Renault Duster review-Better ground clearance and low cabin noise

French auto maker Renault has launched the new refreshed model of the highly successful compact SUV- the Duster in India. The price of Renault Duster ranges between Rs. 8.3 lakhs and 13.5 lakhs. The price is ex-showroom, New Delhi. The vehicle comes with updated new interior and a new ECO drive mode which will surely increase the appeal of the Duster with better comfort and enhanced fuel efficiency. The main market rivals of the Renault Duster include the Hyudai Creta, Maruti S-Cross, Mahindra Scorpio, Nissan Terrano and Ford EcoSport. One of the most outstanding features of the Renault Duster is it comes with an AWD (All wheel drive) variant whereas its rivals like the Ford Ecosport, Hyudai Creta and other crossovers are offered only in FWD (Front Wheel Drive).

ENGINE AND SPECIFICATIONS

renault_duster_diesel_engin

The Renault Duster comes with both petrol and diesel engine options. The 1.6 litre petrol engine has a max torque output of 104 PS at 5750 rpm. At the same time, the vehicle is available in two 1.5 litre diesel and both the diesel variants have the same engine. The base diesel variant gives a power of 85 PS and 200 Nm of maximum torque while the high end variant of the same provides a power 110 PS and a maximum torque of 245 Nm. The Renault Duster 85 PS model has a top speed of 150 kmh whereas the 110 PS model goes up to 170 kmh.      

As far as transmission is concerned, the Renault Duster comes mated to a five speed manual transmission for the petrol trim and five and six speed transmission for diesel trim. Moreover, the vehicle has linear in-gear acceleration along with well contained NVH levels. Besides, the car has a 50 litre of fuel tank capacity.

The Renault Duster petrol offers a mileage of 13.05 kmpl while, the 85 PS variant of the Renault Duster gives a mileage of 19.87 kmpl and the 110 PS variant delivers 19.64 kmpl. All fuel efficiency figures are ARAI certified.  

In terms of safety, the Renault Duster comes equipped with ABS with EBD and brake assist, airbags for both front passengers, ASR, rear parking sensors, hill start assist, a rear defogger, a rear wash system, a rear wipe system, speed sensitive auto door locks, impact sensing auto door unlocking mechanism. In addition to these, this SUV has a rapid deceleration warning indicator also.  

EXTERIOR

The duster suv car has 475 litre of boot space and 205 mm ground clearence

The Renault Duster  has a typical SUV like squatting stance and bulges showing from every angle. The car is 4,315 mm long, 1822 mm wide and 1695 tall and has a wheelbase of 2673 mm. In addition, it has a ground clearance of 205 mm.

The Renault Duster comes equipped with a number of features like new double barrel headlights, front grille surround, back door embellishments and stylish roof rails. The front bumper is a neat unit which houses a silver faux kid plate. Besides, the fog lamps are integrated at the either side of the bumper. The silver 5 spoke alloys are 16 inchers and wrapped by 215 mm rubber. The car has 475 litre of boot space.

The top end models display chrome exhaust pipe finisher, body coloured outside door mirrors and sporty aluminum alloy wheels also. The Renault Duster is available with a choice of 7 colours- Metallic Fiery Red, Metallic Woodland Brown, Pearl Galaxy Black, Metallic Moonlight Silver, Pearl Supreme White and Metallic Graphite Grey and Amazon Green.

INTERIOR

 Renault Duster is a five seater compact suv  car

The interior of the Renault Duster is well equipped with dual tone premium leather seats with beige coloured interiors. The adjustable driver seat gives much comfort even on a long drive. At the same time, the Renault Duster also provides a navigation console, one touch lane change indicator, steering mounted audio and phone controls. Furthermore, the glossy metallic grey centre fascia finish, chrome gear knob finish, charcoal grey floor console finish and glossy metallic grey door grab handle finish make the car stylish and attractive.

Apart from these, other important features of the Renault Duster include real time fuel efficiency display, distance to empty warning, instrument cluster and upholstery, a new improved soft touch dashboard, new upholstery, ambient temperature display and a multi information display panel which comes with a service reminder.     

PERFORMANCE

Renault Duster's petrol version offers a mileage of 13.05 kmpl while, its 85 PS variant of delivers a mileage of 19.87 kmpl and the 110 PS variant delivers 19.64 kmpl

The Renault Duster is available in two fuel options and three engine options. The Renault Duster petrol is a decent performer. In fact, the power output and performance of all variants is good. The handling of the Renault Duster is extremely nice. All the variants of the Renault Duster come equipped with ABS with EBD (electronic brake distribution), except the base trim. At the same time, the vehicle has sharp brakes and the braking system is excellent also.

ADVANTAGES

The Renault Duster looks extremely bold when viewed from front. In point of fact, the large chrome, sporty alloys and rear wheel arches give the Renault Duster a pure SUV kind of look. The powerful diesel engines and nice suspension make the journey very comfortable. At the same time, five people can easily and comfortably sit. Luggage space is enough.     

DRAWBACKS

Interior quality of the Renault Duster needs some improvement. Fuel efficiency of petrol engine is not good. The base trim does not have music system. In the same way, the top version does not have climate control feature.   

VERDICT

The Renault Duster is an excellent value for money product. The main highlight of the Renault Duster is the AWD variant, that is exclusively offer on Duster. And, as a matter of fact, AWD is not offered by other SUV. Besides, the SUV is one of the best at this price range. Seats of the car are much comfortable. The SUV has sufficient amount of boot space. In addition, a short turning radius of 5.2 m makes the car extremely agile and easy to maneuver even in tight corners.