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      Renault will launch its hotly anticipated Duster compact SUV in July 2012

      CarTrade Editorial Team

      CarTrade Editorial Team

      The eagerly awaited 'price warrior' Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from Renault is all set to be launched in the country in the first week of July 2012, on 4th July in all likelihood. Renault might have entered the Indian market in a joint venture with Mahindra but it has gone solo now with its own plant at Chennai. The company now operates from Chennai, along with its global partner Nissan. Fluence, Koleos and Pulse have been launched in the country by French automotive company over last one year.

       

      Renault will launch its hotly anticipated Duster compact SUV in July 2012
      Renault will launch its hotly anticipated Duster compact SUV in July 2012
       

      Renault has officially announced that it will launch 5 models in the country by the end of 2012. After the three aforementioned models, Duster will be its fourth launch in the series. The economical SUV has already been launched globally and is sold under the Dacia brand. This compact SUV is only 4.3 metre long and is modelled on the B0 platform which is shared by the Logan as well. This 5-seater model from Renault was exhibited at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expoheld in January 2012.

      The car manufacturer will offer the model with two powertrain options including a 1.6 litre petrol unit delivering 104 bhp and a 1.5 litre diesel unit built to deliver 105 bhp in three trim levels. Diesel variant of the car will be coupled with a 6 speed transmission unit, whereas the petrol unit will come with a 5 speed transmission. Priced in the range of Rs. 8-10 lacs, the SUV will come with Two Wheel Drive (2WD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD) options. In India, it will compete against the likes of Premier Rio, Mahindra Scorpioand the current Tata Safari.

      According to experts, Renault Duster will offer decent mileage, around 17 to 19 kmpl, on typical Indian roads due to its light weight. There are three driving modes at the disposal of driver, namely Auto, Lock and 4x2. Auto mode is activated by default when the vehicle starts and the power output is determined according to the grip offered by the surface. In Lock mode, 50 per cent of the torque is allotted to the rear wheels, putting the vehicle in 4x4 mode. The 4WD driving mode will offer the best mileage to the owner. Out of the three transmission modes that the vehicle has, 4x2 mode will provide the best mileage. The diesel variant can touch the 100 kmph mark from standstill in just 11.8 seconds while the petrol edition can achieve the same feat in just 11.5 seconds. Both the variant can achieve a top speed of 163 kmph.

      This upcoming compact SUV will hold its own in the domestic market due to its unique and trendy design language. It will feature stylish chrome grille, twin barrel headlamps, 16'' alloy wheels, front fog lamps, keyless entry, and rear defogger, wiper and washer. The safety package of the Duster will include Antilock Braking System (ABS) with brake assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), rear parking sensors, and dual front airbags. The interior features of the car boast of plush leather upholstery, steering mounted audio and phone control, and music system with USB, AUX-IN and Bluetooth connectivity and 4 speakers. Other notable features of the model are electrically adjustable Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs) and trunk capacity of 475 litre.

      Renault | renault duster | Duster