Renault Duster 4x4 likely to be launched soon

Compact Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have been in demand in India in recent times, something that has led to the success of a number of models. One such car is Renault Duster, which, virtually, has taken the market by storm since its launch. In fact, a lot of industry experts consider Duster to be the model that started the trend of compact SUVs in India, thereby propelling other companies to enter the segment. Reports suggest that it was the success of Renault Duster that has led to the excellent response generated for Ford EcoSport. Over the past year, Duster, along with some other models, has been among the few that have done well in India due to adverse market conditions.

Banking on the success of current version of Renault Duster, the French car maker is planning to introduce the 4x4 version, reports have claimed. Although nothing has been confirmed by French manufacturer Renault, strong rumours are suggesting that it might take place soon. Recently, reports had emerged regarding the company planning to introduce this model first in Russia, which is somewhat similar to India in a lot of ways. Industry experts feel that launching of Renault Duster 4x4 could potentially expand the market of the model and subsequently, the French car maker. At present, this compact SUV is majorly catering to customers in urban areas due to its many advantages.

This model combines the comfort of a sedan, compactness of a hatchback and the performance of a utility vehicle. It has been praised for solid body structure, rugged looks and powerful performance. According to sources, no changes are expected to be made in terms of engine or appearance. This compact SUV comes in a bold design that is characterised by a muscular body, rugged appearance and a touch of sportiness as well. Exteriors of this car comprise double barrel headlights, two-tone coloured bumpers, chrome front grille and stylish roof rails. Other features of exteriors are sporty aluminium alloy wheels, chrome back-door embellisher and door handles with chrome satin finish. Interiors of this compact SUV, on the other hand, boast of leather wrapped steering wheel, chrome finish gear knob and chrome finish inside door handle.

One of the key reasons that have led to the success of Renault Duster is its overall package combining comfort and technology along with style. The French manufacturer is likely to retain all comfort and convenience features in the 4x4 version of Duster. Some of these attributes include keyless entry, power windows with illuminated switches, foldable rear back seat, tilt steering column and electrically adjustable outside mirrors. It would be important to see whether Renault goes with the same configuration in the all-wheel drive version. According to reports, 4x4 Duster is going to come with same engine options, similar to current versions. Right now, Renault Duster is available in both petrol and diesel options, thereby giving customers more choices. Petrol version of Renault Duster runs on a 1.6-litre K4M engine that produces maximum power of 102 bhp along with peak torque of 145 Nm.

Industry experts have appreciated the performance of this engine and termed it as ideal for city road as it enables quick acceleration. On the other hand, diesel version of Renault Duster is powered by a 1.5-litre dCi K9K HP engine that comes with 5-speed manual and 6-speed manual gearboxes. Notably, there are two power levels in the diesel version of Renault Duster compact SUV. While the 5-speed manual gearbox guise delivers 83 bhp of output and 200 Nm of torque, 6-speed manual transmission version churns out 108 bhp of power and 248 of top torque. As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Renault, regarding the launch of 4x4 Duster. However, given the rise in competition and the need to expand market share, Renault would be looking to launch it soon, according to sources.