2015 Renault Duster launched in India at Rs 8.30 lakh

Renault has launched an updated version of their uber successes Duster SUV in India at a starting price of Rs 8.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The new car includes updates mainly to the interior and the basic construction of the monocoque that makes the Duster ready for future drive trains and technologies. The new Duster also incorporates an Eco mode that is said to improve fuel efficiency by upto 10 per cent.

The updates on the interior front include cruise control, a speed limiter and new instrument cluster that gives the car a fresher look. The new Duster will also include a new upholstery on the interior and a new soft touch dashboard which in turn will make the cabin slightly quieter.

Speaking on the occasion, Sumit Sawhney, Country CEO and Managing Director, Renault Operations in India said, “The Duster has firmly established the Renault brand in India, and reflects our commitment of introducing products and services that supersede customers’ expectations. Like all our products, we have kept the Duster contemporary and exciting with relevant product improvements and we are confident that the New Generation Duster will further enhance the ‘Legacy of Duster’ in India.”

The Renault Duster is available in both petrol and diesel variants. The 1.6-litre petrol engine makes 104PS of peak power and 148Nm of peak torque. The diesel is available in two states of tune, both with a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine. The lower powered diesel makes 85PS of peak power and 200Nm of torque while the higher-powered variant makes 110PS of peak power and 245Nm of peak torque and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The diesel also gets an all-wheel-drive variant with traction control. The new Duster will go up against the likes of the new Mahindra Scorpio and the Tata Safari Storme in addition to the likes of the Ford Ecosport, Nissan Terrano and the upcoming Hyundai ix25 and Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha