Renault Duster First Photos Leaked

For various reasons, ranging from cultural diversity to historic rivalries, the global car makers are forced to sell their models in various regions of the globe under different names. This reality has forced, for instance, French manufacturer Renault to sell the models of its Romanian division Dacia under the French name in Russia for instance, a place where the Dacia name and a Romanian production tag would have never caught on.

The Duster SUV, one of the most successful models Dacia has ever produced, will get the Renault badge for Russia and several other markets, as well as a few minor visual touches meant to adapt the model for the local requirements.

The first images of the Renault Duster, leaked by Dusterclubs.ru, show a little different front grille than on the Dacia version, obviously designed to support the Renault logo. At the back, the plastic detailing has been replaced with a chromed one, while the headlights present a refreshed look.

At the interior, the model will get a renewed, or should we say different interpretation as well, with re-arranged dash, a better audio system with a large display. One of Dacia's trademark features, the electric windows controls, usually mounted on the center console, have been moved to the sides of the doors.

For the Russian market, the model will be offered with a new Renault engine, a 2.0l unit capable of developing 140 horsepower and 195 Nm of torque. As a confirmation of an earlier rumor, the Renault Duster will also be equipped with an automatic transmission.