2014 Renault Duster AWD launched at Rs 11.89 lakh

Renault India has launched the Duster AWD (All Wheel Drive) RxL variant in India at Rs 11.89 lakh and the RxZ variant at Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It’s been a long time coming as Renault already builds a 4x4 Duster at their Chennai plant for the export market. Till now the only Duster on sale was the front wheel drive variant. The AWD version opens it up to a growing group of enthusiasts for its soft-roading credentials as well as for competitive rallies. We have driven it recently and found it quite impressive. (Also read: 2014 Renault Duster 4x4 review )

In terms of styling updates, there’s little to distinguish between the front wheel drive and 4x4 Duster but a few crucial changes make the 4x4 stand out. These are smoked headlamps, gun metal finished alloy wheels and AWD decals running along the side of the car. It’s precious little but enough to differentiate between the two. 

Moving in, the new Renault Duster AWD comes with a new three-pod instrument cluster, a sportier steering wheel, bright red and grey upholstery and a new centre console borrowed from the Renault Duster Adventure Edition. The centre-strip on the dashboard is now grey in colour instead of the beige one available on the regular models.

Crucially, this being the 4x4 veriant, the Duster gets a knob to switch between front wheel drive, auto mode where power is sent to either front or rear or both depending on the wheels with the best traction and a lock mode that sends power to all four wheels upto a speed of 60kmph, after which it shifts to auto mode. Anything besides extreme off-roading can now be handled by the 4WD Duster.

It is also better equipped than the standard Duster models, with traction control, cruise control, a speed limiter, gear shift indicator, ambient temperature gauge, real-time fuel efficiency display and satellite navigation as standard in the top-of-the-line RxZ model. Besides these, the Duster AWD also comes with an integrated 2-din audio system with USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity. The list of driver’s aid is extensive too, which includes ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and dual front airbags.

Renault will offer the Duster AWD only in the diesel 110PS state of tune. The petrol 1.6 and the detuned 1.5-litre diesel with 85PS on tap will continue to be offered in front wheel drive only. The 110PS AWD Duster comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Also read: 2014 Renault Duster 4x4 review