Renault plans to do what Nissan has been doing with the Micra. Make use of its facility in Orgadam, near Chennai as an export hub. The French car maker plans to manufacture the Duster SUV exclusively in India. The company will produce right hand drive model of the Duster SUV and will export it to all RHD markets including UK, where it will be badged as a Dacia. This is the first time a car maker is making India as the export base for SUVs.
The Renault Duster will be launched in India by mid-2012. It will be powered by a 1.5-liter dCi motor which produces 105 BHP of power and 240 Nm of torque. A 1.6-liter petrol engine will also be offered with the Duster, which will produce 105 BHP of power and 148 Nm of torque. Renault will offer the Duster in both 4×2 and 4×4 options with prices starting at Rs. 8 lakhs. The Duster will compete with the Mahindra Scorpio and the Tata Safari.
