Renault Duster

Renault Duster price now starts at Rs 9.02 lakhs

16 January, 2013 :  Renault Duster price for the petrol variant has been increased by Rs 28,000 which now stands at Rs 9.02 lakhs (ex-showroom price). Renault Duster diesel price has also been increased by Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000. It seems that the French car maker is looking at banking at the popularity of this compact SUV. This is the second time that the company has raised the price of Duster ever since its launch. There is also a high waiting period for the SUV which is pushing the customers to look for other options like Mahindra Quanto and Tata Safari Storme.

Renault Duster 4X4 eyes March 2013 launch 

11 December, 2012: The awaited mechanism that will make Renault Duster withstand in-line with sturdy stalwart like the Scorpios and Safaris will be here by March 2013. Yes, the Renault Duster 4X4 launch is very near. According to the reports, the launch will be strategic, i.e. prior to the launch of Ford EcoSport in India. The Renault Duster 4X4 price is said to be costlier by Rs 70,000 to Rs 90,000 against existing two-wheel-drive variants. With this launch, Duster 4X4 will be the most fuel economical all-wheel-drive vehicle in the country.

Renault Duster takes care of UK bookings

30 November, 2012: The French compact SUV Renault Duster that is going all guns blazing in terms of sales, since its launch will now be exported to UK. The first shipment from Chennai port will sail by 30 November i.e. today. This immediate export has taken place due to overwhelming booking response of Dacia badge Duster in the UK auto market, which has crossed over 1000 orders. Hence to timely deliver the bookings India-manufactured Duster has stepped in. Here in India, Renault Duster competes with Premier Rio, Mahindra Quanto and upcoming Ford EcoSport compact SUV.

Renault Duster bookings cross 18K, 4 months waiting

29 September, 2012: The best available under 10 lakh compact SUV Renault Duster is on the verge of creating newer records for itself and acrimony for rivals. The latest reports state that Renault Duster bookings have crossed 18,000 mark along with a lengthened waiting period of more than 4 months on select shades and diesel variants. Sighting this heavy demand the French company has currently shelved the plans for a post-launch ad campaign (earlier) planned to publicize Renault Duster. In the price segment a major jolt has been received by vehicles like Maruti Swift Dzire sedan, Maruti Ertiga MPV and Toyota Innova along with Mahindra Xylo.

Renault Duster price in India

Renault Duster Review by Expert

If it’s a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) it has to be large and full sized... this perception in the minds of Indian car lovers is now transformed by French automaker’s new compact SUV Renault Duster. The awaited and globally acclaimed model that rules the roads of 6 countries was launched on 4th July 2012 in India. The major envy point for its competitors and pride aspect for consumers, apart from its exciting features, was its aggressive pricing that actually sent rivals to resentment and consumers to newer levels of delight.

The Renault Duster boasts all the capabilities of a true off-roader with its sturdy 4X2 mechanism under its hood. India has soft corner for the SUVs that definitely eases the way for French SUV, which is the most affordable one with the tempting price tag starting from just Rs 7.19 lakh (ex showroom Delhi). Overall, it’s a worrying factor for the Mahindra vehicles as well as an alarm for healthy competition with the impending Ford EcoSport compact SUV.

It has been designed on the familiar Logan platform but still looks very different, fresh and far more appealing. If you recall the image of Hyundai Tucson, then you can easily notice the designs similarities between these two SUVs. Its compact and well-organized chassis has quite robust feel. Though, the high ground clearance and added height won’t make it taller than the other SUV of the segment, but it would be bulky. The programmed-deflection flexible H-beam, high ground clearance, loose-surface ability and elevated driving position are the highlighted features of Renault Duster. On the other side, the rear multi-arm arrangement, pronounced & wide wheel arches, chrome grille and skid-plate are some amazing characteristics of this all new sensation. The rugged front with wheel arches and painted front grille gives it a perfect SUV appearance and from sides it looks simple & plain.

The interiors are truly spacious with some perfect fittings at front row be it spanking dashboard, striking central console or the clear instrument panel everything is placed just right. The seats inside are of premium material with option of leather available in the top model along with adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. There are numerous handy aspects that make the passengers feel stress free on the move. Moreover the advanced entertainment system equipped with latest gadgets makes longer journeys look smaller.  The safety aspect is taken care appropriately with sufficient safety gears ready for the protection of the occupants.

Renault Duster Rivals

Pretty rare compact SUVs are truly daring and daunting like Renault Duster. Soon after its launch in the country it saw remarkable booking orders and up till now it is said to have crossed the 20,000 units mark. Moreover this figure will climb up more as festive season in on cards. However the path isn’t that easy for Renault Duster as there are quite competitive rivals that are capable of turning fortunes in their favor, the two potent ones are namely Premier Rio compact SUV and Maruti Ertiga compact MPV. The Premier Rio was sometime back launched with BSIV compliant Multi-jet diesel engine in metros and tier-1 cities, and has gathered satisfactory response. On the other hand, Maruti Ertiga has got waiting queues that are getting longer and longer day-by-day. Renault Duster launch was witnessed behind Ertiga and Rio, and it has affected the sales of rival compact products considerably.

On the exterior piece, Renault Duster with its bold designing has an edge above Maruti Ertiga and Rio’s uncomplicated and precise styling. Feature-wise in the inside, French SUV and Maruti MPV are better than Rio’s basic characteristics. Out of the three, in feature category and neat interior designing Ertiga is marginally ahead, but being a mass segment compact SUV, Duster interiors are too acceptable. Now the most important section i.e. under hood specs, all the three are nearly powered petrol engines with nearby capacity of 1.2L-1.3L, while diesel powertrain capacity revolves around 1.5L motor. Among the trio on overall performance Renault Duster provides tough times to Maruti Ertiga, while Rio seems minnow.  On the mileage part too, both are fabulous, while the option of 85 PS and 110 PS plays a perfect distinct amid the three.

Renault Duster Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

The lower and responsive displacement petrol and diesel engines of Renault Duster are well capable to provide its owners with a beyond satisfactory mileage figures. The 1.5L diesel version that is available in two trims generates two different outputs of 85 PS and 110 PS. The 85 PS one delivers a mileage of 20.46 kmpl on the highways and nearly 16.5 kmpl in city conditions, while a max 19.01 kmpl is extracted from the larger 110 PS on open roads together with 15 kmpl in the traffic ridden situations of the city. The expected lone Renault Duster petrol power train of 1.6L, 4-cylinder engine showcases some reasonable performance in the fuel economy department. This petrol engine that smokes out 104 PS of output at 5850 rpm is committed enough to provide with a decent mileage of nearly 10.5 kmpl on the city roads while 13.24 kmpl on the smooth highways. Compact SUV Renault Duster is able to deliver these estimated fuel economy, which is applauding in every sense and brings joy to its consumers.

Renault Duster Models and Features

Compare Renault Duster Models

Renault Duster Colors

The colors of Renault Duster SUV are sure to drive your attention because they go very well with the daunting image of the vehicle. If you see them carefully you will find that majority of the Renault Duster colors are in metallic shade. This actually reflects the seriousness of this product for the French carmaker that it has genuinely left no stone unturned in getting Renault Duster an upright and solid outer surface. There are in all 6 colors to select from and that comprise of Metallic Woodland Brown, Pearl Galaxy Black, Metallic Graphite Grey, Pearl Supreme White and Metallic Moonlight Silver alongside Metallic Fiery Red. Here the distinctive Metallic Woodland Brown shade looks the best in the whole lot.

Fiery Red	Pearl Supreme White	Woodland Brown	Graphite Grey	Moonlight Silver	Pearl Galaxy Black

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Renault Duster Engine, Power and Performance

Renault Duster compact SUV stuns the onlookers with its incredible performance and daunting presence. The Renault Duster engines offer a variety to choose, from solo peppy petrol engine to efficient frugal diesel power train in two different power outputs. The 1.6L petrol motor churns out 104 PS at of maximum power at 5850 rpm, the trusted engine is been tweaked to provide with 145 Nm of torque at 3750 rpm. This performance is been made possible by the Multi-point fuel injection system. The 1598cc petrol engine is mated to 5-speed manual gearbox.

On the other side, Renault Duster diesel engine will be accessible in two different tunes with its same 1.5L power train with CRDi technology. The first trim will outpour maximum power of 85 PS at 3750 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm at 1900 rpm. This diesel motor will be coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. The subsequent trim produces greater 110 PS at 3900 rpm besides bigger torque of 248 Nm at 2250 rpm. This 1461cc engine is mated to an advanced 6-speed manual transmission.

Renault Duster Pick Up and Acceleration

The acceleration and pick up of Renault Duster is better than the expected with engine displacements of 1461cc diesel and 1598cc petrol. Let’s first take the diesel variant that is available in two different power outputs of 85 PS & 110 PS. It takes around 13.9 seconds for Renault Duster to reach 100 kph from zero with 85 PS, while the subsequent gets the said mark of 0-100 kph in merely 12.5 seconds as it has got high amount of power and better pick up. While the top speed also shares the difference with 156 kmph and 168 kmph for the 85 PS and 110 PS power trims respectively. Here the high powered version is mated to an advanced 6-speed manual gearbox, while the lower powered is presented with usual 5-speed manual transmission.

Furthermore, the 1.6L petrol engine that is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission will have the capability to touch the 0-100 kmph figure in 11.5 seconds with its peppier motor that is better when compared to both power outputs of diesel version along with the top speed of 160 kmph.

Renault Duster Interiors and Features

The interiors of Renault Duster are practical and has got long list of feature incorporated in it as per the liking and needs of today’s modern Indian consumer. Though, the European Dacia Duster interiors had much of the similarity to the Logan’s or Sandero’s interior, but here, the cabin is tweaked for good as required in the sub continent conditions. The interior are properly comfortable though not as premium as big brother Renault Koleos’s, but definitely inspiring. The front seats of Renault Duster are nice and wide. The higher driver position allows a better all around view to the driver and co passenger. The back seat welcomes you with higher wheelbase and roominess.

Here, Renault Duster’s cabin can carry five average size individuals to a distance with appropriate ease. The compartment has enough leg room, head room and shoulder room for the passengers. The front row has sleek looking glossy piano black dashboard with proper size glove box, the brilliant center console is equipped with modern 2-DIN audio player that plays CD, MP3, AM/FM alongside there is USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth support that makes it appear first rate. Moreover, to ensure surround sound in the Renault Duster there are 4-speakers at service for the occupants. The instrument cluster has got clearer vision of the speedometer and other related displays. The fabric used inside Renault Duster is of premium beige 3D embossed that makes you feel cozy even on the long routes, while leather pack is also offered as option for luxurious experience. The steering and gear knob are offered with leather wrapping, while steering also has mounted audio and phone controls for apt convenience while driving. The driver’s seat in Renault Duster is provided with lumbar support and comes with height adjustable feature.  To increase the cargo space at rear the second row back-rest can be folded. Some convenient features include 12V charging point at front and rear for laptops and mobile phones on the move, reverse parking sensors for hassle free parking, key les entry, power window switches with illumination, rear AC with independent blower control and cup-holder at rear armrest together with many more. On the whole, the Renault Duster interiors guarantee genuine comfort with ideal arrangement of sophisticated features.

Renault Duster Exteriors and Features

The length of Renault Duster is 4.3 meters, however, it appears much bigger than that, say more than 5 meters. The French SUV’s appearance has got a perfect mix up of brawny and sporty attitude; and the same, it swanks on and off the road. The bulkiness of a beast and performance of a perfect SUV comes in an imposingly compact package, well that is called Renault Duster. The exteriors of this French SUV are sure to lure the sports utility vehicle enthusiasts of the country, especially the young buyers that look for compactness in urban environment.

The front has got stylish grille that has broad chrome slats with Renault badge resting between it, alongside it carries clear twin barrel headlamps and clear fog lamps for better view in abnormal weather conditions.  The stylishly carved-out double toned bumpers makes Renault Duster appear imposing on the streets. The most distinct element is the air-dam that is positioned within a contemporary skid plate bestowing the completeness of the robust and compact SUV. The Renault Duster exterior sides have flared wheel arches and chrome-satin (twin-shaded) ORVMs together with body colored door handles and splendid-n-solid looking roof rails at the top, which formulates it as ‘raring-to-go’.

The ground clearance is fabulous like the Scorpios and Safaris. The rear wheel fending showcases some Mahindra XUV 500-like stance, while the rear portion is packed well with the insertion of full size tail gate and proper rear glass. The tail lamps are brilliantly engraved and blend well with the solid emerging rear. The purposeful bumper of Renault Duster come with black plastic surrounding with aluminum skid plate provide an upright stance along with solid looking 16-inch sporty alloys wheels. Furthermore, the rear gets completed with the first-class chrome exhaust that bestows a premium look to the rear. This design and its stalwart street presence will undoubtedly appeal the large number of consumers in India to go for Renault Duster.

Safety Features in Renault Duster

Being a global carmaker, Renault has left no stone unturned in assuring the safety for the occupants inside Renault Duster. As it has got all dependable active & passive safety features. The compact SUV has got dual SRS airbags in the front for driver and co-driver. While the passive aspects in Renault Duster include Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) for better control of the vehicle under wet and slippery conditions and it becomes more apt with the inclusion of Brake Assist (BA) function.

Renault Duster Driving and Handling

The Renault Duster SUV handles well in the traffic conditions and at speeds on open roads. The 1.5L Diesel engine offered in 85PS and 110PS power tunes acts simply amazing when it comes to performance on and off the road. The steering wheel plays safe with being light, and effortless to maneuver in the city traffic. The nimble yet firm suspension makes the occupants feel comfortable even in the bumpy conditions. With light kerb weight of 1308kg, the Renault Duster driving and handling comes ‘more’ up to the mark as one experiences a sort of sedan or large hatchback behind the wheels.

The transmission especially the 6-speed gearbox that is mated to 110PS is smooth, and has no vibrations when it comes to upward shift of gears, which is something extraordinary in this compact SUV Renault Duster. Moreover, the 5-speed manual transmission also goes along very well with the 85bhp one, whereas the 6-speed manual gearbox is just fantastic. Overall, both the manual transmissions present are as refined as the engine. Nevertheless, the presence of advanced and controlled braking mechanism comes handy in the form of ABS, EBD and Brake Assist.

Renault Duster Accessories

This sensational Renault Duster can be upgraded with plenty of accessories including vibrant shaded seat covers and leather wrapped steering wheel covers that are offered in energetic colors.  For the floor there are rubber mats available in black and transparent as per your choice. Moreover stylish alloy wheels are also at hand to make you Renault Duster look distinct. There are modern graphics that are enough to make your car look unique in the whole lot. Some other accessories comprise of front and rear mud flaps to absorb any wet muddy splash on the outer surface of your Duster. Furthermore, the ORVMs with turn indicators can also be fitted for best visual appeal from side along with adding upon to the safety aspect. The pleasing Renault Duster accessories will certainly catch the eyes of spectators.

Renault Duster Road Test Report

It’s Duster, Duster everywhere. So let’s drive one and feel the meaty punch. The amazingly compact dimensions of Renault Duster can magnetize any onlooker, while inside its all more than the expected. The vehicle is available with two different power tunes of 1.5L diesel engine i.e. 85PS and 110PS while the 1.6L petrol version comes solo with around 104PS of max power.

We started up in scorching heat from Chennai and headed towards Tirupati to get the real test done in this 150kms run. We were provided with top end Renault Duster diesel version (110PS), this engine has got 6-speed manual transmission. This is the power-train that the SUV enthusiasts should look up to, as 1.5L K9K motor has got hunky power numbers of nearly 109.5 PS along with real good torque figures of about 240 Nm. As soon as you start up, you tend to feel a bit turbo lag that disappears after you achieve anything above 2000rpm. But after this, the ride is just unbelievably fantastic as the real dCi of Renault Duster comes into picture.

The noise of this refined diesel power-train is rarely heard inside the cabin, if at times it does, don’t expect the horrible one like Tata Sumo Gold. When the Renault Duster is on and you are out of it, the noise actually turns into pride, because it’s a diesel engine and you are ought to hear refinement. The 6-speed gearbox is a smoothie and effortless, it won’t let you know that you are cruising above 100 kmph speed. On the way there were numerous occasions we went on to drive on bumpy conditions but the uneven were absorbed well with ease, courtesy aptly aligned suspensions of Renault Duster. Here we didn’t test the uphill task of Duster, but we feel that is it will certainly perform better in that task too. The braking by assistance of ABS and EBD leaves a decent impression on the mind.                           

Renault Duster is carved out of a monocoque construction, same as Mahindra XUV 500, and this can be sensed while driving as body rolls is pretty less and it’s somewhat like that of the sedans, which help in cutting quick corners. Overall, in terms of ride quality and handling Renault has got a winner, whereas the remarkable price tag also secures attention. Prior to the test drive, we were expecting a 4x4 model, but as of now the company has no plans to present the all-wheel-drive version of Renault Duster.

Renault Duster Conclusion

Renault Duster FAQs