Updated on 18th September 2014
Renault has sent an official communication regarding the launch of the Renault Duster AWD to the media. The Renault Duster AWD will be launched here on 24th September 2014, at an event in Delhi. We will be bringing you live updates from the event, stay tuned.
Updated on 18th August 2014
The Renault Duster 4×4 will be launched in India soon. Some auto publications have been able to test the car in India and they have revealed what the new variant of the popular compact-SUV will offer. It will not have any direct competition but may give larger SUVs like the Scorpio or the Safari Storme a run for their money.
The Duster 4×4 is not a new product for Renault. It has been exporting this model from the Nissan-Renault plant in Chennai ever since production started. It is a bit puzzling why the company took so long to introduce this very capable off-roader (check out the many videos of the Dacia/Renault Duster 4×4 to get an idea)
What’s New?
Outside:
- ‘Anthracite’ alloy wheels
- New smoked headlamp clusters
- Matte black B-pillars on RxZ trim.
- ‘AWD’ and ‘4×4’ badging
Inside:
- Three-pod instrument cluster with MID
- Three-spoke steering wheel
- Dual-tone grey and red seats
- Black and grey dashboard with soft-touch plastics
- Improved quality
Underneath:
- Powered by the same 1.5-litre diesel engine with 109 BHP of power
- Electronic 4×4 system. Three modes: 2WD, Auto and Lock.
- Independent suspension all around, improves handling on-road too
- Tweaked ECU for better tractability
- Tweaked clutch for easy shift
- Gears changed for better low-speed driveability
With a price about Rs. 80,000 more than the equivalent 109 BHP variant of the standard duster, the Duster 4×4 is a value for money proposition for those who want the proper SUV features at a low price and in a smaller package.
Photo Gallery
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Photos and news courtesy: Autocar India
Updated on 9th August 2014
We had earlier reported that Renault is planning to introduce an all-wheel drive (AWD) variant of the Duster in the near future. But latest reports suggest that the launch of the vehicle may not be too far away now with an expected launch timeline of September end or in October 2014. Additionally select Duster owners are reported to have received invites for a preview of the vehicle, which is an indication that the vehicle could go on sale soon. Addressing the one thing which stung the Duster, the 4×4 is set to boost its off-roading capabilities as well as its expected customer base.
Price:
The 4×4 Duster is expected to be about Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1 Lakh costlier than the 110Ps RxZ variant.
Expected Specs & Features:
A 4WD transfer case transmits power from the engine equally to the four wheels. Hence, it decreases the risk of any one of the wheels losing traction in unchartable terrain like inclines or loose gravel. Consequently, the vehicle becomes capable of lording over off-road terrain.
Features on board the new Duster 4×4 will include:
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Steering mounted controls
- 2DIN stereo system
- Rear air conditioning vents
The Duster 4×4 will also receive safety features such as keyless entry, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, emergency brake and dual SRS airbags.
The Duster 4×4 is already on sale in Europe, where it wears a Dacia badge. For UK and Ireland, the Dacia Duster is built in India at the Renault-Nissan factory near Chennai. The SUV is available with a choice of two four-cylinder engines – 1.6-litre petrol developing 105 bhp and 148 Nm and 1.5-litre, K9K diesel producing 107 bhp and 240 Nm. For India, we expect the latter to be used. The 4×4 system is likely to be carried over from the European-spec Duster, which means that the 4L option will left out.
The Duster has undoubtedly led the compact SUV segment since its launch but will the Duster 4×4 help it stand out in what now is a very densely populated segment ? Well, lets wait and watch.
Source: Autocar
