Renault Duster facelift will get AMT

The facelift of the popular Renault Duster has been spotted with camouflage several times. The SUV is slated for a debut in early 2016 and will also come with an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

While there have been rumours about an automatic version being offered in the Duster facelift, there were also speculations about a dual clutch automatic being a part of this facelift. However, fresh pics by Autocar reveal and confirm that an AMT will make way into the upgraded Duster.

The Duster AMT will be called Easy-R, which is Renault’s term for the AMT and the Duster would be the first product in India to carry this transmission. While we would have preferred if Renault offered a dual clutch automatic gearbox, the AMT will be more affordable and still offer the convenience of an automatic. The AMT will come mated to the 1.

5 litre 108bhp diesel engine’s six-speed gearbox only.

In fact, the three best selling compact SUVs in India will have three different automatics.

The Ford EcoSport has a Dual Clutch system, however it is offered only in petrol.

The Hyundai Creta has a CVT and is offered in diesel. The Duster will be the third SUV to join this brigade with an AMT.

The Duster facelift will have exterior changes that will include a new headlamp with LED lights, new front grille with a single slat design and new bumpers with scuff plates. The muscular look of the SUV will be as it is and it will also get new roof rails. The interiors also shall be updated with a new seat fabric and a new seven-inch touchscreen system with a brand new instrument cluster and several new additional features too. The interiors will have better fit and finish to take on recent competition. The rear-end will get redesigned taillight clusters and there will also be completely new alloy wheels. The AWD version will also continue to be offered.