Renault Duster Launched: Pricing & Features:
Close your eyes and think back to India in 2012. Hatchbacks were ruling the roads, and SUVs were either a luxury or just a dream. Then came Duster, not intimidating in size but certainly friendly on the budget. Duster not only opened new avenues for the industry but changed the thinking of carmakers. Whether it’s the village dirt track or the city flyovers, Duster showed that SUVs are not just luxury vehicles and that ordinary people could own a sport utility vehicle. Now, almost a decade and a half later, the name is back, but this time in an entirely new avatar.
The French carmaker Renault has reintroduced the Duster to India on Republic Day at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. This arena has witnessed not just records but history in the making. It was here that the iconic partnership of Vinoo Mankad and Pankaj Roy stunned the world, and where India accomplished its dream of a first Test series win against England. Time has changed, the faces have changed, but the echoes of this ground remain the same. Now, amidst these resonances, the Renault Duster is back on the field, ready to craft its story on the Indian roads once again. Let's discover what the new
DUSTER
has in store.
Source: aajtak
Stefan Deblee, CEO of Renault India, remarked that the Duster didn’t simply enter the segment as a competitor; it pioneered a new segment in India. Dr. V. Vikraman, the Chief Engineer of Renault Group India, explained, "The new Duster is developed on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), specially tailored for the Indian market." They also noted, "The new Duster is designed with a focus on the Indian market, using 90% Indian components, significantly aiding in keeping the costs low. This SUV provides best-in-class handling."
The new Duster, while its size and shape resemble the global model, boasts a distinct front design. The new headlights feature eyebrow-shaped LED DRLs, which double up as turn indicators. The grille is uniquely designed with 'DUSTER' badging. The front bumper is accented with a protruding silver surround reminiscent of the first generation Duster. On either side, pixel-shaped fog lamps grant it a unique look.
From the side, the new Duster appears more rugged and robust. Black cladding adorns the wheel arches and lower body. The rear door handles are placed on the C-pillar, enhancing its clean profile. Functional black roof rails add to its SUV character, making it even more formidable.
The rear features LED taillights connected by a light bar, absent in the global model. Equipped with a rear wiper and washer, there’s also a roof-mounted spoiler. The black rear bumper with a silver surround adds a pleasant contrast to its simple design.
Vikraman shared that the new Duster comes with three engine options, including a 1.8-liter strong hybrid E-tech 160 petrol engine paired with a 1.4 kWh battery, offering extra power. The company claims that in urban settings, this SUV will run 80% in pure EV mode. Paired with an 8-speed DHT transmission gearbox, this is claimed to be the country’s most powerful strong hybrid engine.
Additionally, the Duster offers a 1.3-liter turbo TCE (TCe 160) engine option, generating 163 PS power and 280 Nm torque. This engine is mated with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) gearbox, featuring wet clutch and e-shifter. The engine sports a mirror-polished finish with power-glide coating.
As the third option, a 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine offers balanced performance for both city and highway driving. Alongside these engine options, the new Duster’s cabin is advanced and premium. Notably, its cabin surpasses the global model in appearances.
In making the new Duster’s cabin premium, the company has left no detail unaddressed. While its interior layout matches the global model, the Indian version employs more premium leatherette material. This is visible on seats, the dashboard, and door trims. The cabin has a black theme, accented with green arcing and stitching. It features a driver-focused dashboard with a 3-spoke steering wheel, free-standing touchscreen, and digital instrument display. The AC vents showcase Y-shaped chrome finishing.
Source: aajtak
The center console retains a clean and simple layout, hosting minimal buttons, a small gear shifter, and controls for seat ventilation, with a silver surround. An adjustable sliding front armrest features internal storage space. The rear seat features a center armrest with two cup holders.
The new Renault Duster is equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, and dual-zone climate control. Powered tailgate and 6-way powered and ventilated front seats are also included. As standard, it offers 6 airbags, plus a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring system, Level 2 ADAS, electronic parking brake, and disc brakes on all wheels. Notably, this is Renault’s first car in India with ADAS features.
Source: aajtak
The cabin includes a feature akin to built-in Google Assistant, eliminating the need to always carry a phone. Users simply sign in with their Google account to personalize their Duster, similar to syncing a smartphone with another device.
The new Duster boasts a 518-liter boot space, expandable to 700 liters. The company asserts this is 80 liters more than the class leader. Both driver and co-driver enjoy a 6-way powered driver seat. Additionally, the SUV is outfitted with an electric panoramic sunroof capable of bearing 50 kg, making it ideal for adventure enthusiasts.
Vikraman emphasized that the new Duster comes with the segment’s best Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature package. It offers over 35 active and passive safety features. Besides multiple airbags, this car arrives with Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) encompassing several autonomous driving features, ensuring daily rides are secure and seamless.
Source: aajtak
Today, Renault India has officially commenced bookings for the new Renault Duster. A special app has been launched for interested customers, enabling them to book their new Duster from home. With booking, customers receive an R-Pass. A booking amount of Rs 21,000 is required.
The company states that the prices for the new Duster will be announced in mid-March, with SUV deliveries starting mid-April. Prior to this, the new Duster will be available at dealerships nationwide. They also mentioned that the turbo engine variant deliveries will commence first, with strong hybrid variant deliveries expected by Diwali.
