Renault Duster To Get More Affordable Automatic Variants Soon

Renault is preparing to make the new-generation Renault Duster more accessible to buyers seeking the convenience of an automatic transmission. The company has confirmed that additional automatic variants are under development and will be positioned below the current 1.3-litre turbo-petrol DCT models. But whether they are the 1.0L Turbo or the 1.3L Turbo automatics is something that still needs more clarity, but there are some hints to catch up on. Read on to find out more details about this latest development, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.

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Renault Duster New Automatic Variants: Filling A Gap In The Line-Up

Currently, Renault Duster offers two turbo-petrol engines. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol is available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, while the more powerful 1.3-litre turbo-petrol can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This creates a notable jump in pricing for buyers who want an automatic gearbox. The most affordable automatic Duster currently on sale is the Evolution variant equipped with the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine and DCT transmission, priced at Rs 14.49 lakh (ex-showroom). In comparison, the top-spec 1.0-litre manual variant is priced around Rs 13.49 lakh. Renault believes there is room to introduce a more accessible automatic option between these two price points.

The move comes in response to customer feedback, with many buyers reportedly enquiring about a more affordable automatic option since the SUV's launch. At present, this is a sizeable price gap between the manual variants powered by the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and the least expensive automatic version in the range.

What Could Renault Introduce?

While Renault has confirmed that a lower-priced automatic variant is on the way, the company has not revealed the exact powertrain configuration. One possibility is the introduction of a more affordable automatic variant based on the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, potentially by pairing the DCT gearbox with a lower trim level such as the Authentic variant. Another possibility is the addition of an automatic transmission to the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. The engine already supports automatic applications in other Renault-Nissan products globally, although sources suggest Renault is carefully evaluating transmission options to ensure the driving experience aligns with buyer expectations in the midsize SUV segment.

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Duster's Powertrain Range Set To Grow Further

The upcoming automatic variants are only part of Renault's broader expansion plans for the Duster range. The company has adopted a phased rollout strategy for the SUV, initially launching the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol versions before introducing the 1.0-litre models. The next major addition is expected to be the highly anticipated strong-hybrid version, which is scheduled to join the lineup later this year. Demand for the hybrid variant appears to be strong already, with reports suggesting that initial allocations for 2026 have been fully accounted for.

Source- Autocar India