Renault Duster's 4X4 variant looks to heat up the competition

The Renault Duster has been selling well in the Indian market. It has reinstated the confidence of the Indian buyer in the capabilities of the French auto maker. However, to compete with the likes of the soon-to-be-introduced Ford Ecosport, one feels that the Duster would require a 4x4 variant. In terms of price sensitivity, the Duster is priced close to the new Tata Safari Storme, which would also result in competition.

Renault Duster Picture 94

 

Currently, Renault's compact SUV does not have any worthy competition. To sustain itself in the long run, Renault India would have to keep coming up with product innovations. An example of this innovation is the introduction of 4x4 capability in the Indian variant. As time goes by, Indian customers would become more demanding and expect much more of a compact SUV.

In this segment, most customers would not be the ones who prefer brute power. They are most likely to choose a vehicle which offers greater comfort and engine refinement. The Duster also delivers a much better mileage than the Storme- 19 kmpl, against 14 kmpl of the Safari Storme 4x2 variant.

The 4x4 variant of the Storme has Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly technology, which helps the driver engage 4x4 grip while on the move. This is the main area where the Duster is losing out, and will also do so when the Ford Ecosport is launched.

The Renault Duster can be purchased in two diesel variants, producing 84 bhp and 108 bhp, at prices of Rs. 8.39 lakhs and Rs 10.39 lakhs, respectively. Instead of this, the Safari Storme comes with a single 2.2 litre VTT Varicor engine, producing 138 bhp. One can say that the Duster offers more options to customers, as compared to the Storme, which starts at Rs. 9.95 lakhs.

Contemporary styling of the Duster makes it look good, whereas the Safari Storme is very similar to the outgoing model. The front grille on the Duster makes the Storme looks unenterprising in comparison. With a 4x4 version under its belt, the Renault Duster may just capture Tata's share of the market in the future.

RenaultDuster [2020-2022] ₹ N/A OnwardsCheck On Road Price

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