Renault Duster Petrol RxE

Renault India finally came up with its most awaited compact SUV, called Renault Duster. The SUV has all the skill and ability of a roader. India has a special place for the SUVs and Renault India has full confidence, that Duster will be welcomed with all heart. The affordable price tag is also one of the major factors that is making Duster people’s favorite. The major competition to Renault Duster is the upcoming Ford EcoSport. But, Duster SUV has so many things that would make it beat EcoSport in the market. The car has been launched in both diesel as well as petrol variants. Renault Duster Petrol RxE is the base petrol variant that is powered by a 1.6 litre of 16 valve petrol engine that churns out peal power of 100.8bhp and 145Nm of maximum torque. The engine has been coupled with five speed manual transmission that gives out a mileage of 13.24 km per litre. The design of the car is also impressive and resembles a bit to Logan, but still manages to look fresh and different. The proper chassis gives the car a very dynamic feel, while the high ground clearance and added height make it appealing. The interiors of the car have also been done nicely. The Renault Duster Petrol RxE comes with numerous high class features like wide front seats, higher driver position, higher wheelbase that provides comfortable seating at the rear, air conditioning, tilt power steering and so on.

Exteriors

The exteriors of Renault Duster Petrol RxE are quite impressive. The car stretches up to 4.3 meters, but it sure looks bigger than 5 meters. The exteriors of this SUV are a perfect amalgamation of sporty and dynamic attitude. The front profile has a stylish grille with broad chrome slats that has big bold Renault badge. The grille is well complimented by twin barrel headlights and fog lamps that have been properly carved-out with the dual tone bumper. The side profile of Renault Duster RxE has bold wheel arches fitting huge 16 inches of alloy wheels. The body colored ORVMs accompanied by body colored door handles makes the exteriors of the compact SUV much more tempting. Finally the rear end of the car has brilliant tail lamps, which are blended nicely with the impressive rear bumper. The top-class exhaust with chrome finishing completes the rear end of Renault Duster RxE.

Interiors

The interiors of Renault Duster Petrol RxE are completely practical and comfortable. However, we cannot say that the interiors are as lavish as Renault Koleos’s but they are quite likeable. The car variant comes with classic black fabric upholstered seats along with chrome finished gear knob. The centre fascia finish and the door grab handle have been done in Glossy metallic grey while the floor console finish is in charcoal grey color. The car could adjust 5 adults comfortably. Overall, the interiors of the car are quite appealing and provide a luxurious feel to the passenger.

Engine performance

Under the hood, Renault Duster Petrol RxE is powered by a dynamic 1.6 litre of 16 valve petrol engine. The engine has a displacement of 1598cc and has the ability to churn out peak power of 100.8bhp at the rate of 5850rpm along with 145Nm of peak torque at the rate of 3750rpm. The engine here is coupled with five speed manual transmission, which pushes the compact SUV to deliver a good mileage figure of 13.24 km per litre. The acceleration and pickup of the car is impressive as well. When accelerated the SUV picks up a top speed of 160 km per hour and reaches from 0-100 km per hour in 11.5 seconds. On the whole, the Renault Duster RxE is a true performer on and off road.

Braking and Handling

The braking and handling of the new Renault Duster Petrol RxE is remarkable. The car has hydraulic operated diagonal split dual circuit braking system. The front part has ventilated disc and the rear has drum brakes. The superb suspension system comprising of Independent McPherson Strut with coil Springs and anti roll bar in the front axle, while the torsion beam axle with coil spring and anti roll bar is present in the rear. This suspension system enhances the overall driving of the car and makes it easy for the driver to drive easily even on the rough and rugged Indian terrain. What also makes the handling of Renault Duster RxE worth a drive is the presence of hydraulic power assisted steering wheel that assists the driver in gliding smoothly through the narrowest roads.

Safety features

Renault Duster RxE is the base petrol variant of Duster SUV. Therefore, the variant misses out on ABS, EBD and brake assist. But the car certainly is blessed with many other safety features such as engine immobilizer, door open warning lamp, engine protective under guard and central locking system. The car variant also doesn’t have airbags, which is a bit of a disappointment.

Comfort features

Renault India has taken care of the comfort department in Renault Duster Petrol RxE. The car variant is loaded with numerous comfort features that make sure that the journey is comfortable and relaxing for the passengers. The new Renault Duster RxE comes with keyless entry, power windows with illuminated switches, air conditioning system with pollen filter and heater, tilt steering column, foldable rear seat, 12V accessory socket in the front, headlight alarm, front seat back pocket and 2 cup holders. Furthermore, to enhance the convenience and comfort for the passengers, Renault Duster RxE sports bottle holder on console, passenger vanity mirror, digital clock, and versatile rear parcel shelf with storage space, front map lamp, theatre dimming interior lamps, key answer back function and electric backdoor release type. All these features make the car quite impressive and a better option as compared to other SUVs available in the market today.

Pros 

Light weight, properly designed exteriors, high comfort and elegant interiors, are the major highpoints of the new Renault Duster RxE.

Cons 

Lack of ABS, EBD, Brake assist and airbags.