Renault Duster has won over the hearts of car enthusiasts, which is a result of its strong design, great features and excellent performance. As the top-selling model from the French automaker this compact SUV still does very well with prospects that are in the market for a practical, stylish and reliable car.
That said before you go and put down a large deposit on a Renault Duster, it is best you do your research on what the car has to offer in terms of features, pros, cons, and if it truly is the right fit for your requirements. Here is what you need to know before purchasing a Renault Duster.
Overview of Renault Duster
Renault introduced the Duster to the Indian market over a decade ago and since then it has been the brand that pioneered the rugged SUV segment for which it is known. With its bold design, muscle look and rock solid performance, the car has a devoted following. As Renault’s star model this vehicle is put forth for customers looking for that right mix of style, dependability and function.
Renault Duster is available in petrol and diesel variants, also it’s price point which is lower than other compact SUVs in the market makes it a great option. That said before you buy this Renault car you do well to look at its specs, performance which includes acceleration and fuel efficiency as well as safety features and what you can expect in terms of resale value.
Key Specifications of Renault Duster
Out with the old in for the better we see with the recent updates to the Renault Duster which indeed do improve on the past models. As for what to look for in a car this may help you determine if the Duster is the right choice for you. Also note that:.
1. Engine Power Output.
Renault has put out two petrol options for Duster a 1.5 litre naturally aspired petrol and a more powerful 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine. What they have done is present great performance from a smooth yet very powerful engine which also has regard for fuel efficiency.
The 1.5 liter engine puts out around 105 bhp and 142 Nm of torque which is enough for city driving.
The 1.3 liter turbo charged engine produces 154 bhp and 254 Nm of torque which in turn makes it great for long distance drives and highway driving.
In either engine option the Renault Duster is a great choice which also includes manual and CVT automatic transmission for added versatility.
2. Fuel Efficiency.
If you are a mileage conscious consumer the Renault Duster does well. We see up to 16.5 kmpl from the 1.5 litre petrol engine and around 15 kmpl from the 1.3 litre turbo petrol in different driving conditions. Though the diesel options are no longer present the petrols do a great job of balancing power and efficiency.
3. Size and Ground Clarity.
As a small to medium SUV the Renault Duster does very well in terms of space inside the vehicle and in its rugged design. Also it has a ground clearance of 205 mm which makes it a great choice for rough terrains and potholed roads in rural and semi urban areas.
4. Home Design.
The Duster has a very practical and elegant interior which includes fabric upholstery and contemporary dashboard design. Our 8 inch touch screen infotainment system which includes support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay provides seamless connectivity. Also very spacious in terms of cabin which easily fits 5 adults in comfort, and also features a large boot for storage which we have noted to be about 475 liters.
Pros of the Renault Duster.
While in a field of many SUV’s which are after the consumer’s dollar, the Renault Duster has what it takes to stand out for the prospective buyer. Here’s what it does best:.
1. Rugged Build
Renault Duster’s great asset is its robust build quality. It handles rough terrain and potholes like a pro which in turn makes it the perfect choice for Indian roads.
2. Driving Comfort
Renault Duster provides great suspension and handling which in turn makes your drive a pleasant experience on that winding road or when you’re into some off roading. Also the turbocharged petrol engine does what it does best in terms of power and response.
3. Versatile Features
This Renault comes with basic modern features like automatic climate control, cruise control, and power steering which in turn improve comfort and convenience.
4. Affordability
Compared to other SUV’s in its class the Renault Duster is a bargain. It also has a lot to offer which is very attractive to budget conscious buyers that want a reliable and practical family car.
5. Strong Resale Value
Thanks to its large scale appeal and solid build quality the Renault Duster does very well in the used car market. Also this makes for lower depreciation when you decide to trade up in the future.
What to Look For in a Renault Duster.
While the Renault Duster has many benefits, there are also some issues and things to keep in mind for which to buy a prospective buyer.
1. Diesel version is limited.
In past models the Renault Duster diesel variant was a star for it’s great fuel efficiency and performance. But with the introduction of more stringent emission regulations and change in market trends diesel options are a thing of the past. If what you are looking for is a diesel engine SUV you may be out of luck.
2. Outdated Design Language
Although the Renault Duster still has that rugged charm, in terms of design the competition has passed it by with their sleek more modern looking SUV’s. Some buyers may find the out of date design of the Duster as a minus point when compared to rivals like the Kia Seltos or Hyundai Creta.
3. Safety features which are not present.
Renault car have a base set of safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ESC. But in terms of advanced safety tech it falls short we see in other competitive compact SUVs features like tyre pressure monitoring, multiple airbags, and autonomous braking which are not present in this model.
4. Cabin Quality
In terms of size the Renault Duster is roomy but it falls short in terms of that premium feel which many of its competitors in the segment have. The materials used for the upholstery and the dashboard could do with an upgrade to better compete with the other players in the field.
5. Limited Service Network
Owners of Renault vehicles report that they require better service networks in outlying towns and rural areas. In the cities which have a large scale Renault service presence maintenance is not an issue at all; this though is a turn off for some buyers.
Which is the Right Fit for You the Renault Duster?
Deciding what the Renault Duster is to you in the end is a matter of what you need and what you prefer. If what you are looking for is a reliable SUV which does very well on the highway and off road the Renault Duster is an excellent choice. Also it’s affordable and has a very good reputation which makes it a smart buy.
Also in terms of tech and engine choices there may not be what you are looking for which may rule some out. It is also recommended to test drive different models and to do a competition study before you decide.
Final Thoughts
Renault Duster is still a force to be reckoned with in the compact SUV field which is a result of its tough performance, reliable build, and affordable price. For the user that is trading in a smaller car or in the market for a multi use family SUV the Renault Duster is the answer.
That said do look into what it has to offer in terms of features, performance and after sales service before you make up your mind to see if it meets what you are looking for. With the right research and due diligence the Renault Duster may just be your ideal choice.
