Renault Duster

The compact SUV space has been one of the most eagerly contested car segments in our country in these recent times. There are some very attractive cars present here and it is difficult to choose one. But much before the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier, MG Hector, and the Kia Seltos were launched there was a car that started it all and the name was the Renault Duster. This car was introduced as a reasonably priced, compact SUV which had it all - space, grand ride quality, and excellent performance. Before this year, Renault dropped the engine and it went petrol-only with the Duster and hence we notice the launch of a new turbo petrol engine combining the present naturally aspirated motor.

How is the design of the Renault Duster?

At the present the Renault Duster established a facelift in 2019, changes did not take place since then. The SUV comprises the vibrant new grille with chrome slats, projector lamps, chunky roof rails, and many more notable features. The new Turbo model also comes with the red mark on the front grille, the tailgate, the roof rails the fog lamp cover up all of them. The Duster writing also is in red which is extremely attractive. Or else the full chrome grille, the dual-tone body is colored front bumper present with the skid plates, projector headlamps with LED DRLs, LED tail lamps and the diamond cut alloys are similar like the facelifted version. There are 7 colour options that you can get including the new Mahogany Brown which is beautiful.

How is the drive?

The 2020 Renault Duster launches with two petrol engine options. The first one is the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that is tuned to churn out 105 bhp and builds up a high torque of 142 Nm, and this brand new attractive car launches with a mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. Then you get the new 1.3-litre, turbocharged petrol engine that makes 154 bhp and high torque of 254 Nm. This car is mated to a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic which satisfies the customer. All that power and torque implies that right from the word Go, this is a car that gives you a lot of enjoyment. Even the new 7 step CVT performs brilliantly with this engine and you can look ahead to those overtaking maneuvers or that traffic light rotating green you can just put your foot down and can see how rapidly it responds. And it does. But, we do miss the paddle shifters on this one. It would have positively been a great welcome addition. 

How safe is Renault Duster?

Renault Duster offers many safety features which include  ABS with EBD driver and also comprises passenger airbags, rear parking sensors, seat belt prompt speed alert as standard and also offer with features such as Reverse Parking Camera, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill-Start Assist.

How is the interior?

The black interior brings a unique feel to the rider. It also provides the fabulous 7-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connection, and voice recognition functions. You will get a steering wheel control system and an Arkamys tuned sound system with 4 speakers and 2 front tweeters. The cabin is as spacious as always, and the interior is a bit better than the cars modified before 2019. Despite improvements in quality and performance, the Duster's cabin is very different from some other vehicles in this segment. Although most competitors are equipped with wireless chargers and sunroofs, Duster does not even have rear vents for air conditioning or telescopic steering adjustment. It is also not a connected car but has a useful function, that is, the pre-cooling function. Just press a button on the control key to turn on the engine and AC before getting into the car. These options are available on both manual and CVT models, and they will work as long as the car can recognize a key that is only a few meters away. The 475-litre boot space also provides some comfort.

How’s the Storage?

The fuel capacity of Renault Duster is 50 litres and the Boot space of Renault Duster is 475 litres.

How is the mileage of Renault Duster?

The mileage of the Renault Duster is 13.1-16.6 Km/l which is good.

How is the tech?

Renault also added ice-blue graphics to a set of MID (Multiple Information Display) devices that provide all vehicle information. The gizmo list also includes a 7-inch touch screen with MediaNAV Evolution, which is provided with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition, and EcoGuide, a system that monitors driving behavior and provides suggestions on how to improve efficiency. Other features include fully automatic climate control, lighting, and cooling glove box, etc. The new Duster offers 38 innovative accessories in different categories. In terms of safety, the updated Duster complies with the BNCAP standards for the front, side, and pedestrian collisions, and complies with new and stricter safety regulations. It also has ABS with EBD, driver and front passenger airbags, rear parking sensor, seat belt reminder, and standard speed warning, as well as additional functions such as a reversing camera, electronic stability program (ESP), and trigger assist points. These striking features of this car attract customers.