Renault Duster RXZ review: all set for the next bout
Four years after launch, the Renault Duster gets new grilles, headlamps, gunmetal alloys and kayak roof rails; the 4WD diesel impresses on the expressway and off-road near Lonavla.
The Renault Duster is undoubtedly the car that gave us the first taste of what an affordable compact SUV of international standards should be like. Now four years post its initial launch, Renault has decided to garnish the Duster off with some interesting cosmetic and technical changes. Let’s find out what they are...
Every automotive brand needs that one soldier to bear its cross and the Duster has done much more than that for Renault. Though they launched quite an interesting range of cars such as Fluence, Koleos and Pulse, it was Duster that laid the foundation for Renault and cemented their place in the minds of the Indian car buyer. This compact SUV does justice to its segment and doesn’t shy going off-road and taking on challenges. We threw the latest one at the deep end… Does it have enough to cross over? Read on.
Styling cues
When you look at the new Duster, its exterior shell’s styling remains the same to an extent. But the addition of new dual-slat grills with wingtips and a brand new headlamp cluster gives it a much more commanding appeal. Moving to the rear end of the vehicle, the brake lights get a geometric touch with interesting cuts and angles. The Duster also gets alloy wheels with a distinctive gunmetal finish and kayak roof rails that add oodles of attitude to its personality. Inside, the refined cabin presents an oasis that will pamper you when you hit the off-road trail.
The mile muncher
So to test the new Duster we did some runs on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, strayed off a bit and let it explore some mild off-road conditions in the Lonavla area. The 4WD Duster with the K9K 1.5 litre dCi engine is quick off the blocks and can really pick up some good speeds on the highway. It loves corners and can easily take on most of our road conditions. Off the tarmac the Duster definitely impresses, to test it further we are certainly planning a quick dash to the Spiti Valley this summer.
Verdict
Just like its predecessor, the new Duster shows lot of promise. It does have some competition this time but its raw appeal and amazing drivability, will definitely give the Duster a much needed edge.
Duster RXZ
- Engine: 1461 cc, 1.5 dCi THP
- Drive: 4WD MT
- Power: 110 PS @ 4,000 rpm
- Torque: 245 Nm @ 1,750 rpm
- Price: ₹11,46,999 (ex-Delhi)
From the April 2016 issue of FHM India.
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