By Jason Woosey at Nasrec
Johannesburg Motor Show - Something of a sinister ‘alter ego’ of the recently launched Duster SUV, the Détour concept made its world debut at the Johannesburg International Motor Show on Wednesday.
Described by Renault as a concoction of “Mad Max, Terminator and Dakar dust”, the design study was conceived in a collaboration between Renault’s European Design department and a Johannesburg-based design studio.
Right now there are no concrete plans to bring it for market, however Renault’s local representatives say they’ll be closely gauging public reaction to it, which means the concept could certainly inspire future special editions or upgrades.
The Duster Détour is perched on darkened 18-inch alloys shod in all-terrain tyres and sports widened wheel arches and a two-tone Pearl Yellow and Matt Grey paint job.
BRAWNY NUDGE BAR
The front end has been virtually redesigned, with a bespoke grille, modernised headlights (featuring daytime running lamps) and brawny nudge bar giving the SUV a decidedly sinister appearance. Given that the current Duster’s face is arguably its weakest design link, Renault would be wise to incorporate some of these features into the next facelift.
The aggression continues at the rear end with black LED tail lights, rear diffuser, roof spoiler and double exhausts.
In the words of Renault’s European design director Geoffrey Gardiner: “We’ve had an enormous amount of fun in integrating the key design equipment and eye-catching elements that have gone in to making up the Renault Duster Détour.”
As this is purely a cosmetic exercise, there’s nothing out of the ordinary beneath the bonnet. Standard Duster models offer the choice between a 75kW 1.6-litre petrol engine and an 80kW/240Nm 1.5-litre turbodiesel.
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