JOIN USCompetition is heating up in the SUV space, that’s why Renault India is gearing up again to storm the market with the new-born Duster. No doubt, for the French car major, the Duster has been the most successful car ever made in an Indian product line-up.
Launched in 2012, the Duster has sold over 1,50,000 units in the country, and now it is back to reclaim its glory with a facelift, and a new variant. The New Duster range which was recently unveiled at the Auto Expo 2016, includes India’s first 6 speed Easy-R AMT and also boasts of more than 32 new changes along with superior engineering, styling, safety and comfort features.
Beautiful exteriors
Interestingly, Renault has retained the design DNA of Duster when it comes to its looks. At first look, you will fall in love with the new Duster. With striking hawk eye cluster headlamps and the new dual-winged front grille are the most significant changes. The redesigned bumper comprising of a silver chuff plate right in the centre with circular fog lamps adds value to the car. One cannot miss the silver skid plates on the front and the rear bumper and chrome exhaust tip that adds to the look.
The integrated electrically adjustable and foldable outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs) with turn indicators gives a luxury impression. Even on the roof rails (Kayak) the Duster badge has mentioned. I really loved the 16-inch gun metal finish alloy wheels, which looks very sporty. In the rear, the signature waterfall LED (light emitting diode) tail lamps completes the refreshed look of this rugged-looking SUV.
Lacklustre interiors
I would not buy this car for its lacklustre interiors. Seriously, when I am paying over Rs 10 lakh. However, I personally visited few dealers in different cities to get feedback about the new Duster. Dealers claimed, it is better when compared with the previous Duster. The quality of plastics has improved drastically, which was a concern earlier. I leave it to you to decide. The new Duster boasts of a crimson-black interior theme with sporty double spacer fabric for AWD, and cedarwood-black interior theme with premium embossed fabric for other variants. This comes along with a dual-tone soft-touch dashboard.
I am unable to digest, how can Renault forgot the rear a/c vent. Definitely, the rear passengers will feel the heat. Renault have retained the old steering with few mounted controls. I wish they would have given the switch to change the FM on the steering, rather than beneath the steering. It is difficult to get used to it.However, I liked the placing of ORVM switch on the driver’s side. Earlier, it was placed beneath the handbrake which was very annoying. The central console is now finished in piano black, and the AC controls have been restyled rather smartly with new touch buttons and dials with a more solid premium feel.
Other features include climate control, cruise control, a reverse camera with parking sensors and GPS navigation which comes as standard on the top of the line variant.
Let’s spin
On a beautiful Sunday morning, we started our journey from Vashi, Mumbai. The moment we sat inside the car, we were pleasantly surprised to be driving the AMT variant.
Honestly, I could not make out the difference between the AMT gear knob. The moment you occupy the driver’s seat, you can feel of the larger SUV. We were ready to spin the country’s first 6-speed Easy-R AMT variant.
The mindsets of Indians towards AMT is changing. Renault aims to capture this segment to enhance market share. Switch on the ignition and the engine comes alive. On a serious note, the new AMT is a driver’s delight enabling easy driving in busy city traffic conditions. The AMT offers three modes — R, N & D (reverse, neutral and drive). It is available on K9K 1.5-litre dCi engine with maximum power of 110PS@4,000rpm and peak torque of 245Nm@1,750rpm. The new AMT provides similar fuel economy of 19.6 kmpl as the manual (ARAI).
Being a larger car, it is very agile. As expected, there is a lag in gear changes at lower speeds. At the initial stage, may be up to 70 kmph, one can feel the performance of the car. Moreover, post 90 kmph is the time, you would definitely love this car. That to once you cross 3,000 rpm, the engine revs up. You feel like pushing the car very hard. I could touch easily the speed of 170 kmph.
Now, we are entering the hills around Lonavala. We found that, there is a bit of strain driving in this ghat section, and there is a lag in acceleration. AMT variant has a noisy cabin as the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) level is bad. At taking turns, even my co-driver was complaining about the change of indicators.
Most of us are used to the knobs on the right. In Duster, it is on the left side. Instead of turning on indicators, we end up switching on wiper and washer. Seriously, it is annoying.
On the way to Pune, we came across a number of tunnels. The flashy illuminated instrument panel and power windows come alive, which is good.
At standstill, most of the SUVs go back, however, Duster AMT system has hill-start which holds your car for 2 seconds, making for an effortless uphill drive. It has a creep function to maintain traction, and electronic stability programme for a stress-free drive. The new Renault Duster also features an evolved T4 Electrical and Electronics architecture and a new CMO 10-engine compartment, enabling safety and superior driving experience.
Swapping of cars
Next, I got a chance to test the manual transmission (MT) on the Pune Highway. Again in the driver’s seat, the first impression was the MT has a heavy clutch. On a lazy note, I was hands-free when I was driving the AMT. To get used to the MT was a difficult choice for me, since frequent gear changes were required.
I began to like the car’s performance. By the time I wanted to feel the off-roading experience, we reached the JW Mariott hotel which was our destination.
With a desire to test the car in off-road conditions, I took the SUV (MT-variant) once again and embarked on a new journey. We could not get the right place to test the off-roading experience, till we reached Wakad. Pune has grown so much that one can hardly find mud roads. Finally, I found rough patchy roads. With 210 mm of ground clearance, the new Duster is capable of handling the toughest of Indian roads. I was enjoying the patchy drive so much that I repeatedly drove on the same lane for at least dozen times. I could see the dust touching the sky.In the AWD diesel variant, the reliable and fuel efficient the K9K 1.5 litre dCi engine will deliver maximum power of 110PS@4,000rpm and peak torque of 245Nm@1,750rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, delivering an excellent fuel efficiency of 19.72 kmpl (ARAI).
Price factor
The new Duster with manual transmission is available in five trim levels — Standard, RXE, RXL, RXS, and RXZ, with both diesel and petrol power trains on offer. While the introductory petrol base variant is priced at Rs 8,63,999 (ex-Bengaluru), the top of the line AWD (4x4) variant is offered at an introductory price of Rs 13,73,999 (ex- Bengaluru).
Along with this, the all new Duster will also come with India’s first 6-speed Easy-R AMT in a diesel powertrain at an introductory price of Rs 11,83,999 (ex-Bengaluru).
The new Duster will also be available in a sporty colour — Cayenne Orange. No doubt, with the AWD option and AMT convenience, the new Duster will create a storm in the Indian car market again.