Renault Duster Variant Highlights

Now, Renault has certainly got the pricing spot on with regards to their new entry level SUV offering the Duster that has been officially launched in India. But there’s more to this so called ‘priced for success’ formula than meets the eye, and your first clue lies in the fact that this is the first soft roader in the country’s history to offer as many as eight variants for the very same model, and we aren’t even talking about two-wheel and four-wheel drive categorization, because where the Duster is concerned, Renault has been very categorical in stating that there are no immediate plans of introducing a 4x4 version anytime soon. Also read: Renualt Duster: First Drive

So, that turns our focus to the Duster’s flexible engine options that are being offered in both petrol and diesel; two differently tuned (110PS & 85PS) diesel pots and one adequately powered (104PS) petrol mill to be precise.  Starting from Rs 7.19 lakh for the base petrol variant all the way up to Rs 11.29 lakh for absolutely loaded diesel trim, there are plenty of mid-variants, option packs and special leather fitted models to choose from, but how exactly do you find the Duster best suited for you? Well that’s what we are here to tell you.

For starters, get yourself conversant with the fact that there are in fact just three real trims where the Duster is concerned; they are RxE (base), RxL (mid) and RxZ (high-end). However, not all model s (based on engine option) offer you a base, mid and high-end variant to pick from. 

Like for example, the RxE is available only with the 104PS petrol and 85PS diesel model. The RxZ is available only with the 110PS diesel model, but the RxL variant is being offered on all three Duster model with their varying displacements.

Nevertheless, all the features that you will see be it safety, comfort or other accessories listed under any particular variant will be available to you irrespective of which model you pick, the exception being the advent of the Optional pack that is not up for grabs on all Duster models. But we’ll come to that later.

RxE Variant:

Nevertheless, the basic fundamentals remain unchanged and for those who would like to go with the base RxE variant, here’s what you should be informed of. For starters the RxE takes the backseat on overall safety and is forlorn of equipment the likes of ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and Airbags. Basic security features like an Engine immobilizer and a Central Locking system are available, but then again hacking off the rear de-fogger, rear wiper & washer, front fog lamps and even a reverse parking sensor means that the RxE would severely impair a driver’s on road visibility especially during the monsoon season.

Comfort and convenience also takes quite a beating in the RxE trim due to the absence of an independent rear AC duct, driver seat adjustment options, electrically operated ORVMs (outside rear view mirrors), an onboard trip computer and most tragic of all even a basic audio system. There is however provision for keyless entry, power windows, power steering and a standardized HVAC unit up front.

Where the base variant doesn’t fare too badly is on the outside. Renault has ensured your vehicle looks as good to the outside world variant irrespective, and on RxE you’ll find see everything from fancy double barrel headlamps, two tone coloured bumpers, a chrome front grille to even a stylish Roof Rail and steel wheels. 

RxL Variant:

If the RxE leaves you relatively dissatisfied and you have a budget that is bordering on the Rs 9-10 lakh range, then this is where you should be digging your hands into. The RxL (mid-variant) offers you a wider palette of safety, comfort and convenience features, and moreover is the only trim available with all three Duster engine specification models.

This is by far the most price tangible trim offering Renault customers the choice of picking a Duster (petrol or diesel) from a range of Rs 8.19 lakh – Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). While safety features on the RxL variants are not offered as standard the 110PS diesel model under this particular trim does come with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist systems to ensure you drive a safer vehicle.

The RxL variant as a whole is a feature packed variant and worthy of its asking price. Everything that dissuades you from opting for the cheaper RxE variant you’ll find remedied on the RxL version. This includes the availability of front fog lamps, rear washers, front and rear air conditioning units with independent control, electrically adjustable ORVMs, adjustable front and rear seat configurations, extra storage units, a 12V accessory socket (front & rear) and a full-fledged 2 DIN Audio system with USB, Aux-in & Bluetooth + 4 Speakers. 

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Even the exterior and interiors of this trim have been significantly spruced up with the addition of body coloured outside door mirrors, metallic champagne silver steering wheel & door grab handle finish, a piano black finish for the floor and centre fascia and trendy beige seat fabric upholstery.

RxL Optional Pack: 

A special mention here of the one of a kind Optional Pack with the RxL 85PS dcI model, which gets a special box on the Renault Duster spec sheet owing to its unique equipment levels. Priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) this special lower displacement diesel model is the only one in the RxL family that offers a rather pleasing combination of safety and style with through the inclusion of dual front airbags, ABS + EBD + Brake Assist, driver seat belt reminder, sporty aluminum wheels and reverse parking sensors. 

RxZ Variant: 

And finally for those smitten by the Duster’s looks, drive quality and overall fit and finish, and feel that this a vehicle you’d like to confidently splurge on, then the RxZ i.e. the apex of the Duster variant pyramid will offer you every feature you’ve read about so far and much more. 

Although available to only Duster customers who fancy the 110PS strong diesel model, the RxZ trim is a tick tick all the way on the Duster’s features and equipment data sheet boxes and besides all the standard safety and convenience functionalities you can think of, the RxZ trim stands out on two bits of detailing in particular. 

The first is a revolutionary rear HVAC unit that can be controlled independently by passengers seated behind, and the second, Chrome Satin finishes for everything that meets the eye on this vehicle, starting from the body coloured ORMs’, the roof rails to the door side sills. Even the gear knob is wrapped in leather with touches of chrome making it the most visually appealing of the lot.

RxZ Optional Leather Pack:

The penultimate price for the Renault Duster lies with the Optional Leather Pack available only to RxZ 110PS dcI model customers, a whopping Rs 11.29 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). This is the supreme king of all the eight variants available with the Renault Duster.

While few looking to invest in a budget SUV would fervently pick this model, the Duster’s genuine off the tarmac abilities, interior comfort and international branding should attract a lot of customers, who in the Duster’s absence would in all probabilities have shelled out far more for a far lesser equipped SUV that chooses to masquerade itself in a so called higher segment.