At the end of 2014, the Renault company declassified the updated Duster crossover, which received minor adjustments in the exterior and interior. In January 2015, the car went on sale in the Ukrainian market (but in a “gentle” European specification - similar to “Dacia”), and in April a version for South American countries appeared ... Well, the “restyled Duster” reached Russia only in the summer of 2015 (preliminary , according to tradition, having undergone "comprehensive adaptation to harsh conditions").
The appearance of this budget crossover has not undergone global changes, however, all the innovations clearly benefited him, making his appearance more expressive.
The main differences from the "pre-reform version", as they say, are obvious - a radiator grille with a horizontal double bar, segmented headlamps with running light sections and a redrawn bumper.
The improvements were also made to the rear part, where you can highlight new optics with interesting graphics and LEDs, the 4WD inscription on all-wheel drive cars located near the right lamp, and a beautiful overlay above the niche for the license plate. Such touches allowed Duster to look more modern without damage for recognizability.
The outer dimensions of the body of the "Duster" 2015-2016 model year are similar to those on the pre-styling version: 4315 mm in length, of which 2673 mm is reserved for the wheel base, 1625 m in height and 1822 mm in width. The ground clearance remained the same - 205 mm.
If the architecture of the front panel on the French crossover has not changed, then the design has been slightly updated. Firstly, the instrument cluster from the "second" Renault Logan has migrated here - these are three chrome "shallow wells" with a small display of the on-board computer. Secondly, a multifunctional steering wheel appeared in the "top" trim levels. Thirdly, the center console has acquired a slightly different design, placing on itself a 7-inch screen of the multimedia center (in basic versions - as an option) and three "washers" of the air conditioner.
The interior of the restyled "Duster", as before, is trimmed with budget materials, only on the door panels they have become of better quality. The cabin is equipped with armchairs with an improved profile, with a wide range of settings, and the rear sofa is comfortable for adults. The configuration and the capacity of the luggage compartment, of course, remained unchanged.
About the technical characteristics. In terms of technical equipment, Renault specialists did not make radical changes, but carried out many "minor upgrades".
Yes - this crossover is equipped with "old" engines (1.6 and 2.0-liter petrol "fours", as well as a 1.5-liter turbodiesel), but now the car complies with Euro-5 standards and, despite the increase in environmental standards, all power units have added in power. From now on (for the 2015-2016 model), the power of gasoline engines is 114 and 143 hp, respectively, and the output of the "diesel" has been raised to 109 hp. (240 Nm of torque).
Gearboxes are the same - 5 or 6-speed "mechanics", 4-speed "automatic", combined with front or all-wheel drive.
In terms of other technical parameters, the modernized Duster has full parity with the pre-reform version.
Among the new options, which appeared as a result of the modernization, it should be noted: the Renault Start remote engine start system, heated windshield, cruise control and a rear-view camera. In addition, the sound insulation of the engine compartment and the tightness of the doors were improved, as well as the rigidity of the body was increased.
As "adaptation for operation in Russian conditions", the car "by default" is equipped with: metal protection of the engine and fuel line, anti-gravel coating on the bottom, front and rear mud flaps ... the power unit and its servicing systems are adapted for confident start in cold climates and for fuel use not of the highest quality.
Prices and equipment. The modernized Duster, as already noted, appeared in the official Renault dealerships by mid-summer 2015. The price, in spite of all the improvements that have taken place, remained at the same level - from 584 thousand rubles for the basic configuration (1.6 4x2 with 5-speed "mechanics"). The cost of a similar all-wheel drive "Duster" (1.6 4 × 4 with 6-speed "mechanics") - from 669 thousand rubles. The “two-liter version” is offered at a price of 768 thousand rubles (with the “automatic” it is 38,000 more expensive). A "diesel Duster" in the summer of 2015 can be purchased for at least 793 thousand rubles.
