Renault Duster

After the failure of Logan sedan in the Indian markets, the French car manufacturer Renault came back with the Duster which created a sensation in the Indian automobile industry. The company had done perfect groundwork in understanding the needs of the Indian customer and getting their car modified accordingly. Renault Duster, basically a sports utility vehicle was launched in India in the year 2012 and was, straight away, welcomed with high appreciation and sales.

The Renault Duster is endowed with a muscular body with five doors, raised suspension and big tyres, flared wheel arches, scratch plate and plastic cladding on the lower portion of the two tone coloured bumpers and stylish roof rails. Unlike regular SUVs with seven seats, Duster has only five seats which mean there is more space for storage.

There are three engine options available along with fuel options of petrol as well as diesel. The petrol engine is powered with five speed manual transmission gear box, where as the diesel engine is mated with both 5 speed and 6 speed manual transmission. The 4 cylinder in-line 1598 cc petrol engine, with Multi-Point Fuel Injection system churns out 102.5 bhp at 5850 rpm and a maximum torque of 145 Nm at 3750 rpm. The 4 cylinder in-line 1461 cc diesel engine dCi churns out 83. 8 bhp at 3750 rpm and a maximum torque of 200 Nm at 1900 rpm and the 4 cylinder in-line 1461 cc diesel engine dCi churns out 108.5 bhp at 3900 rpm with a maximum torque of 248 Nm at 2250 rpm. The suspension system of Renault Duster imparts precise handling and a pliant ride even on bumpy roads. It has a turning radius of 5.2 m which aids in turning the vehicle easily at tight corners.

The beige coloured interior with its first-class leather seats, plenty of leg space and head room is rather luxurious. The curvy instrument panel, well-finished metallic door handles, chrome gear knob finish, glossy grey front finish and the charcoal grey floor finish impart a plush look. The driver's seat can be smartly adjusted in 8 ways. Renault Duster is embedded with safety features like engine immobiliser, central locking, engine protective under guard, door open warning light, dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, rear defogger, front fog lamps and reverse parking sensor.

Some of the luxury features include keyless entry, power windows with illuminated switches, AC with heater and pollen filter, rear AC vent, tilt steering column and touch-screen audio with satellite navigation.

Renault Duster is priced between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 12 lakh. With competitive pricing and good after sales service, Duster has managed to retain its top position amidst rivals like Ford Ecosport.