2016 Renault Duster Launched with New Look, Better Economy in Brazil

Renault Brazil has just revealed its 2016 Duster model, which appears to have a new set of cosmetic touches. From the front, we notice a new silver bumper insert at the bottom, a different grille to the 2014 Duster facelift and tinted headlights with LED accents.

At the back, the 2016 Duster has similar changes, so we quickly move our attention to the interior. There, the door panels are said to have been revised with much better materials. The instrument cluster has new lighting, and the Media NAV Evolution brings upscale touches by integrating GPS navigation and real-time traffic information for major Brazilian cities.

The 2016 updates were brought about as an answer to the launch of the Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade in Brazil. Renault engineers have worked with both engines available on the Duster to increase power output slightly while reducing fuel consumption.

The base unit is a 115 hp 1.6-liter petrol available only with a 5-speed manual on the Dynamique and Expression trim levels. Renault follows this up with a 2-liter 16-valve unit which is mated to either a 6-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic. The unit delivers 148 hp and 18.1 kilogram-force meter (177.5 Nm) of torque on ethanol, or 142 hp and 17.1 kgfm (168 Nm) on gasoline.

Editor's note: our sources within the French automaker say a new Duster will come out by 2017 and will be visibly larger, but the Brazilians will keep this one for the foreseeable future.