Renault India has launched the much awaited Duster crossover SUV today at a starting price of Rs. 7.19 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Duster is a compact SUV which could shape the future of Renault in India and the company has already received 4000 bookings for the vehicle, even before launch. It is being offered with both petrol and diesel engines and currently has no competition from anyone. The Renault Duster is available in 7 variants across one petrol and two diesel engines (same diesel engine in two set of tunes). The 1.6-litre petrol produces 104 PS, 145 Nm; the 1.5-litre 85 PS diesel produces 85 PS, 200 Nm while the 1.5-litre 110 PS diesel produces 110 PS, 248 Nm. These engines return 13.24 km/l, 20.46 km/l and 19.01 km/l ARAI certified mileage respectively.
2012 Renault Duster Pricing (on-road, Delhi)
Duster 1.6 P RxE – Rs. 8.01 lakhs
Duster 1.6 P RxL – Rs. 9.13 lakhs
Duster 85 PS RxE – Rs. 9.07 lakhs
Duster 85 PS RxL – Rs. 10.22 lakhs
Duster 85 PS RxL (Opt) – Rs. 11.35 lakhs
Duster 110 PS RxL – Rs, 11.35 lakhs
Duster 110 PS RxZ Rs. 12.88 lakhs
Duster 110 PS RxZ with option pack – Rs 11.29 lakhs (ex-showroom price)
The Renault Duster runs on 16-inch wheels and the top model is loaded with ABS, EBD, Airbags, Alloy Wheels, Reverse Parking Sensors, 8 way adjustable driver seat, electrically operated rear view mirrors and keyless entry. The 85 PS RxL variant is offered with an option pack. The Renault Duster is available in six colours – white, black, red, grey, silver, brown and black. The company offers a 2+2 years, 80,000 kms warranty along with pick up and drop service. The company has achieved 60% localization and plans to increase it to 80% in the near future. Renault does not plan to launch a 4×4 version of the Duster in the Indian market.
The Renault Duster is currently manufactured in five countries and India is one amongst them. The French automaker plans to export a large quantity of Duster units to the UK market, branding them as a Dacia there. However exports will start from the end of 2012 to ensure demand for the Duster in the Indian market is met first.
