Renault Duster has long been one of the most iconic compact SUVs in the Indian automotive landscape. Launched in 2012, the Duster quickly earned a reputation for being a rugged, reliable, and affordable vehicle with great off-road capabilities. Over the years, the Duster has undergone several updates to stay relevant in the ever-evolving market, and the latest version – the Renault New Duster – promises to take this legacy to new heights. With a fresh design, enhanced features, and improved performance, the New Duster is set to redefine the compact SUV segment, offering a mix of adventure-ready features and urban convenience.
In this article, we will explore the key features, specifications, design, and performance of the Renault New Duster, shedding light on why this SUV remains one of the most popular choices among Indian car buyers.
A Bold New Design
The Renault New Duster brings a much-needed refresh to the vehicle’s design, offering a more modern and aggressive look. While retaining the rugged and muscular stance that made the Duster famous, the new model introduces several changes to make it even more appealing.
The front of the New Duster now features a larger chrome grille, flanked by sharper, LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) and a more sculpted bumper. The headlamps are more angular and sleek, giving the SUV a more contemporary appearance. The larger grille, combined with the bold bumper design, emphasizes the vehicle’s SUV DNA, giving it a commanding presence on the road.
From the side, the New Duster still retains its well-proportioned body with a slightly raised stance, ideal for tackling tough terrains. The body cladding and muscular wheel arches accentuate its rugged character, while the updated 16-inch alloy wheels add to its premium appeal. The car’s silhouette remains aggressive and well-suited for both urban driving and off-road adventures.
At the rear, the New Duster boasts redesigned LED taillights, which enhance its modern look, and a new tailgate with a more refined design. The rear bumper also receives an update, complementing the overall design language and improving the SUV’s visual balance.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Renault New Duster, and you’re greeted with a modern and refined cabin that focuses on comfort and convenience. The interior of the new Duster combines functionality with style, offering a range of features that enhance the overall driving experience.
The dashboard is now more streamlined, with a new infotainment system housed in a sleek, centrally mounted console. The updated system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone for navigation, media streaming, and hands-free calls. The new touchscreen interface is intuitive and easy to use, making it simpler for drivers to access various functions.
One of the most significant updates in the New Duster is the quality of materials used in the cabin. The seats are upholstered in premium fabric or leather, depending on the variant, and they offer excellent support for long journeys. The cabin features adjustable headrests and height-adjustable driver’s seat, ensuring a comfortable driving position for drivers of all sizes. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, making the Duster a great choice for families or passengers who need space.
In terms of storage, the New Duster comes equipped with a class-leading boot capacity of 475 liters, making it one of the most spacious SUVs in its segment. This is perfect for weekend getaways, road trips, or carrying bulky luggage. Additionally, the SUV also has multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin, adding to its practicality.
Performance and Engine Options
The Renault New Duster offers a range of engine options designed to cater to different driving needs. Under the hood, you’ll find a choice of petrol and diesel engines, both of which are built to deliver impressive power and efficiency.
The 1.5-liter petrol engine produces around 106 bhp and offers a smooth, responsive driving experience. This engine is ideal for urban commuters and occasional highway drives. For those who crave more power, the 1.5-liter diesel engine produces a robust 115 bhp and is the perfect choice for drivers who want better torque and pulling power, especially for off-road adventures or long highway trips. The diesel engine is available with both a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), giving buyers the flexibility to choose based on their preference.
The New Duster comes with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option for those who seek more off-road capability. The AWD system provides enhanced traction and stability on uneven terrains, making it ideal for exploring the great outdoors, tackling steep climbs, or navigating through muddy roads. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant, on the other hand, is suitable for more urban-oriented driving and offers a more fuel-efficient option.
In terms of ride quality, the Renault New Duster offers excellent suspension, providing a smooth ride even on bumpy or uneven roads. The SUV’s high ground clearance ensures it can handle challenging terrains with ease, while the precise steering ensures that drivers have full control even on tight turns or winding roads.
Safety Features
The New Duster is equipped with a comprehensive range of safety features designed to protect both the driver and passengers. Renault has focused on ensuring that the SUV meets the highest safety standards, offering peace of mind on every drive.
Standard safety features on the New Duster include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), and hill-start assist. The AWD variant is also equipped with an electronic locking differential, which ensures better traction in challenging off-road conditions.
For added protection, the New Duster comes with reverse parking sensors, rear parking camera, and crash sensors, which help drivers park the vehicle safely and avoid collisions. The SUV is also built with a high-strength steel body structure that absorbs impact energy, further enhancing its crash protection.
Technology and Connectivity
The Renault New Duster is equipped with a range of advanced technologies that make driving more enjoyable and convenient. Apart from the infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the SUV also comes with keyless entry, push-button start, and automatic climate control, which add to the overall premium feel of the cabin.
Renault has also incorporated smart connectivity features in the new Duster. This includes a real-time vehicle tracking system and the ability to remotely control certain functions via a smartphone app, such as locking/unlocking the doors and checking the vehicle’s status.
Conclusion
The Renault New Duster brings an exciting combination of rugged performance, modern design, and advanced technology, making it one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs on the market today. With a refreshed look, improved interior comfort, and powerful engine options, the New Duster is ready to take on the demands of modern Indian consumers.
Whether you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle the roughest terrains, an urban commuter with ample space, or an adventurous road trip companion, the Renault New Duster offers a perfect balance of capability, comfort, and style. The new version stays true to the legacy of the original Duster, while incorporating all the advancements needed to stay ahead of the competition in the fast-growing SUV segment. If you’re in the market for a reliable, versatile, and feature-packed compact SUV, the Renault New Duster is definitely worth considering.