Car Moon

The Renault-Nissan Alliance’s low-cost Dacia Duster SUV has lost its Romanian badges to cater to the needs of the South American market where it will be sold under the Renault brand.

Redesigned for the local market, the Renault Duster SUV makes its regional debut at this week’s Buenos Aires Motor Show. It will first launch in Argentina and Brazil during the last quarter of the year, with more countries to follow after. Production will take place at Renault’s Curitiba plant in Brazil.

Taking pride of place at Renault's Sao Paulo Motorshow stand is the new Sand'Up Concept that is based on the French firm's Sandero Stepway crossover (click here for details) which is sold in the South American markets. The 2+2 seater concept with the see-through doors features a modular design which allows it to be easily transformed from a three-door hatchback to a convertible or a two-seater pick up with a covered bed. -Continued

Renault is enriching its Sandero line-up with the introduction of a crossover version that will be launched from October in Brazil and then in Argentina. Manufactured at Renault’s Curitiba plant in Brazil, the Sandero Stepway is based on the French carmaker’s low-cost hatchback.

Apart from the higher ground clearance, the Stepway has been enhanced with restyled bumpers and grille, roof bars with an integrated spoiler and a chrome-finished exhaust pipe. In Brazil, the only engine available on the Sandero Stepway will be the 112 HP 1.6-liter Hi-Flex that runs on bio-ethanol. In Argentina however, Renault will also offer a dCi diesel engine on the Sandero Stepway. -Continued