Renault Duster 2016-2019 Petrol RxE

Renault Motors is one of the highly successful car manufacturer across the world. In India the company has launched the 2015 version of its famous sports utility vehicle, Duster with several interior updates. These aspects are a redesigned instrument cluster and steering wheel, which gives the cabin a decent look. Technically, the company has not made any changes. This model series is available in quite a few variants, out of which, Renault Duster Petrol RxE is base variant. Under the bonnet, it is fitted with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1598cc. It has the ability of churning out a maximum power and torque output of 102.5bhp and 145Nm respectively. This engine is coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. The company has given it an advanced braking as well as reliable suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced and stable at all times. This SUV will compete against the likes of Ford EcoSport, Chevrolet Tavera, Tata Safari, Mahindra Quanto and others in this segment. The design is quite impressive with a lot of styling aspects. Its frontage has a bold radiator grille, which is fitted with chrome plated slats. It also has neatly crafted headlight cluster, dual color bumpers, body colored door handles and many other such aspects. It is being sold in several exterior paint options, which are Pearl Supreme White, Pear Galaxy Black, Mettalic Moonlight Silver, Amazon Green, Woodland Brown, Graphite Grey and Fiery Red. At the same time, its internal cabin is quite spacious and can accommodate five passengers with ease. Its seats are ergonomically designed and covered with fabric upholstery. It also has an efficient air conditioner, all four power windows with driver side auto down function, electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors and many other such aspects. On the other hand, the company is selling this vehicle with a standard warranty of two years or 50000 Kilometers, whichever comes first. At the same time, this period can be extended at an additional cost paid to authorized dealer.

Exteriors:

The rugged exteriors of this variant are designed with a number of features, which gives it a captivating look on roads. To start with the front fascia, it has an aggressive radiator grille with a lot of chrome treatment. It is embossed with a prominent company insignia in the center. This 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 black cladding for preventing from minor damages. It houses a large air dam for better air intake. Its large windscreen is made of toughened glass and fitted with a couple of intermittent wipers. Coming to its side profile, the company has given it body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. These external wing mirrors are electrically adjustable and equipped with side turn indicator. The flared up wheel arches are fitted with a set of 16-inch steel wheels that are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyre of size 215/65 R16. The rear end has a large boot lid, which is embedded with variant badging, a thick chrome strip. Its bumper is accompanied by a skid plate and a pair of reflectors as well. The windscreen has a defogger along with wash and wipe function. The car maker has given this SUV a standard overall dimensions. It comes with total length, width and height of 4315mm, 1822mm and 1695mm respectively. It has a minimum ground clearance of 205mm, which is quite good for dealing with any terrains. Its large wheelbase measures about 2673mm that ensures a spacious cabin inside.

Interiors:

The roomy internal cabin of this Renault Duster Petrol RxE variant comes in two tone color scheme and it is incorporated with a lot of sophisticated features. Its dashboard is designed in black color and are equipped with a lot of features. These aspects are AC vents, a large glove box, a three spoke steering wheel and an advanced instrument cluster with various meters and dials for keeping the driver updated. Its inside door handles are painted in body color, while there is chrome inserts on gear shift lever. It has a 12V power socket in center console for charging mobiles and other electronic devices. In terms of seating, it is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which are covered with fabric upholstery. The rear seat comes with split foldable function and is integrated with adjustable head restraints. These provides ample leg space and head room for all occupants. It has a spacious boot compartment, which can also be increased by folding its rear seat. Apart from these, the company has given it a lot of utility based aspects like cup and bottle holders, rear parcel shelf, remote fuel lid opener, front seat back pockets, trunk room lamp, theater dimming interior lamps with key answer back function and many other such aspects.

Engine and Performance:

Under the hood, this variant is powered by a dynamic 1.6-litre petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1598cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using a DOHC (double overhead camshaft) based valve configuration. This power plant has the capacity of churning out a maximum power of 102.5bhp at 5750rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 145Nm at just 3750rpm. It is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission, which pushes it to deliver a good on-road performance. It enables the vehicle to attain a top speed of 160 Kmph approximately. At the same time, it can accelerate from zero to 100 Kmph in close to 11.5 seconds, which is rather thrilling for the passengers sitting inside the cabin. On the other hand, this petrol motor is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection supply system, which allows it to deliver a mileage of 9.5 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions, while its mileage goes up to 13.05 Kmpl on the highways.

Braking and Handling:

The car maker has given this vehicle a hydraulically operated diagonal split dual circuit braking system, which keeps it well balanced in every conditions. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated discs brakes, while rear ones have been equipped with a sturdy set of drum brakes. For augmenting the braking mechanism is further equipped with anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution along with emergency brake assist system. On the other hand, its front axle is assembled with an independent McPherson strut system and it rear axle gets trailing arm type of mechanism. Both these axles are loaded with coil springs and anti-roll bars for keeping the vehicle agile. 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:

This trim is incorporated with several refined features, which gives the occupants a pleasurable driving experience. The advanced instrument panel is equipped with features like a digital tachometer, an electronic tripmeter, door ajar warning, digital clock and many other such aspects for keeping the driver updated. It has an efficient air conditioning unit, which also has a heater. It comes with rear AC vents, which cools the cabin in no time. Apart from these, it is equipped with manually adjustable driver seat, foldable rear seat backrest, theater dimming interior lamps, sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror and several other aspects.

Safety Features:

This Renault Duster Petrol RxE is the entry level variant in its model line up. It comes with a rigid body structure, which has impact beams and crumple zones for reducing the impact of collision. The advanced engine immobilizer safeguards the vehicle from theft and any unauthorized entry. It also has anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution for enhancing the braking mechanism. The company has also given it a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre. In addition to these, it also has seat belts for all passengers, door ajar and driver seat belt warning notification on instrument panel, a high mounted stop lamp, centrally mounted fuel tank, central locking system and so on.

Pros:

1. Spacious internal cabin with good seating arrangement.

2. Decent ground clearance of 205mm makes it capable for dealing with terrains.

Cons:

1. There is no change in its external appearance.

2. Lack of music system is a big minus point.