The fully owned subsidiary of the French car maker, Renault India has finally launched its segment-defining Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Renault Duster. The feature packed SUV, which is at par with premium vehicles in terms of luxury comes at a competitive price. The petrol variants of the new car are available for Rs. 7,19,000 and Rs. 8,19,000, whereas, the 83 hp diesel variants come with price tags of Rs. 7,99,000, Rs. 8,99,000 and Rs. 9,99,000. On the other hand, the 108 hp diesel variants are priced at Rs. 9,99,000, Rs. 10,99,000 and Rs. 11,29,000. This contender from the stables of Renault is the perfect amalgamation of comfort and class of a sedan and the toughness of a SUV.
Managing Director, Renault India Private Limited, Mark Nassif, said, “the Renault Duster is the best choice for customers looking for the comfort of a sedan with the appeal of an SUV. We are very excited about the product and we expect it to be a game changer for this segment. The new Duster is all about our commitment to Indian customers. We have packed in the best Renault technology which results in a fuel efficient, powerful performance, superb ride and handling along with a host of practical and attractive features. And this makes the Renault Duster an extremely good value proposition for all our customers. The Renault Duster is a vehicle which will not only meet the aspirations of our customers but also set the benchmark on all parameters. We are not only introducing a new vehicle today but I am happy to say that we have also ramped up our dealer and after sales network to reach out to customers pan India.”
The launch of the Duster is the perfect indicator of the French car maker's commitment to the Indian auto market. Customers can choose from two diesel powertrains and a power-optimised petrol unit being offered in different variants of the model. The up-tuned diesel variant of Duster will feature a fuel efficient 1.5 K9K THP, dCi diesel unit, built to deliver 108 hp of power at 3,900 rpm and 248 Nm of torque at 2,250 rpm. This motor comes mated with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers a mileage of 19.01 kmpl, as confirmed by ARAI.
The RxE and RxL diesel variants will be powered by a 1.5 dCi K9K HP diesel unit, which will churn out 83 hp of power at 3,750 rpm and 200 Nm at 1,900 rpm. These two variants will offer the best-in-class mileage of 20.45 kmpl. The petrol variant on the other hand is powered by the 1.6 litre K4M powertrain, capable of belting out 102 hp of power at 5,850 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm. The petrol motor has been mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and offers 13.24 kmpl of mileage.
Renault Duster further adds to the credentials of Renault on grounds of quality and comfort. The car features cutting-edge technology like reverse-parking sensor, key-less entry with answer back function, on-board trip computer with multi-functional displays and rear defogger and wipers for better visibility. On its exterior, Duster features sporty 16”aluminium wheels, double barrel headlights, stylish roof rail, chrome finish radiator grille, lateral bars and muscular, elegant wheel arches. Even with its bulky SUV stance Duster is quite nimble on the urban roads owing to its turning radius of 5.2 m, which is less than even some of the hatchbacks.
The consideration for the Indian market is evident in the fact that Renault has provided enhanced comfort with separate rear-ac with independent control considering the extreme hot weather conditions of the country. Owing to its long wheelbase of 2,673 mm, this 5-seater SUV offers ample leg room to its passengers. The car offers carrying capacity of 1,064 litre and 475 litre of cargo space.
The car offers brilliant safety configuration to the passengers and driver with features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist and a Monocoque body with side impact beams. The Renault Duster comes to a standstill from 100kmph within just 38 m, thanks to its front Ventilated discs and rear drum.
Renault Duster will be manufactured at the company's manufacturing facility in Oragadam, Chennai and will be available at all its dealerships across the country in six exciting colours.
![Renault Duster [2020-2022]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/n/cw/ec/47028/duster-exterior-right-front-three-quarter-4.jpeg?q=80 "Renault Duster [2020-2022]")
