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A more off-road focused Duster has been discussed by Dacia/Renault, but do not expect to see any changes to the powertrain.
Renault has confirmed a more hardcore version of its Duster 4x4 small SUV is being developed, however emissions regulations mean a boost in performance is likely off the table.
Speaking to Australian journalists, Duster Product boss Julien Ferry confirmed discussions of a more serious off-roading version of the Renault and Dacia-badged model.
“Clearly there was discussion, there are discussions, so stay tuned,” Ferry said when Drive asked about a hardcore Duster.
However, Ferry also watered down any expectations of a power and torque boost, as well as tweaks to the 4x4 system, which is currently coupled with independent rear suspension and a number of off-road driving modes.
“If we’re going to a very aggressive version, it will go pure styling, I would say,” Ferry said.
“Nothing more on the 4x4 because we’re happy where we stand.”
A likely reason for leaving the engine alone is that a change to outputs could change the emissions output of the Duster, which, as a model offered across Europe, would be detrimental to the brand’s fleet emissions targets.
The local Duster is badged as a Renault instead of a Dacia, and features two powertrain options – a 113kW/270Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine in the front-drive 4x2 models, and a 96kW/230Nm 1.2-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid boost in 4x4 grades.
The 1.3-litre engine is paired solely to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the 1.2-litre is only available as a six-speed manual.
In overseas markets, the Duster is also offered with a 1.0-, 1.6-, and 1.5-litre engines – the latter a diesel – with lower outputs than the 1.3-litre offered in Australia.
However, Renault/Dacia still have cosmetic options available to increased the Duster’s off-road credibility, including unique bumpers to improve approach and departure angles, and exposed recovery hooks.
All-terrain tyres could also be added, as well as an increase to ride height, to make difficult terrain more easily traversable.
As a monocoque model with rugged ambitions, the Renault Duster competes against few in the booming small SUV segment but rivals include the Subaru Crosstrek and Jeep Compass.
Renault Australia is also hoping to steal a few sales away from the Suzuki Jimny, which features ladder-frame underpinnings.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
