As the Renault Duster SUV continues to thrive in India (it has sold more than 100,000 units in 2 years) for Renault S.A., the company went a step further and launched the Duster AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) variant.
After commencing its India operations in 2011, Renault launched premium saloon Renault Fluence, followed by premium SUV Renault Koleos. But these plush models didn?t work out. The very next year, the company bombarded three different segments and launched Renault Pulse hatchback, Duster SUV and Renault Scala sedan. Out of these three, the one that was accepted by buyers was Renault Duster and is now the sole bread earner for the France-based automaker in India.
The New Renault Duster 4WD is presented in two trim levels i.e. RXL and RXZ with price tag reading INR 11,89,499 and INR 12,99,499 (Ex showroom, New Delhi) respectively. Powering the butch stance SUV is the same 1.5L, K9K turbocharged diesel powertrain that churns out a maximum power of 108.5bhp (110PS) and peak torque of 240Nm, which is similar to that of existing Duster. Mated to the engine is regular 6-speed manual transmission gearbox. Well the new thing is that the AWD mechanism features three drive modes – 2WD (Two-Wheel-Drive), Auto and Lock. All these modes can be shifted on the fly by using the button located at the center console beneath AC knob.
To ensure hassle free voyage and off-road drives, the Duster AWD comes with an all-wheel independent multi-link that is armed with Renault’s Electronic Torque Control System (RETCS) that takes care of the distribution of torque among all-four wheels. Some more advanced mechanisms include Cruise Control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Anti-Skid Resistance (ASR). And what?s more? In order to extract extra mileage from the refined diesel motor, Renault has bestowed an ECO mode too. The claimed fuel efficiency by the company is of 19.72 kmpl.
The mean machine that now has all-terrain ability looks nearly similar to that of ongoing two wheel drive versions. As usual it has got tidy muscle cues, bulky headlamps, intriguing 3-slat chrome ridden front grille along with big wheel arches and all other requisites that are necessary to qualify for a rugged and stylish SUV, but in an outlandish compact avatar. The impressive exteriors of 4X4 trim gets blackened out headlamps alongside gun metal finished alloys, matte black B-pillars, striking AWD/4×4 body graphics and embossing at the side, on the tailgate and on the C-pillar. The Duster AWD is offered in as many as 6 body colors i.e. Metallic Woodland Brown, Amazon Green, Pearl Galaxy Black, Metallic Graphite Grey and Pearl Supreme White, Metallic Moonlight Silver.
The interiors of Duster AWD are better in terms of quality and finish compared to the ongoing 2WD models. The appealing and spacious cabin gets a black and grey shade combi soft-touch dashboard, while the new 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel catches immediate attention. Another new is the inclusion of 3-pod instrument cluster that now carries an upgraded Multi Information Display (MID) and new upholstery option of twin-tone grey and red seats. The adorable large screen of MediaNav handles functions like the music, navigation and communication. Other important equipment includes dual airbags, impact sensing door unlocking and multi-function steering wheel.
The Renault Duster since beginning has been truly a value for money proposition for the price conscious Indian buyers. And now, the adventure and cross-country loving consumers too; have a reason to smile as they get a proper 4X4 SUV by merely spending about INR 80,000 more than the standard variants.
