Bye-bye, Renault Duster 85 PS Diesel!

The Renault Duster was the SUV that helped the French carmaker become a household name in India thanks to its popularity following its launch in 2012. Now, an article from NDTV Auto is reporting that Renault has stopped the production of the 84 Bhp (85 PS) diesel variant of the Duster due to supply chain disruptions.

The publication claims that production of the 84 Bhp (85 PS) variant of the Duster diesel was stopped two months ago and that Renault is no longer accepting bookings for the model anymore. Instead, Renault is now prioritising the production of the 108 Bhp (110 PS) variant of the Duster which uses the same 1.5-litre diesel engine. Renault is also apparently making do with the existing stock of the petrol Duster and is only producing the petrol version on the basis of demand. The waiting period for the petrol variant of the Duster is currently at eight weeks.

The loss of the 84 Bhp (85 PS) diesel model of the Duster means that India will now only get the Duster in two engine options both of which displace 1.5-litres. The petrol version of the Duster is powered by a 1,498 cc engine that produces 105 Bhp at 5,600 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is offered with two transmission options – a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic. The petrol powered Duster returns a mileage of 13.6 km/l.

The Duster’s turbocharged diesel engine displaces 1,461 cc and cranks out 108 Bhp at 3,900 rpm and 248 Nm of torque @ 2,250 rpm. The engine is paired to either a 6-speed manual or an AMT gearbox and returns a mileage of 19.6 km/l.

The Duster is one of the most recognisable Renault branded vehicles currently on sale in India along with the Kwid hatchback and was first launched in India in 2012. In 2016, Renault unveiled the facelifted Duster, which also came with the carmaker’s Easy-R AMT gearbox offered only with the 110 Bhp diesel variant.

In 2017, Renault unveiled the next generation of the Duster at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and the SUV is already on sale in international markets. However, the new-gen Renault Duster is only expected to arrive in India in 2019.