Renault Duster created the 5-seater compact SUV segment in India. After the launch, it was sold like hotcakes. Can it still charm the Indian car buyer?
Duster was introduced in 2012 to the Indian market as an affordable, compact SUV with excellent fuel efficiency. To offer more options to its buyers, Renault Duster also makes the compact SUV with Automated manual transmission (AMT) technology. The automated manual transmission (AMT), or Easy-R is essentially a system fitted with computer-controlled electromechanical actuators to do the gear changing for you. For example, put in D or drive and the AMT system shifts gears according to road/traffic conditions and throttle input at the same time you can also put into M or manual to manipulate and govern the gear changes.
Over the years, Duster has managed to retain its quirky and edgy look with the new signature projector headlamps. The edginess is further accentuated with a lightning/S-shaped waterfall LED tail lamp. The tagline “The true SUV” is aptly justified with the engine power and a capable 5-speed manual transmission.
Exterior
The car is available in 7 colors- - Mahogany Brown, Caspian Blue, Pearl White, Moonlight Silver, Cayenne Orange, Outback Bronze, Slate Grey. The new Renault duster attempts to be more audacious.
Headlamps are well guarded with the new tri-winged full chrome grille which is perfectly in sync with it. The commanding look of the iconic duster is enhanced with the LED DRLs and Everest Diamond Cut alloy wheels. The Kayak roof rails are lighter in tone and fatter than before and carry a duster badge. The matte black embellisher and Waterfall LED tail lamps further accentuate its dynamic stance.
Interior
The interiors merge imagination with practicality. The new brown seats provide its interior a unique two-tone look which complements the model in entirety. The central console is black in color and has a fully automatic climate control that adjusts the airflow inside the cabin and ensures the most comfortable temperature.
The compact yet spacious, well-illuminated and, the cooled glovebox is redesigned to accommodate all your personal belongings.
Safety Features
The new Renault Duster has scored 4-stars and 3-stars for adult and child occupant safety. The new model has made 25 changes to incorporate all the safety measures.
Duster has also provided ABS with EBD, driver and passenger airbag, seat belt reminder along with rear parking sensors. The advanced versions provide options such as a rear parking camera, hill-start assist, and electronic stability program (ESP) which ensures overall safety throughout the journey.
Engine Options
The car comes with a 1.5-liter petrol engine that makes 106 hp and 142 Nm of torque and is available either with a 5-MT or CVT. The 1.5-liter diesel engine is available in two states of tune – 110 bhp/245 Nm with 6-MT or AMT, and 85 bhp/200 Nm with 5-MT.
The model ensures you make the most of every drive be it off-road performance or a better fuel economy. This is complemented by the 6-Speed synchronized gearbox that gives superior shift quality and fuel efficiency.
Pricing
The ex-showroom price for Renault Duster starts at ₹ 8.59 Lakh and may go up to ₹ 13.59 Lakh. The top variant of Renault Duster has an on-road price of ₹ 15.89 Lakh.
Duster continues to be the only compact SUV that offers an all-wheel drive. It offers decent creature comforts, a powerful turbo petrol engine, and great driving dynamics.
