2016 Renault Duster facelift with possible automatic gearbox caught testing in India again

Renault India is perfecting its 2016 Renault Duster and many times, the vehicle has been caught testing with heavy camouflage in 2015.

The latest set of spy pictures taken by autoX indicates the updated Duster, which is expected to hit showrooms before the end of 2015, will come with an automatic gearbox.

Interestingly, the gear lever in the spy picture is hid with newspaper, fuelling speculations of an auto box. The autoX report indicates that this automatic box will be fitted with the 1.5-litre diesel engine that develops 110bhp of tune. The six-speed dual clutch termed as the EDC or Efficient Dual Clutch system.

Renault's sub-brand Dacia unveiled the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) version of the Duster, which the manufacturer calls Easy-R, in early September. It is fitted with computer-controlled electromechanical actuators that perform a surrogate role for the driver, declutching, changing gear and then re-engaging the clutch.

The clarification on which of these automatic gearbox will come with the facelift is yet to come. 

Renault Duster's main rivals such as Hyundai Creta and Mahindra Scorpio are available with automatic gear box. This will also prompt Renault India to bring Duster automatic.

The spy pictures further indicate the front end of the car will have a different grille. The current multi-slat grill is more likely to make way for a single slat grille, which is in line with the Duster sold in international markets. There will be a rearranged headlamp cluster and redesigned tail lamps. Additionally, the facelift will feature newly designed alloy wheels.

In the interior, a redesigned dashboard with up-market upholstery can be expected. The model will continue to have seven-inch MediaNAV infotainment display and cruise control.