Renault Duster

Price: The cheapest SUV launched by American Motors Giant Ford under the name Ford EcoSport at a price as low as Rs. 5.82 Lacs and its variants goes up to Rs.9.37 Lacs, which definitely has shaken the mini-SUV market in India. Another mini-SUV from Renault that has proved a tough competition to other cars in the same segment is Duster, which comes with a seating capacity of 5 with a starting price of Rs.7.99 Lacs for the petrol version. The upcoming mini-SUV by Nissan which resembles with Renault's duster a lot because of sisterly relation between Renault and Nissan comes at a price of Rs.7 Lacs.

Specifications: Duster comes with a 1598cc 16V petrol engine which produces a maximum power of [email protected] coupled with 6-speed manual gearbox. Whereas Ford EcoSport comes with a 1.0l ecoboost petrol engine which produces a peak power of [email protected] On the other hand Nissan Terrano's 1598cc engine produces a maximum power of [email protected] and a maximum torque of [email protected] and [email protected] It comes with 6 speed manual transmission in diesel and 5 speed manual transmission in petrol version respectively.

Features: Ford EcoSport is exactly 316mm less than duster which is easily observed in the form of its poor leg room at rear seat and boot space which is 134 liters. Duster also beats EcoSport by a 5mm better ground clearance. EcoSport offers a mileage of 22.7kmpl, whereas duster offers, 20.45kmpl and Terrano also offers 20.45kmpl. Hence EcoSport leads in case of mileage.

Verdict: If we take in consideration the exteriors Ford EcoSport and Nissan Terrano are way more stylish than Duster, whereas EcoSport lacks in boot space and rear seat comfort, but it is overcame by its low cost and higher mileage than the other two cars in the same segment. But overall Ford EcoSport beats the other two as low cost and high mileage is what we Indians look up to.

Renault Duster is an idea one and comes equipped with numerous impressive safety aspects. It features a hydraulically operated diagonal split circuit braking system which consists of front disc brakes and the rear drum brakes. Renault Duster comes fitted with an efficient McPherson monocoque suspension which offers you a comfortable and a joyful journey.

When it comes to the safety aspects, it comes equipped with Anti-Lock Braking System, Emergency Brake Assist, a Stability Control Module, an impact sensor door lock and powerful headlights which re applicable in bad weather conditions too. The front two airbags protect the frontal occupants from any injury during collisions. The interiors are much roomy and spacious. It offers a good driveability and a best-in-class fuel economy. The only lament is its seating capacity is not much impressive.

No, none of the Renault cars are available in the CSD canteens.

The SUV is an impressive and offers you a delightful ride. It comes loaded with many impressive features and it comes in both petrol and diesel mills. The petrol one has a displacement capacity of 1598 cc and features the DOHC technology. It produces a peak power of 100.3 bhp at the rate of mere 5850 rpm. The max torque churned out stands at 145 Nm at mere 3750 rpm. The compact SUV grabs in all the active as well as passive safety aspects. They include Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Assist, Stability Module, warning lamps and much much more. The acceleration is remarkable.

Renault Duster weighs around 1308 kg and the exteriors are greatly designed. The 16” alloy wheels look good on it and the tubeless radial tyres provide better grip and stability to the car. The fuel economy, the elegant interiors and a good driveability are its plus points. But the seating capacity is not so good.

Renault Duster RxZ Plus has been priced at Rs.12,12,000.

This D segment SUV comes with attractive exteriors and with few attractive add-ons. It still comes endowed with a 1461cc engine which features the dCi technology and runs on diesel. Renault Duster RxZ Plusoffers a decent power of 108 bhp at 3900 rpm and a peak torque of 248 Nm at the rate of mere 2250 rpm. The overall length of the SUV stands at 4315 mm and its just 1822 mm wide. Its a perfect five seater and the interiors are well done with. The seats are nicely upholstered with great quality leather and it even features a satellite navigation system.

On the inside door handles and few other spaces, it has a faux wood finish which gives it a luxurious look. The braking system consists of the disc brakes fitted at both front and rear sections. The fuel tank is of 50 liters capacity and the kerb weight measures 1235 Kg. When it comes to the safety aspects, it lacks Electronic Stability Program and the Traction Control. It doesn't has the rear AC vents which is something annoying but all in all, the compact SUV is a complete value for the money.