French automaker Renault has added dual front airbags and Media navigation touchscreen system to Duster Rxs variant similar to top of the line RXZ trim. Renault hasn’t made any change in prices as it continues to retail at Rs. 10.75 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Soon, Renault will launch petrol automatic model with 1.6l H4K petrol engine and six speed continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is expected to come at a price of Rs. 10.35 lakh (ex-showroom).
Owing to great response of the Kwid hatch Renault has decided to equip it with same AVN touchscreen system. This addition makes it stand at par with its competitors while dual front airbags make it safer. However, it misses out on automatic climate control which is still exclusive to top ranging variant.
Currently, the Duster is available with both diesel and petrol units. The diesel is a 1.5-litre dCi, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine which churns out 84bhp@3750 rpm with 200Nm of torque@1,750 rpm. Powering front wheels the engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The 1.5l DCi diesel motor also develops 109bhp power@3900rpm and 248Nm@2250rpm. Transmission duties are taken care by a 5-speed manual along with a 6-speed Easy- R automated manual gearbox. The 1.6l K4M petrol engine is good for 102.5bhp power and 145Nm of torque@3750rpm, linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It will soon get 6-speed Easy-R AMT gearbox.
When launched, Duster redefined the compact SUV segment in India. However, off lately it has seen significant drop in sales due to better competition. However, with the additions of these features, sales are likely to get some boost against the current 1500 units a month.
