault Duster also looks a bit different, it uses octagonally shaped air vents while the Dacia model gets round ones. Apart from these changes both the vehicles are similar.
“Reinventing an icon like the Duster was an enormous, yet inspiring challenge for the design team, the aim being to carry over the strengths that helped the original become such a hit, while taking a fresh look at the rest. The All-New Duster and its entirely redesigned exterior and interior are the signs that they achieved just that. Thanks to its higher belt line and the impression that the front and rear have been widened, the All-New Duster comes across as more forceful and its SUV calling is even more apparent,” said Laurens van den Acker – SVP, Corporate Design, Groupe Renault.
One of the main reasons that people buy the current Duster is because of its muscular looks. The new Renault Duster takes it to another level with more pronounced lines and a better fit and finish. It features a wide chrome-finish grille which looks inspired by the Renault Alaskan. The hood is now more horizontal and is sculpted for a rugged appearance.
To enforce the Renault Duster’s adventurer credentials, black wheel arch trims and a large scratch-resistant front skid is provided. The SUV also features a C-shaped lighting signature, available across the Renault range, including LED daytime running lights and new 17-inch alloy wheels.
In the side view of the 2018 Renault Duster, the higher beltline adds to the impression of robustness and protection. The windscreen has been brought forward by around 100 mm and is now more steeply raked, providing a spacious look inside the cabin.
Moving towards the rear, we can see the new rear light clusters located at the extreme corners which give the Duster a wide look. The broad haunches provide the vehicle with a modified stance. It also features a rear skid plate similar to the one at the front. Renault is also introducing a new Dune Beige Colour for the Duster.
“The All-New Duster’s cabin has been completely redesigned and is now even more comfortable and practical in everyday use thanks to handier, more status-enhancing controls, new equipment and new storage spaces. The quality of the materials selected and the improved fit and finish reveal how much of a big step the All-New Duster represents,” said David Durand – Global Access Design Director.
The All-New Renault Duster 2018 will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines. The first option will be the SCe 115 (4×2 and 4×4 versions). This engine will be coupled to either a manual gearbox or CVT automatic transmission (4×2 versions only). The other choice will be the 2L 16V 145 with automatic transmission (4×4 versions).
The Duster diesel models will be powered by the dCi 85/90 (4×2 versions) and the dCi 110 (4×2 and 4×4 versions). These motors will be mated to a manual gearbox. 2WD versions powered by the dCi 110 can be specified with EDC automatic dual-clutch transmission also.
The interior of the Renault Duster 2018 is totally revamped to enhance comfort and make it even more practical for everyday use. The cabin now feels spacious and the company says that the acoustics have been significantly improved and cabin insulation significantly reduces noise from outside the car.
The dashboard has been redesigned and careful attention has been paid to the fit and finish and the texture of the material. A matte colour is used for it to create an improved and a welcoming interior. The MediaNav Evolution display sits higher in the centre console for easy access. The new piano key type controls give the cabin a contemporary feel.
The air vents feature an octagonal look and feature chrome surrounds adding a touch of premiumness to the SUV. The steering wheel can be adjusted for height as well as reach. On high-end variants, the steering wheel gets Soft Feel finish that is both durable and pleasant to the touch. The handbrake has been moved to free up space and the new gear lever sports satin-finished chrome inserts.
The seat design has been changed and uses a new frame and denser foam for improved lateral support and durability. It also features new adjustable headrests. The driver’s seat comes with an armrest, lumbar adjustment and a new height adjustment system. The cabin will come in two new leather upholstery trims, Alpaga Beige or Titanium and Beige.
The new Renault Duster is now more practical. It has an overall storage capacity of 24.3 liters and many of the easy-to-access stowage spaces have been redesigned to make the traveling experience simpler, including the new 2.8-litre stowage tray situated under the passenger seat. The boot capacity under the luggage cover is 478 liters for the 2WD variant and 467 liters for the 4WD version. Folding the rear seats increase this capacity to 1623 liters.
The all-new Renault Duster is offered with automatic climate control, keyless entry, start/stop button, Blind Spot Warning, automatic headlight activation remote engine start and electric power steering. The MediaNav Evolution includes Driving Eco2, a system to encourage drivers to drive more economically.
The SUV also features a multi-view camera allows the driver to view the area around the vehicle and maneuver in complete peace of mind when using the vehicle off-road. It also gets Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist. The 4X4 monitor incorporates a compass and notifies the driver of the vehicle’s angle in real time.