Update: Duster CVT now on sale with new 1.5 petrol engine
Renault is set to expand its Duster line-up with the introduction of a new petrol automatic variant. However, unlike the diesel model which is offered with a six-speed AMT gearbox, the petrol model will use a CVT gearbox.
While the Duster petrol with manual gearbox comes with a 1.6-litre motor good for 104hp, the CVT-equipped model gets a 1.5-litre engine that delivers 101hp and 134Nm torque. It is essentially the same engine-gearbox combo that is seen under the hood of the Renault Scala - Nissan Sunny twins. With the introduction of this variant, Renault looks to add more appeal to its slow-selling petrol Duster as buyers seem to prefer the diesel models.
While the Duster petrol manual is currently offered in the mid-level RxE and RxL trims, the Duster Petrol CVT will be sold only on the RxS trim.
The Duster petrol CVT will allow Renault to better rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta petrol automatic (1.6-litre, 123hp) and the Honda BR-V (1.5-litre, 119hp).