Renault Duster RxL

The Renault Duster RxL is a compact SUV that offers a blend of style, comfort, and practicality. Its exterior design is aggressive from the front, with double beam front head-lights that provide good illumination. The interior, while spacious, has some quirks like the awkwardly placed rear AC vent and limited legroom for rear passengers. The engine performance is smooth, especially after the initial turbo lag, and the gearbox is smooth and easy to use. The vehicles suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads, providing a comfortable ride over various terrains. Additional features like keyless entry, central locking, and a sleek key unit add to its convenience. However, the base variants lack essential safety features like ABS and airbags. Overall, the Duster RxL is a good option for those looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient SUV with good ground clearance and handling.

The Renault Duster RxL, when it was available in the market, typically had an ex-showroom price ranging from around 8.5 lakhs to 11 lakhs, depending on the variant and location. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, would usually be about 1-2 lakhs higher, placing the on-road price between 9.5 lakhs to 13 lakhs. This pricing made the Duster RxL a competitive option in the compact SUV segment, offering a balance of features, performance, and affordability. However, prices may vary based on the state, city, and any additional features or accessories chosen.

The Renault Duster RxL, especially the 85 PS diesel variant, is known for its impressive fuel economy. In city driving, you can expect a mileage of around 15-16 kmpl, while on highways, it can go up to 18-19 kmpl. This makes it an economical choice for daily commuting as well as long road trips. The fuel efficiency is a significant factor in reducing running costs, making the Duster RxL a practical option for those concerned about mileage.

The Renault Duster RxL, particularly the 85 PS diesel variant, is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and practical SUV in the Indian market. Its smooth and efficient engine, coupled with a well-adjusted suspension, makes it a pleasure to drive on Indian roads, which are often plagued by potholes and speed breakers. The vehicles ground clearance and 215 profile tyres contribute to its excellent ride quality, making it comfortable for both city driving and highway cruises. However, there are some drawbacks, such as the lack of advanced safety features in the base variants and some ergonomic issues like the awkwardly placed rear AC vent. Despite these, the Duster RxL offers great value for its price, with good fuel economy and a spacious interior, although the rear legroom could be better.

The new-generation Renault Duster, which includes the RxL variant, is set to launch in India by October 2025, with prices expected to start from Rs. 10 lakh. This launch is part of Renaults strategy to boost its presence in the Indian market. I think this pricing will make it a competitive option in the compact SUV segment.

The Renault Duster RxL will feature a completely redesigned interior, including a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen, a 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster, and ventilated front seats. The SUV also comes with wireless charging, automatic climate control, and a redesigned gear selector lever. This new interior looks sleek and modern, which should appeal to many buyers.

The third-generation Renault Duster, including the RxL variant, has secured a 3-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests. The vehicle scored well in side impact scenarios but showed weaker protection for the drivers chest in frontal impacts. I believe this rating is a mixed bag, but its a step in the right direction for safety.

The Renault Duster RxL will be offered with multiple powertrain options, including a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system, a 1.6-litre strong hybrid petrol engine, and a 1-litre petrol-LPG powered unit. This variety should cater to different consumer preferences. I think the hybrid options will be particularly appealing given the current fuel prices.

The new Renault Duster RxL will have a ground clearance of 217mm, a 31-degree approach angle, a 24-degree breakover angle, and a 36-degree departure angle. It also offers a boot space of 472 litres, making it quite practical for daily use. I believe these specs will make it a great choice for both city and off-road driving.