Renault
Duster is considered a perfect blend of rugged appearance and robust
built. Duster is basically the product of Dacia, a Romanian auto maker
completely owned by Renault, but the car is promoted as Renault Duster
in the Indian auto market. Duster is counted among the world’s cheapest
SUVs and, thus, analysts believe that the car is a good product for the
Indian market as the buyers here are price oriented.
The SUV has appealing features which makes it stand apart from cars of its segment. In the launch ceremony, the car maker introduced three variants of its Duster car, mainly two diesel and one petrol. The model was initially showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo, held in January 2012 and far later the French car maker introduced its much hyped model in the Indian auto market on 4th July 2012.
The front fascia of Duster is quite charismatic as it holds precisely designed headlight cluster and chrome indulged horizontal front grille. Considering the side profile of SUV, its high ground clearance is undoubtedly visible which makes it a one of the decent options for off-roading. Duster has compact dimensions and is fairly smaller than its sibling Koleos, which makes it a perfect car to be used for city purposes. Despite sleek dimensions, Renault Duster has the potential to challenge terrains, in contrast to the fact that SUVs are supposed to be massive.
The car is built on the manufacturing platform of Nissan B0 and, thus, it has fairly low weight when compared with that of other cars of the same segment. Duster runs on a four-wheel drive chassis, a boon from Nissan, which enables its driver to adapt the transmission system as per the requirement of power during on-road and off-road driving conditions.
Renault Duster Variants
Renault has launched six variants of new Renault Duster in India, namely RxE (petrol), RxE (diesel), RxL (petrol), RxL (diesel), RxL (diesel variant in different configuration) and RxZ. All these variants are equipped with different features, which distinguish them from each other. Features like engine immobilizer, door open warning lamp, central locking and double barrel headlights are incorporated within all the variants as a part of standard accessory.
The SUV has appealing features which makes it stand apart from cars of its segment. In the launch ceremony, the car maker introduced three variants of its Duster car, mainly two diesel and one petrol. The model was initially showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo, held in January 2012 and far later the French car maker introduced its much hyped model in the Indian auto market on 4th July 2012.
The front fascia of Duster is quite charismatic as it holds precisely designed headlight cluster and chrome indulged horizontal front grille. Considering the side profile of SUV, its high ground clearance is undoubtedly visible which makes it a one of the decent options for off-roading. Duster has compact dimensions and is fairly smaller than its sibling Koleos, which makes it a perfect car to be used for city purposes. Despite sleek dimensions, Renault Duster has the potential to challenge terrains, in contrast to the fact that SUVs are supposed to be massive.
The car is built on the manufacturing platform of Nissan B0 and, thus, it has fairly low weight when compared with that of other cars of the same segment. Duster runs on a four-wheel drive chassis, a boon from Nissan, which enables its driver to adapt the transmission system as per the requirement of power during on-road and off-road driving conditions.
Renault has launched six variants of new Renault Duster in India, namely RxE (petrol), RxE (diesel), RxL (petrol), RxL (diesel), RxL (diesel variant in different configuration) and RxZ. All these variants are equipped with different features, which distinguish them from each other. Features like engine immobilizer, door open warning lamp, central locking and double barrel headlights are incorporated within all the variants as a part of standard accessory.
Renault Duster is offered in an option of petrol and diesel engine. The company has offered three different powertrains with its car, comprising one of which is petrol and the rest two are diesel versions. In its diesel model line-up, the car maker offers 1.5 K9K THP, dCi (common rail direct injection) engine, which is well-acclaimed for being reliable and fuel efficient. The powertrain has potential to churn out an impressive power of 108.5 bhp at 3900 rpm with 248 Nm at fairly low 2250 rpm of peak torque. In order to enhance the performance of the motor, the French car maker has mated it with a 6 speed manual transmission system, which offers smooth and hassle free switching between the gears.
Along with this engine, the company offers a 1.5 dCi K9K HP engine which churns out a maximum power of 83.8 bhp at 3750 rpm with highest torque of 200 Nm at 1900 rpm. This engine is considered as the best option for driving in normal city conditions as it delivers a class leading fuel economy. Apart from the diesel motors, the petrol model of Renault Duster 2012 holds a 1.6 K4M engine, which has a displacement of 1600 cc. The maximum power generated by the petrol engine stands at 102 bhp at 5850 rpm, whereas its torque generating capacity is 145 Nm at 3750 rpm. The powertrain is assimilated with a 5 speed manual transmission system, which further enhances the performance of this engine.
Renault Duster in India has a great on-road presence that dominates other cars of the same segment. The width and tall-boy design of Duster lend it a distinctive persona. The presence of roof rails, chrome wide grille, skid plate, antenna and alloy wheels makes the car look sportier. The ruggedness of this SUV is highlighted by three slate grilles which house a huge Renault badge in the centre. In order to make the car a perfect off-roader, Renault Duster holds claddings all around its body for protection.
Other cosmetic details adorning the exterior of the car include double barrel headlights, chrome finish radiator grille, sporty 16-inch aluminum wheels, lateral bars and muscular, elegant wheel arches.
Renault Duster being lighter than other SUVs in India delivers a class-leading mileage. The mileage offered by the 83.8 bhp unit stands at 20.46 kmpl, whereas the 108.5 bhp motor offers a fuel economny of 19.01 kmpl. On the other hand, the petrol variant of the new Renault Duster delivers a mileage of 13.24 kmpl.
• A monocoque SUV at the price of C2 segment sedans. Good looking too
• Robust, abuse-friendly build & construction
• Outstanding ride quality. Comfortable over any kind of road
• Car-like to drive. Balanced handling and dynamics
• 205mm of ground clearance. Dismisses broken roads with aplomb
• Fuel efficient 1.5L diesel engine with adequate power on tap
• Practical boot (475 - 1064 liters of cargo capacity)
Negatives
• No 3rd row of seats. A 5 seater SUV, unlike its 7 seater competitors
• Cost cutting glaringly evident on the inside. Weird ergonomics as well
• Mediocre rear seat legroom. More like C1 segment sedans than C2
• 109 BHP diesel has noticeable turbo lag below 2,000 rpm
• Higher variants are steeply priced. 110 PS Duster is too close to the XUV & Yeti
• No climate control, 60:40 split on rear seat, dead pedal, auto locking doors or 1-touch down windows
• Renault's after-sales is an unknown quantity
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