The popularity of a car like Renault Duster in India can be judged by the fact that 6,000 units were booked within a week of its launch. The compact urban Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from the French car maker was launched in India on July 4, 2012. Auto industry experts have already declared that the new car is all set to bring a major change in the industry. The auto markets of India and China are emerging as a major hub for SUVs, with buyers more inclined towards diesel cars.
Considering its low price and appealing design, this performance oriented SUV from Renault happens to be one of the most affordable compact SUVs in the global market as of today. The French company has developed the car specifically for Indian terrains and offers its highly-awaited SUV in petrol and diesel versions with lots of improved features, including a rear air conditioner.
The petrol version of Duster delivers maximum power of 102.57 hp and is offered in two variants viz. RxE and RxL, which costs Rs. 7.19 lacs and Rs. 8.19 lacs, respectively. On the other hand, the diesel version also comes in two power configurations, 83.83 hp and 108.49 hp. The former is available in three variants, namely RxE, RxL and RxL diesel optional pack, with a price tag of Rs. 7.99 lacs, Rs. 8.99 lacs and Rs. 9.99 lacs, respectively. The 108.49 hp variant is available in three variants, namely RxE, RxZ and RxZ diesel optional pack, which respectively costs Rs. 9.99 lacs, Rs. 10.99 lacs and Rs. 11.29 lacs. This competitive pricing of the Duster has attracted both – premium hatchback as well as sedan buyers in India.
Managing Director (MD), IHS Global Insight, India, Deepesh Rathore, said, “The market is looking for quality. Duster has some advantages. It's a spacious car with a dependable and robust engine mated to a solid design. Had it come from Maruti or Hyundai stable, it would have been an instant success. Limited market penetration and poor brand image could be major drawbacks.”
The petrol variant of Duster offers a mileage of 13.24 kmpl, whereas 20.45 kmpl is delivered by the 83.83 hp diesel version and 19.01 kmpl by 108.49 diesel variant. This new car comes loaded with a host of innovative features like stylish chrome grille, twin barrel headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, plush leather upholstery and four-speaker music system which supports USB, AUX-In and bluetooth connectivity. In order to ensure a complete safety of its passengers, features like front fog lamps, keyless entry, dual front air-bags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Duster also boasts of advancements like steering mounted audio and phone controls, rear defogger as well as wiper, electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs), rear parking sensors and a massive cargo space of 475 litres. Happy with the initial success of the Duster in India, Renault is now gearing up to launch the Scala sedan in the country. It would be interesting to watch how the market responds to this new sedan and whether or not the French car maker will be able to carve a niche in the Indian auto market with these two launches.
![Renault Duster [2020-2022]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/n/cw/ec/47028/duster-exterior-right-front-three-quarter-4.jpeg?q=80 "Renault Duster [2020-2022]")
