'Made in India' Duster becomes the least depreciating model in UK

At present, Renault India Private Limited (RIPL), the completely owned subsidiary of French multinational automobile giant Renault SA, exports locally assembled Duster units to several international auto markets, such as United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland. The company also has plans of exporting the India made Duster models to several countries in Africa and Asia countries soon. After rewriting history books in the Indian auto market, the Renault compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is arguably the most popular vehicle among the UK car aficionados at the moment. Further, the Duster model is retailed under Dacia badging and has now become one of the least depreciating new cars in the UK.

Renault Duster Picture 44

As per reports, the French auto major witnessed close to 1,700 advanced bookings of its popular compact SUV in the UK auto market. This means that Duster won the hearts of UK audience even before they were allowed to take a test drive of the stylish compact SUV. Evidently, Dacia Duster is one of the cheapest 4x4 All Wheel Drive (AWD) capable utility vehicle in the country and is offered with a retail price tag slightly less than £ 9,000 for its base petrol powered trim (Access). The diesel Duster top trim level (Laureate) is retailed at a price tag just a shade below £ 13,000.

According to data collected by CAP, UK's residual value provider, the entry-level variant of Dacia Duster (Access) is anticipated to retain 34 per cent of its value after a time frame of 3 years or 60,000 miles (96,560 km). On the other hand the top-end trim Duster Laureate (diesel) is also expected to lose just £ 8,540 of its value in the same period. The results are remarkable as usually vehicles of this class experience depreciation losses more than £ 12,000.

Speaking his mind on the news, Phil York, Marketing Director (MD), Dacia UK, was quoted as saying, “We know that the Dacia Duster is a great package for anyone after a practical, reliable and affordable SUV. CAP’s view just reaffirms our belief that its got bucket loads of appeal for British buyers. After living with one, I doubt most owners will ever want to be parted from their trusty Duster. But, if they do have to sell it, or maybe even trade it in for a newer Dacia, they won’t be hugely out of pocket. I can’t help but think the residual value forecast for Sandero is going to blow the competition away too, in the not too distant future.”

Further, the range-topping Duster Laureate model accounts for two third of sales in many other countries, wherein it is offered at the moment. Being relatively new in the country, the top-end Duster trim is expected to replay similar sales in UK in the near future as well. At present, the entry-level Duster Access model has picked up a five month waiting list in the UK passenger car market.