Renault India has launched the 2015 version of its rugged sports utility vehicle, Duster in the country's car market. The company has introduced it with a few interior updates only. But it gets one important aspect, which is ECO mode and it will help in delivering 10 percent higher fuel economy. This SUV is being sold in several variants, out of which, Renault Duster Petrol RxL is the top end trim. It is powered by a 1.6-litre engine under the hood, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1598cc. This motor can produce 102.5bhp of power in combination with 148Nm of torque output. This engine is mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power its front wheels. Its braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient, which keeps it well balanced and stable at all times. The exteriors of this variant have been done with utmost care and it is available in quite a few sparkling color options for the buyers to select from. Its wheel arches are fitted with a sturdy set of 16-inch alloy wheels, which are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 215/65 R16. The internal cabin is blessed with some very premium features, like seats upholstered in beige colored fabric, keyless entry, air-conditioning system with heater, electrically adjustable ORVMs, steering mounted audio controls, 2-DIN audio unit and so on. It will compete against the likes of Tata Safari Storme, Mahindra Scorpio, Nissan Terrano, Mahindra XUV500 and others in this segment. The car maker is offering this vehicle with a standard warranty of two years or 50000 kilometers, whichever is earlier. At the same time, it can be increased for one or two years at an additional cost paid to authorized dealers.
Exteriors:
The company has given this trim an attractive body structure and it is fitted with a number of styling aspects, which gives a captivating look. Starting with the frontage, it has a large radiator grille, which is fitted with a few chrome plated slats. It is embossed with a prominent company insignia in the center. Its bonnet has a couple of visible character lines, which gives the frontage a distinct look. Its grille is flanked by a well crafted headlight cluster that is incorporated with bright halogen lamps and side turn indicator. Just below this, it has a body colored bumper, which is accompanied by a skid plate. It houses a large air intake section for cooling the engine and is flanked by a couple of fog lamps. Its windscreen is made of toughened laminated glass and is integrated by a set of intermittent wipers. Coming to its side profile, it is elegantly designed with body colored door handles and side moldings. Its external wing mirrors are electrically adjustable and equipped with turn indicator for added safety. The flared up wheel arches are equipped with a set of alloy wheels that gives the side profile a sporty look. On the other hand, its rear end has a large boot lid, which is embedded with variant badging and a thick chrome strip. Its body colored bumper is fitted with a cladding and a pair of reflectors. The windscreen has a defogger along with wash and wipe function.
Interiors:
The internal section of this Renault Duster Petrol RxL variant is quite spacious with the accommodation of five passengers. Its seats are well cushioned and ergonomically designed that gives lavish feel, while traveling. These seats are integrated with adjustable head restraints and covered with beige colored fabric upholstery. The second row seat comes with foldable facility, which helps in increasing the boot volume. Its smooth dashboard features AC vents, a large glove box, a three spoke steering wheel and a 3-dial techno sporty instrument cluster. The body colored inside door handles, chrome finished gear shift knob and piano black door trims gives the cabin a classy look. Its instrument panel has various meters and dials for keeping the driver updated. It has a 12V power socket in center console for charging mobiles and other electronic devices. Apart from these, it also has all four power windows with driver side auto down function, cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets, luggage compartment hook, grab handles with coat hook, rear parcel shelf and many other such aspects.
Engine and Performance:
Under the bonnet, this new 2015 Renault Duster RxL variant is bestowed with a 1.6 litre petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1598cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using DOHC based valve configuration. The engine is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection supply system, which pushes it to deliver a peak power of 102.5bhp at 5750rpm in combination with 145Nm of maximum torque at 3750rpm. It is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. It enables the motor to attain a top speed of 160 Kmph, which is quite thrilling for the passengers sitting inside. At the same time, it takes about 11.5 seconds for crossing the speed barrier of 100 Kmph from a standstill. On the other hand, this engine has the ability to produce a maximum mileage of 13.05 Kmpl on the bigger roads and 9.5 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions.
Braking and Handling:
This Renault Duster Petrol RxL variant is blessed with a hydraulically operated diagonal split dual circuit braking system. Its front and rear wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated discs and drum brakes respectively. For augmenting the braking mechanism is further equipped with anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution along with emergency brake assist system. Its suspension system is quite robust as its front axle is fitted with an independent McPherson strut system, while the rear one is assembled with trailing arm. Both these axles are loaded with coil springs and anti-roll bars. It is incorporated with a hydraulic power assisted steering system that supports a minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters. This tilt adjustable steering wheel makes it easy to handle even in the peak traffic conditions.
Comfort Features:
For a pleasurable driving experience, the company has bestowed this variant with a lot of sophisticated features. It is bestowed with an advanced music system that supports Bluetooth connectivity for pairing the mobile phones. It is equipped with CD/MP3 player, radio with AM/FM tuner, USB interface, Aux-in port and six speakers that enhances the ambiance of its cabin. It also has a roof mounted antenna for better reception of FM radio. It also has a MediaNAV system that features multimedia, navigation and Bluetooth. Its multi functional steering wheel is mounted with audio and call control buttons. Apart from these, it is equipped with electrically adjustable driver seat, efficient air conditioning unit with a heater and rear AC vents, foldable rear seat backrest, theater dimming interior lamps, sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror and so on.
Safety Features:
Being the top end variant, it is equipped with a number of crucial protective aspects, which gives the occupants a stress free driving experience. It has a rigid body structure with crumple zones and impact beams that protects the occupants inside the cabin in case of any accidents. The company has given seat belts for all passengers along with driver seat belt warning notification on instrument panel. In addition to these, it is equipped with dual front airbags, reverse parking sensors, door open warning lamps, rear defogger with a timer, a high mounted stop lamp, front fog lamps and lots of other aspects.
Pros:
1. Presence of MediaNav system is an advantage.
2. Decent ground clearance makes it capable for off-roading.
Cons:
1. No changes in its exterior appearance is a minus point.
2. Lack of alloy wheels is a big disadvantage.
