Renault SUV Duster with 3 engine options

Creating a new category where a sports utility vehicle (SUV) will appeal to sedan buyers, the French car major Renault India has launched the ‘Duster’, which combines the comfort and sophistication of a sedan and the robust ruggedness of an SUV.

Though being sold under different names in many other countries, Renault, with the help of its 200-strong engineering team in its Chennai plant has got Duster modified for Indian road conditions.

Two most important features of Duster are, competitive pricing and three engine variants - two in diesel and one in petrol - to satisfy varying customer needs. The diesel options use the tested and efficient 1.5 K9K THP, dCi (common rail direct injection) diesel engine.

The more powerful option delivers maximum power of 110PS@3900RPM and peak torque of 248NM@2250RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a fuel efficiency of 19.01 Kmpl (according to ARAI figure). The price of this option starts at around Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom Bangalore). This car is also fitted with a variomatic turbo changer that makes it peppy.

The second diesel option uses the same 1.5 dCi engine with maximum power of 85PS@3750RPM and a peak torque of 200NM@1900RPM. It has a certified fuel efficiency of 20.45 Kmpl which will provide one of the best options for economical city driving with enough power to cruise comfortably on the highway as well, the company said. The price for this starts at around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom Bangalore).

The petrol variant (price begins at Rs 7.20 lakh) uses the 1.6 K4M engine with a maximum power of 104PS@5850RPM and peak torque of 145Nm@3750 RPM. This has 5-speed manual transmission and a certified fuel efficiency of 13.24 Kmpl.

Addressing the media in Bangalore, Renault India Vice-President Sales and Marketing  Len Curran said, “I am sure customers will find Duster the best choice as it offers the comfort of a sedan with the appeal of an SUV. We expect it to be a game changer for this segment.” Duster also comes with active and passive safety features like dual airbags for the driver and co-passenger, ABS and a monocoque body with side impact beams.

Renault has set up its car manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Chennai with a capacity to roll out 400,000 cars annually.