Renault Duster 4x4 expected to be strong contender in All Wheel drive segment in India

Renault, a brand that was not too popular on local soil untill the launch of 'Duster' that has kicked up a lot of dirt much to the local consumers amuzement. In the global market the SUV has sold under brand names like Dacia. Reportedly, Renault has recently achieved a new milestone with one million sales on a global platform. The Duster made its way into the Indian territory sometime in the mid of 2012. Going by sales numbers, India is considered to be the fourth largest market for the Duster SUV.

Renault Duster 4x4 expected to be stong contender in All Wheel drive segment in India

Currently in the Indian market, Renault Duster is available in 1.6 Litre Petrol engine and two 1.5 Litre Diesel variants. The petrol version generates about 104 Hp at 5,850 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 145 Nm at 3,750 rpm. One of the diesel version is powered by 1461cc engine that generates about 85PS of power at 3750 rpm with 200 Nm of torque at 1900 rpm, whereas another diesel version is also powered by 1461cc engine but generates a little extra power of 110 PS at 3900 rpm with 248 Nm of torque at 2250 rpm. The powerful diesel version is mated to a six speed manual transmission, whereas the other two are mated to a five speed manual transmission.

Recently, news has been doing rounds that Renault India will launch 4X4 variant of its popular compact SUV, Duster by second half of 2014. The 4X4 variant is already available for sale in overseas market and will finally make its way into the domestic market by mid 2014. Duster 4X4 variant is available in petrol and diesel engine options in international markets. Besides 4X4 variant launch, speculations are also rife that Renault could induct Duster in automatic transmission.

Arnaud Deboeuf, Renault Group’s Entry Programme Director, said, “With Renault branding, it perfectly meets the demands of our international customers and is contributing to Renault’s expansion in emerging markets.” The Duster SUV from Renault offered at a starting price tag of Rs. 7.78 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Delhi). The price for the 4x4 variant is unknown and only shall be revealed post an announcement made by the company stating its launch.