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| Renault Duster Review |
Renault’s Indian innings so far have been nothing to write about. But
Renault Duster is definitely a game changer, a model that makes people
stop and take notice. All of those who ended up in sedan or hatch would
have wanted an SUV, there comes in Renault Duster for them.
Chunky, muscular and looking every inch an SUV- that’s the Duster. In
looks much bigger than its 4.3 meter length like a pure SUV. Big flared
wheel arches, roof rails, 16 inch alloys and squared off styling.
Renault have done some minute changes to make it look plusher compared
to the Duster’s available in rest of the world. The front is simple with
a big chrome finished Renault grille and square head lamps while the
more sculpted rear looks more appealing with its big Duster badging. It
doesn’t re-invent the wheel. It sticks to the basics. Gives you what
you want, removes what you don’t.
Unlike exteriors interiors are pretty conservative and lack that
premium feel. The shiny dash board plastic looks very cheap. The
dashboard is clutter free and you get many features including a 4
speaker music system with USB/AUX and Bluetooth. The equipment levels on
the Duster are very good as you also get keyless entry, ABS with Brake
Assist & EBD, dual front Airbags, satellite Audio & phone
control, rear defogger, rear wiper & washer, electrically adjustable
ORVMs, rear parking sensors, rear AC and leather upholstery. The
highlight of the SUV is its back seat that offers excellent thigh, back
and shoulder support with ample knee – and headroom too.The
air-conditioning too is simply outstanding. The Duster doesn’t get
features like a sun-roof, cruise control or a talking lady.
There are three engine choices- two diesels and one petrol. The
petrol is a 1.6-litre unit generating 102bhp of power @ 5850 RPM. The
one to watch out for and certainly a potential best-seller is the 84Bhp
mid-level oil-burner variant. It is the similar to 1.5-litre K9K power
plant and Renault is offering it in two different avatars. You get 84bhp
@ 4750 RPM and the other more powerful one makes 109bhp @ 3900 RPM on
the top end version.
So far, if you wanted a good SUV, you’d have to spend nearly Rs 20
lakh or stick to a sedan or a hatch. Duster comes in for those.
Price Range
Rs 7.2 and 12 Lakhs (varies with city)
Engine
Fuel: Petrol/diesel
Installation: Front, transverse
Power: 102.5bhp (petrol), 84bhp and 108.5bhp (diesel)
Torque: 14.7kgm (petrol), 20.4kgm and 25.28kgm (diesel)
Transmission
Type: Front wheel drive
Gearbox: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Length: 4315mm
Width: 1822mm
Height: 1695mm
Wheel Base: 2673mm
Boot Volume: 475 litres
Ground Clearance: 210mm
Chassis & Body
Construction: Monocoque
Wheels: 16-inch alloy
Tyres: 215/65-R16
Spare: Full Size
