The company first introduced the Easy-R AMT technology in its Romanian sibling, the Dacia Duster, which was showcased at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The automated version will be sold alongside the manual transmission variants with an expected price difference of not more than INR 1 lac.
The Indian compact SUV scene has undergone a major change, thanks to Renault's Duster. The car can be credited for being a trailblazer in creating a new compact SUV segment in the country.
However, the model was dominating the category for quite some time, but the entry of new contenders in the market like EcoSport and Creta, has led the French automaker to tighten its grip and bring about some changes to its already famous model.
The change comes at a time when it is most needed for the company to hold its ground in the ever-changing auto market.
With the launch of Hyundai Creta and Mahindra XUV500 AT that offer automatic transmission variants, it has become imperative for Renault to bring about some important changes to its most celebrated model, the Duster. The Easy-R AMT mechanism might also make its way into Nissan's Terrano as well.
Apart from the facelifted version to be launched in 2016, the company is also planning to bring in the second generation of the Duster in the country somewhere around 2018.
The second-generation model will bring about an overhaul of aesthetic and mechanical changes, suggests market reports.
With so much on it cards, Renault is sure to give tough competition to its contenders such as the EcoSport and Hyundai Creta.
