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Sneak Peak: New Renault Duster revealed, both price, looks tweaked

Renault Duster seeks to overtake Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV with a neat passing manoeuvre.

In the last two years, the battle of compact SUVs has crossed all limits and car-makers unveiled some smart vehicles, like the Renault Duster. Now they are busy in sketching out the revamped avatars of their existing crossovers, tweaking price points or even introducing new models.

The SUV segment is humming, causing even the hatchback and mid-size sedan consumers to change their buying preference and discover the joy of SUVs in the same price range. At present, the Indian compact utility car segment is majorly ruled by Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport, Maruti Ertiga and Mahindra Quanto.

Renault Duster, being the oldest and falling into a comparatively high price range, faces tough competition from these new rivals. Therefore, to offer its fans something new and seeking to lure newer customers, the company unveiled the new Renault Duster.

Designed with slight modifications to impress the domestic car buyers, new Renault Duster looks improved, even dynamic. Though the car maker has not yet confirmed the exact launch date of this car but speculations are rife that the company will showcase it at the upcoming Indian Auto Expo 2014 which will be held in Greater Noida.

Significantly, looking at the structure and design along with minor interior and exterior upgrades, the new Renault Duster is more adorable than its current model. Major changes in the refurbished Duster can be seen at the dual-tone chrome grille. Additionally, the changes that make the Renault Duster a must-buy product are modified headlights with double-optic units and daytime running lights, new tail lamp cluster, refined roof rails, chrome lined exhaust and revamped scuff plate. It also carries 16 inches dark metal alloy wheels that makes it look sporty. Overall, the presentation of the new Duster has been modified to make it more bold and youthful.

Similarly, the interiors have also got slight modifications that the enthusiasts will surely applaud. Though the cabin looks much similar to its current version but there are some noticeable changes like steering mounted controls, new instrument cluster, centre arm-rest with storage box and a revised central console that feature?s Renault Duster?s new infotainment system. Also, the power-window switches are changed and even the upholstery is all new. One thing that makes the new Renault Duster superior than the rivals is the large sized 475 litres boot space.

There are not many changes as far as the power-train is concerned. The new Duster is available in a 1.6 litre petrol engine and a 1.5 Litre K9K engine. This 1.5 litre mill is capable of churning out two differentiated peak powers i.e. 85 PS and 110 PS. Speculation has it that the company may introduce new Renault Duster in an all-new 1.2 litre TCe Turbocharged petrol engine. If it comes to India, it will surely challenge the low capacity 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine of Ford EcoSport. This 1.2 litre mill may be coming with a six speed manual transmission.

Renault is going right with its business strategies and the unveiling of Duster?s new avatar reflects its approach to capture a major share in the compact SUV segment. However, it also has to battle with other popular SUVs like Mahindra XUV500 and Nissan Terrano. Looking at the long list of rivals, we hardly expect Renault to manipulate prices. Expectations are that the new Renault Duster will go for sale somewhere in the price range of Rs. 8.50 lakh to Rs. 13 lakh.

Renault Duster 2014

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First published on: 03-12-2013 at 17:53 IST
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