Renault Motors, the French carmaker, is rising as a new star in the Indian auto world. Recently, this French auto major has introduced its much awaited Duster SUV in the Indian market with starting price tag of just Rs.7.19 lakh for base petrol model and Rs.7.99 lakh for base diesel model. Renault Duster is the 1st real compact SUV launched by any international auto maker in the auto market of India. Duster Indian lineup has been launched with choice of one petrol engine and two diesel engines. It is a characteristic SUV, having a funky look with robust 4x4 features, as well as, is one of the cheapest SUV in the world. Let’s take a look at the specs and features of the Renault Duster.
Exteriors and Features
Appearance wise, Renault Duster seems a perfect blend of sporty and brawny attitude. It gives an impression of a striking compact package, boasting performance of a perfect SUV and bulkiness of a beast. The exteriors of this compact SUV are very enticing and surely entice Indian utility vehicle enthusiasts. The front of this French SUV has been equipped with stylish grille that is clad in chrome. Even, it has three slat grille which hold a big Renault badge in the centre. It sports clear twin barrel headlamps, as well as, there are clear fog lamps to provide better view in abnormal weather conditions.
The side view of Duster also augments its SUV appearance. The exterior sides show a rugged appearance with robust looking flared wheel arches and chrome-satin ORVMs along with the body colored door handles. As well as, there is a splendid-n-sturdy looking roof rails at the top which boasts antenna in the middle. On the rear side, it is equipped with a full size tail gate along with proper rear glass. As well as, there are brilliantly engraved tail lamps on the rear. The first-class chrome exhaust provides a supreme look to the rear.
Dimension wise, this compact SUV measures an overall length of 4.31m and a width of 1.82 meters. The ground clearance of Duster is fabulous measuring 210 mm. Considering this measurements, the French SUV has the nature of a true 4x4 SUV and it is fitted for on or off-road.
Interiors and Features
Renault Duster is equipped with very handy interiors, featuring integrations according to the needs and desires of today’s modern Indian buyers. The interiors are properly comfortable, as there is nice & wide front seats and spacious back seat at a higher wheelbase. The front seats are designed at a higher position to give a better all around view to the driver and co-passengers.
The cabin of this compact SUV can carry five average size people with proper ease. Some very important aspects include spacious head room/ leg room & shoulder room for good experience of comfy drive, power window switches, steering wheel with mounted controls, meter console, red gauges with a digital display in the centre, and fully closable AC vents. The spacious interior with elegant high-quality upholstery provides a luxurious experience regardless of bad weather, heavy traffic jam and rough roads. The music system, door sills, three spoke flat unit, aux input functions, and Bluetooth are some additional plus points to the luxuriousness of the car.
This vehicle is available in both, two-wheel and four-wheel drive. The 4x4 models’ all-wheel drive system is derived from Nissan, which enables the driver to choose from 3 different driving modes: Auto, Lock and 4x2 modes. In Auto mode, front/rear torque split is calculated automatically on the basis of available grip. In Lock mode, around 50 per cent of the torque is supplied to the rear wheels. In the 4x2 mode, the transmission locks into two-wheel and provide utmost fuel efficiency.
Engine, Power and Performance
When it comes to the powertrain, the Renault Duster compact SUV is available in a variety of choice from solo peppy petrol engine to efficient thrifty diesel engine in 2 different power outputs.
The 1598cc I4 DOHC petrol engine is estimated to deliver maximum torque of 145 Nm at 3750 rpm and maximum power of 105bhp at 5750 rpm. This engine is anticipated to pick up the pace to 100kmph in just 11.5 seconds with a peak speed of 164kmph. The credit of this performance goes to the Multi-point fuel injection. The 1.6L petrol powertrain is mated to 5-speed manual gearbox.
On the other hand, the diesel variant is equipped with 1461cc Turbocharged Diesel I4 SOHC engine which is capable of delivering 2 different power figures: 85 bhp and 110 bhp. Both these diesel versions deliver high torque figures i.e. 200Nm and 248Nm. The engine which is providing higher power figure (110 bhp) is the Step 4 version of the K9K engine. The diesel engine is anticipated to pick up the pace to100kmph in 11.8 seconds with a similar peak speed as that of its petrol variant. The first diesel trim is anticipated to be coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and the second one with an advanced 6-speed manual transmission.
Safety features
As far as Safety features are concerned, Renault Duster has got all reliable active & passive safety features. It has been packed with dual SRS airbags in the front for driver and co-driver. It features Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist (BA) function for better control of car in wet and slippery conditions. Furthermore, rear-side possesses rear defogger with front clear fog lamps and wash-n-wipe system to countenance any abnormal weather conditions during the ride. Other safety attributes include seat belt reminder, central locking, advanced engine immobilizer, impact sensing auto door unlocking, and door ajar warning lamp.
Renault Duster Models
Renault Duster SUV Indian lineup has five variants, two petrol and three diesel variants.
1) Renault Duster 1.6 litre petrol
2) Renault Duster petrol 4WD
3) Renault Duster 1.5 litre 85PS diesel
4) Renault Duster 1.5 litre 110PS diesel
5) Renault Duster diesel 4WD.
You Might Also Like :