The car which gave Renault a strong hold in the Indan market, DUSTER
Duster was launched in India in 2012, the AWD option has come in 2 years later
The SUV gets a few cosmetic changes and the AWD option, only on the 110PS engine option
Duster has become a bread and butter model for Renault and has sold 3,410 units in the month of September 2014
The Duster AWD is the only monocoque SUV with 4×4 tech in this price range
By introducing an AWD version, is Renault trying to push forward the facelift version?
Front end of the AWD is identical to the lower 2WD variants
Rear profile is identical too, only gets a 4WD badge on the bootlid
Side profile has a couple of changes like the body decal, alloy wheels and other stickers
Compared to other full-size SUVs, the Duster squats significantly
With the AWD variant on the 4WD-Lock mode, climbing rocks was an easy task
The car remains composed while tackling uneven terrain
210mm of ground clearance allows you to simply glide over bad patches
Yes, it digs its way well.
Smoked out, twin barrel headlamps
Same old chunky chrome grille at the front
Mesh-like air dam placed low on the bumper
Power bulge isn’t too prominent
Silver satin finished ORVMs
Silver satin finished door handles
Alloy wheel design remains the same, but in a dark grey shade. Renault calls it ‘Anthracite’.
Big wheel arches add a lot of muscle to the Duster’s look
Blackened B pillar and the roof rails in silver and black
Long roof mounted antenna
Rear wheels get drum brakes
AWD decal on the rear quarter glass
Tail lamp remains unchanged
Renault badge on the bootlid
Number plate garnish in chrome
Average size mud flap, reflector on the bumper and reverse parking sensor seen here along with the chrome exhaust tip
AWD is available only with the diesel powertrain
Close look at the 110PS, AWD, 1.5L diesel motor
Renault has probably worked more on the NVH, the car is refined at idle and even on high RPMs
Gas strut to pop-open the bonnet
Dashboard gets grey and black treatment
New steering wheel with steering mounted cruise controls
Close look at the cruise control buttons
New instrument cluster with white backlit looks good
MID in the instrument cluster shows the chosen driving mode; 2WD or 4WD
MID provides information on DTE, outside temperature, trip meter, odometer, average fuel consumption, service reminder, average speed etc.
Indicator stalks seems like they would last the distance
Audio control stalk mounted on the RHS of the steering wheel
Silver finish on the centre console
Rxz AWD variant gets a dual din, touchscreen audio+video+navigation head unit
AC controls remain unchanged
Short gear lever falls right in place, gear gates are well defined too
Shift-on-fly lever is placed under the AC controls
ECO mode is an addition. Other driving aids can be switched off manually.
Red and black seat upholstery is standard on the AWD variants
Lumbar support adjustment on the driver seat
Other driver seat adjustment levers
Close look at the seat texture
Door panel gets silver accents
Silver panel around the handbrake
Average size illuminated glovebox
Circular AC vents and a storage bin above
Another storage spot for the front passenger
Notice the foam behind the AC vent
Rear view mirrors have decent range
Inside rear view mirror gets day / night functionality
Vanity mirror on the passenger side sun visor
Rudimentary looking cabin lamp
Key with integrated remote
Large windows allow a lot of light inside
Cup holders on the rear centre armrest
Small floor hump is 5th passenger friendly
Legroom is in adequate quantity in the 2nd row
Rear door pad does not have storage spots
Big, recessed parcel tray will keep oddities in place
Voluminous boot can eat up more than 3-4 large size bags
What’s in the name they say…
