The Duster is highly popular SUV marketed in some regions as the Renault Duster or in other as the Dacia Duster. It is available globally but at this moment we are more interested in Duster SUV based pickup truck which is currently available in the South America only. This double-cab pickup truck debuted at the 2014 Sao Paulo Auto Show and went on the sale in September 2015. It offers practicality and comfort of crossover SUVs but also adds the versatility of pickup trucks. It is also affordable and probably more practical than most of other pickups on the market. Mentioned attributes are the reasons why this pickup has a huge potential and why the brand will likely try to offer the next 2017 Renault Duster Pickup Truck in more markets.
New for 2017:
One of the priorities for the Renault is to offer this pickup truck in more markets and the priority seems to be South Africa where the Duster SUV is also the huge success. The model will be largely unchanged from what we can get now except it might offer the new engine option and some market-specific features for the new customers.
2017 Renault Duster Pickup Truck: Design
The new 2017 Renault Duster Pickup Truck won’t differentiate from the currently available model regarding the styling and its structure. This Duster SUV based pickup truck shares its structure with its relative as well as the visual identity. From the structural perspective, these two vehicles are identical from the front bumper to B pillars including also the rear doors. However, behind the back doors, the truck has thicker elements which improve its cargo capacity.
What also differentiates this truck from the SUV model is its longer wheelbase which measures 2.83 meters versus 2.67 meters. The longer wheelbase on the truck is required to provide better balance to the truck when it is loaded.
On the other hand, this truck has 4.7 m (185 in) in length and 1.822 m (71.7 in) in width. The truck’s bed is 1. 175 m wide and 1.350 m long while it can load up to 650 kg.
Interior, Features:
Inside, the Duster truck also shares the same design as the brand’s SUV model. It is the good thing because the model is highly comfortable and has well-placed controls. The rear seats are also very comfortable and provide generous legroom. The center stack, however, has the upright design with touchscreen positioned in the way that can distract the driver’s attention.
The truck will come in several trim options. The base models will include 16-inch wheels, power windows, CD MP3 radio, four speaker sound system, air conditioning, roof rails, ABS, power steering, etc. The higher trims will bring unique wheels, fog lights, power mirrors, leather trim, Media NAV Evolution infotainment system, more safety features, etc.
2017 Renault Duster Pickup Truck: Powertrain
In the engine department, the 2017 Renault Duster Pickup Truck will offer two engine options both petrol units. The entry -level engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder unit. It can produce 110 hp or 115 hp when powered with ethanol. The more powerful engine option is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit which can deliver 143 hp or 148 hp with ethanol.
The transmission options will include a five-speed manual transmission which comes with the base engine. On the other hand, the second engine option will be available with a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.
What is also possible, the new Duster Pickup Truck when arrives at the South Africa might also offer the 1.5-liter dCi engine.
Arrival and Price
The new 2017 Renault Duster Pickup Truck should arrive in mid-2017. The price should start from around $15, 000.