Renault Duster AWD SUV Launched in India

Renault India has added the four wheel drive mechanism to its best selling vehicle here, the Duster SUV. The Duster AWD is available in two variants. RxL 110 PS and RxZ 110 PS. The RxL AWD variant is priced at 11.89 lakh rupees while the RxZ AWD is pegged at 12.99 lakh rupees, both prices reflecting ex-showroom Delhi figures. Both variants of the Duster AWD gain not only the Haldex clutch equipped all wheel drive layout, but also a new independent suspension set up at the rear.

Other additional equipment on the Duster AWD includes the cruise control, anti-slip regulation, electronic stability program (ESP) and hill start assist features. A remapped ECU and a stronger clutch are the other changes on the Duster AWD, which has been christened the Duster 2.0. The Duster AWD gets an ARAI rated 19.72 Kmpl fuel efficiency figure and a 5.2 meter turning radius. The SUV is powered by the 1.5 liter K9K turbo diesel engine, in 108 Bhp-248 Nm state of tune.

Renault India also sells the Duster in front wheel drive guise. The front wheel driven RxL 110 PS Duster is priced at 10.8 lakh rupees while the RxZ 110 PS variant carries a 11.91 lakh rupee price tag. In that light, the four wheel drive mechanism and the added set of features have made the Duster AWD 110 RxL and 110 RxL variants more expensive by 1.09 lakh rupees and 1.08 lakh rupees respectively. The Duster is also sold with the 1.5 liter diesel engine in 85 PS tune, and with a 1.6 liter petrol engine.

On the inside, the SUV gains sporty red contrast stitching for the upholstery while the MediaNAV touch screen infotainment unit handles navigation and entertainment duties. The SUV retains its five seat layout with a large 480 liter boot for stowage. The Duster AWD will be pitched as a refined, five seat SUV that offers copious 210 mm ground clearance, a 400 mm water wading depth and a shift-on-the-fly all wheel drive system.