Renault Duster: Which is the variant for you?

If you are looking for a compact SUV, the choice right now is limited to the Renault Duster that’s available in eight variants, six in diesel and two in petrol. But how do you decide which is the right variant of the Renault Duster for you?

CarToq looks at the variants of the Renault Duster and puts it in perspective based on your requirements as a buyer.

Are you a basic city user under 1000 km / month?

Recommended variant: Renault Duster RXE petrol

If you are looking to buy a compact SUV like the Renault Duster primarily for use in the city, you would be better off looking at the petrol variants of the Duster as they are refined and cheaper as well. The petrol Renault Duster comes in two variants – the base RXE and the mid-variant RXL. The RXE variant is priced at Rs. 7.49 lakh, while the better-equipped RXL variant is priced at Rs. 8.49 lakh, ex-showroom. Also read: Renault hikes Duster prices

The petrol Duster is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine that puts out 102 bhp of power at 5850 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 3750 rpm, mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The RXE is a basic variant that has no features other than the basics such as power steering, power windows, central locking and air-conditioning. It also gets a parcel tray, 12 volt socket and keyless entry. The RXL variant of the Duster comes with rear wash-wipe, Bluetooth integrated audio system with steering audio controls, rear armrest and height adjustable seat. Also read: Renault Duster variants explained

However, when you consider the price difference of Rs. 1 lakh, the only useful feature that you won’t get is the rear-wash wipe, but other features can be added aftermarket for much less. Therefore it’s worth buying the base Duster RXE petrol at Rs. 7.49 lakh and then accessorizing it as needed with a music system.

Are you a city user over 1000 km / month?

Recommended variant: Renault Duster RXE diesel

If you are a person who does quite a lot of driving in a month, especially in the city then, you should be looking at the Renault Duster 85 PS diesel variant, as it is highly fuel-efficient and does not have too much turbo lag. The Renault Duster 85PS is powered by a 1.5 litre diesel engine that puts out 84 bhp of power and 200 Nm of torque with a five-speed manual transmission. It comes in three variants – the base RXE diesel priced at Rs. 8.39 lakh, the mid-variant RXL priced at Rs. 9.39 lakh and the mid-variant option pack (which includes safety features), priced at Rs. 10.39 lakh, ex-showroom.

If you want a value for money vehicle, pick the base RXE diesel as it comes with only basic features such as power steering, AC, power windows and central locking and you can add on other things like a music system to it. The RXL variant that includes music system, power mirrors, rear wash-wipe and rear armrest is Rs. 1 lakh more expensive – a bit too much.

Are you a city user looking for safety?

Recommended variant: Renault Duster RXL 85 Option

If you are a city user who wants features, especially safety features such as airbags and ABS, then the Renault Duster RXL 85 Option is a good choice. The RXL Option is priced at Rs. 10.39 lakh, but comes with essential safety features such as two airbags and ABS. It also gets rear parking sensors, alloy wheels, integrated Bluetooth audio system, rear wiper etc.

This is the lowest priced Duster with safety features, which is a pity, because safety features should have been offered on lower variants as well.

Are you an enthusiast city user?

Recommended variant: Renault Duster RXL 110

If you are a person who loves driving and want a Duster that has better top-end speed, especially if you are planning weekend trips out on the highway or live in a city with some high-speed corridors, the Renault Duster RXL 110, also priced at Rs. 10.39 lakh is a good choice. The RXL 110 comes with a 1.5 litre diesel engine that churns out 108.5 bhp of power and 248 Nm of torque. More importantly, it comes with a six-speed manual transmission and ABS is standard (you need it to rein in the power it produces). Also read: Comparison Renault Duster 85 PS vs Renault Duster 110 PS

The Renault Duster RXL 110 does not have airbags or alloys, but it comes with an integrated audio system, rear wash-wipe etc. It’s a good variant for the fast driver. One can add alloy wheels after market.

A long-distance driver?

Recommended variant: Renault Duster RXZ 110

If you are the kind who frequently travels on highways then the RXZ 110 would be the better Duster variant for you as it includes two airbags as well. It also has a rear AC vent, in case you are the kind who occasionally likes to be chauffeur driven. The RXZ 110 variant has a 1.5 litre diesel engine that churns out 108.5 bhp of power and 248 Nm of torque. It has a bit of turbo-lag in the city, but is good for higher top speed on the highway.

Share your thoughts on which of these variants you think would suit your needs the best, with the CarToq community.