Renault Duster pickup spotted testing in Europe

The Duster has been a huge success in India for French auto giant Renault, and has sold over a lakh units since its launch two years ago. Renault will soon launch a four wheel drive version of the Duster in the Indian market which will see quite a few takers considering its simplistic lightweight design and powerful diesel engine mated to a ‘go anywhere’ all-wheel-drive drive train.

Renault will soon have a new member of the Duster family in the European market. A pick up version of the Duster is expected to be unveiled at the upcoming Paris motor show in October and will feature the same underpinnings of the Duster compact SUV. The Duster pickup open up new avenues for Renault since they do not currently have a compact pickup truck in their extensive car portfolio. The Duster platform, a monocoque construction will offer both a front wheel drive and al all-wheel-drive layout for the upcoming pickup.

Renault in Europe did have a compact pickup truck option based on the first generation Logan platform but after the launch of the second generation, the Logan was available only in a sedan, hatch or station wagon version. The Duster pickup truck will be available in Europe with both a petrol engine and a diesel mill. We however feel that the best engine for this workhorse would be Renault’s capable 110PS, 1.5-litre, turbocharged diesel dCi engine.

The Duster pickup could also open up a niche market for Renault in India. Although personal pickups have not done well in India due to both consumer tastes and government norms, an up market vehicle like the Renault Duster pickup could very well be a game changer. If launched, the Duster pickup could do up against the likes of cars like the Mahindra Thar appealing to the adventurous niche customer that seems to be on the rise in India every year.