Renault Duster to be launched in the first week of July, probably with 4th. Renault might have introduced itself in the Indian market as a JV with Mahindra. But not times have changed. Renault invested in its own plant in Chennai as a joint investment with its global partner, Nissan. Since then, Renault has introduced three models in India in the last one year— Fluence, Koleos and Pulse.
Renault had announced it will launch five models by the end of 2012, and now it is gearing up for the fourth launch. This time it is the turn of an affordable compact SUV, the Duster. The Duster has a length of only 4.3 metres and is based on the B0 platform, on which even the Logan is based. It is sold under the Dacia emblem, but in India it will be re-badged as Renault. Renault Duster was unveiled at the Auto Expo, held in this January. It is a five-seater and it will be available with two engine options, a 104bhp 1.6-litre petrol and a 105bhp 1.5-litre diesel.
The diesel will come mated to a 6-speed manual box, while the petrol will get a 5-speeder. It will be available in 2WD and 4WD options and will be priced between Rs 8-10lakh. Our sources confirm that the Duster will be launched in the first week of July, most likely on the 4th. It will be available in 3 trim levels. Will Renault succeed with the Duster? Time will tell us.
