The competition in utility vehicle segment of the Indian car market has intensified over the past couple of years. A combination of rise in affordability levels of customers and production of efficient utility vehicles has given led to tremendous sales in the recent past. The demand for compact Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) has risen drastically, something that can be seen by the success of Ford EcoSport and Nissan Terrano. However, the first car to stamp its authority on this segment was Renault Duster, which is still going strong in India. The introduction of Duster revived the fortunes of the French car maker in the country, helping it to sustain revenue levels despite challenging conditions. Although it is a five-seater utility vehicle, Duster has managed to provide competition to several seven-seater cars, which includes Mahindra Scorpio. Due to their popularities, Scorpio and Duster have been competing fiercely in the Indian market.
Mahindra & Mahindra is known for its expertise in manufacturing SUVs that are strong, powerful and deliver a high quality performance. Scorpio is a great example of these characteristics and has been one of the best performers for the Indian car maker. In fact, reports had surfaced a few months back, which stated that Scorpio had beaten Duster in terms of sales, an impressive feat. This model has a bold design featuring an aggressive front grille that is immediately noticeable. It boasts of a sporty bonnet scoop that comes in low-drag intake design, which helps in cooling down the engine. The presence of roof-top ski racks is both stylish and useful. Not only do they add to the appearance of this car, these racks provide optimum space for accommodate luggage safely.
Interiors of this car have been incorporated with several comfort enhancing features, such as power steering, power windows, central locking, futuristic centre bezel and a mobile charging point. Comfort levels for the driver are enhanced by the tiltable steering. Technology, in the modern day scenario, is among the most important features of a car. Mahindra Scorpio runs on the mHawk four-cylinder 2.2-litre diesel engine that has the ability to generate an output level of 120 bhp. The highlight of this engine is its ability to propel good acceleration, enabling Scorpio to clock 60 kmph from 0 kmph in just 5.7 seconds. Another highlight of this model is the 5-zone cushion suspension that works through a five independent links and zero-friction spring to guarantee a smooth drive on bumpy roads.
Renault Duster, being the product of a French car maker, has a certain sense of style that is reflected in its exteriors. This model comes in a rugged design that has a touch of uniqueness to it. Some of the highlights of exteriors of this model are double barrel headlights, door side sill, stylish roof rails and aluminium alloy wheels. As far as interiors of Duster are concerned, Renault has provided dual-tone premium leather seats and beige colour. Comfort and convenience for passengers are guaranteed by the high number of features in this car. To make things easy, this car comes with key less entry, tilt steering column, foldable rear seat backrest and passenger vanity mirror.
For the convenience of customers, Renault Duster comes in both petrol and diesel engine options. Petrol version of this compact SUV runs on a 1.6-litre K4M engine that is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. This engine enables Renault Duster to produce maximum output of around 102 bhp along with peak torque 145 Nm. On the other hand, diesel variant of Duster is fitted with a 1.5-litre dCi K9K powertrain. While the 5-speed manual version delivers 83 bhp of power, the diesel version with 6-speed manual transmission gives an output of around 108 bhp.
If one has to draw a comparison between Scorpio and Duster, both models have their plus points. Mahindra Scorpio is a well-reputed car that is powerful, strong, safe and efficient. On the other hand, Duster is a stylish utility vehicle loaded with several comfort and convenience features. Choosing between the two would depend on the individual's utility. For instance, a person who lives in a city but has to travel on highways frequently would choose Mahindra Scorpio. On the other, an individual who travels within the city would go for Renault Duster.
