Renault Duster Turbo RXE

The Renault Duster Turbo RXE is a significant upgrade to the Duster lineup, particularly with the introduction of the 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This engine, producing 154bhp and 250Nm of torque, makes it the most powerful Duster yet and one of the most powerful SUVs in its segment. The vehicle comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, though CVT options are available in higher variants. It boasts excellent ride quality, thanks to its 205mm ground clearance and robust suspension, making it well-suited for Indian roads. The Duster Turbo RXE also features dual airbags, ESP, and hill start assist for safety. While the interior design feels a bit outdated, it includes convenient features like a pre-cooling function and a decent 475 litres of boot space. Overall, the Duster Turbo RXE offers a potent blend of performance, comfort, and practicality, making it a strong choice for those looking for a fun and capable SUV.

The Renault Duster Turbo RXE is a compelling package for those seeking a powerful and fun-to-drive SUV. With its 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 154bhp and 250Nm of torque, it stands out as one of the most powerful options in its segment. The engines performance is impressive, with minimal turbo lag and a linear power delivery that makes it adept for both city driving and highway jaunts. However, the interior, while functional, feels a bit dated and lacks some of the modern features like wireless charging, sunroof, and rear AC vents that its competitors offer. Despite this, the Dusters excellent ride quality, impressive ground clearance, and engaging driving experience make it a strong contender. If you can overlook the somewhat outdated interior, the Duster Turbo RXE offers a unique blend of power, comfort, and value.

The new Renault Duster, which will include the Turbo RXE, is expected to offer both 5-seat and 7-seat configurations. The 7-seat version could have an extended wheelbase, placing it in the D1-SUV segment alongside vehicles like the Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV700. This flexibility in seating options will appeal to a broader range of buyers.

The interior of the new Renault Duster Turbo RXE will feature a modern and durable design, including hexagonal AC vents, a free-standing 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a horizontal panel with buttons for infotainment and HVAC control. These updates should make the cabin more comfortable and technologically advanced.

Renault is planning to position the new Duster, including the Turbo RXE variant, as a strong competitor to other C-segment SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. With its revamped design, advanced features, and multiple engine options, it is likely to attract significant attention in the Indian market.

The new Renault Duster will be offered with several engine options, including a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol with a mild-hybrid system, a 1.0-litre bi-fuel engine, and a 1.6-litre hybrid engine. The 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine, which could be part of the Turbo RXE variant, is also flex fuel compatible and paired with a mild hybrid setup. This variety of powertrains should cater to different consumer preferences.

The 2024 Renault Duster, including the Turbo RXE, will feature a revamped interior with a new dashboard layout, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a digital instrument cluster. The cabin also includes a 3-spoke steering wheel and a mobile phone mount beside the steering wheel. I believe these features will significantly enhance the driving experience.

The Renault Duster Turbo RXE is priced competitively in the Indian market. The base RXE variant, which comes with a manual gearbox, is priced at Rs. 10.49 lakh ex-showroom. When you factor in the on-road costs, including taxes and other expenses, the price can go up to around Rs. 12-13 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. This pricing makes the Duster Turbo RXE an attractive option compared to its rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, which are priced significantly higher. The value-for-money proposition here is strong, especially considering the performance and features you get for the price.

The mileage of the Renault Duster Turbo RXE is a mixed bag. Renault claims a fuel efficiency of 16.5 kmpl for both the manual and CVT options. However, real-world mileage can vary, especially in traffic conditions, where it can drop to around 10 kmpl or even lower. While this is not as efficient as some of its diesel counterparts or even the 1.5-litre petrol variants, the increased power and performance make it a trade-off many might be willing to accept. For those concerned about running costs, its essential to weigh the benefits of the turbocharged engine against the slightly higher fuel consumption.