2017 Renault Duster 1.5 petrol, CVT launched

Renault has updated its petrol-powered Duster for the Indian market. The 2017 Duster petrol now comes with a new 106hp H4K 1.5-litre motor, instead of the 104hp, 1.6-litre unit.  This new engine is available with a five-speed manual gearbox as well as a CVT automatic.  Prices for the 2017 Duster 1.5 petrol start at Rs 8.49 lakh for the RxE manual version while the new RxS CVT automatic trim costs Rs 10.32 lakh. The model was already seen at many dealerships recently. 

Apart from the new engine, Renault has also made equipment changes to the range. The RxL manual and the RxS automatic now come with steering-mounted audio controls, Eco mode, electrically adjustable wing mirrors and a trip computer. The RxL gets a gearshift indicator and the CVT-equipped RxS variant gets a touchscreen infotainment system without sat-nav feature. 

With the introduction of this trim, Renault looks to add more appeal to its slow-selling petrol Duster as buyers seem to prefer the diesel models. The Duster petrol CVT will allow Renault to better rival the Hyundai Creta petrol automatic (123hp, 1.6-litre) and the Honda BR-V (119hp, 1.5-litre).

Renault has also added a mid-spec RxL trim with AMT to its diesel Duster line-up and it is priced Rs 11.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).