It has become a tendency of car makers to launch their new products at what they call as an “introductory price.” This allows the manufacturers to make their new product look attractively priced and give it a good shot at establishing itself well in the new market.
The trend of launching a new car at an “introductory price” was recently seen when Renault launched the Duster at a starting price of little more than INR 7lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) and hence, made the prospective customers give at least one good look to the new car. Now that as many as 20,000 units of the Duster have been sold, Renault has gone ahead and increased the prices of the mini SUV by up to INR 40,000.
The petrol variants of the Duster have now become dearer by INR 30000 and the more popular diesel variants now command INR 40000 more. The timing for the price rise seems to have been carefully thought over with the hike coming only a little before the festive season begins, i.e, when a large no. of car buyers makes their purchasing decision. Hence, a price increase might not deter many from buying the highly competitive mini SUV.
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Renault Duster Design Commentary
The Duster, which is approximately the size of the now defunct Tucson sports a chrome finished front grille, smart looking headlamps, a bumper that sports neatly integrated fog lamps and an air dam placed inside a skid plate-like housing.
In the side profile, the car has well pronounced wheel arches and the 5 spoke mags gel well with the beefy design. That said, the D pillar looks a tad too wide and the car could have done with wider windows in the rear doors. Ditto for the rear quarter glass. The Duster sure looks rugged and sporty in this profile but the aforementioned changes and blacked out B pillars could have given the car that extra character.
Coming to the rear end, the car continues to look beefy and integrated reflectors and skid plate are integrated into the bumper. The chrome plated number plate bulb holder and some smart surfacing on the hatch that gels seamlessly with the design of the tail lamps ensues that special touch to the rear.
Renault Duster Variant Wise Features List
RxE
EXTERIOR- Double headlights with chrome bezel, Chrome front grille and Rr embellisher, Body coloured + black bumpers, black side sills and black roof bars, black door handles and ORVMs, 16″ styled steel wheels, Wheel center cap with chromed Renault logo, Green tinted glass.
INTERIOR- 2 tone light grey/dark carbon dashboard, bright chrome air vent rings, shiny medium grey center fascia, bright chrome instrument cluster rings, bright chrome steering wheel ring, shiny medium grey door grab handles, black inside door handles, 2 tone dark grey/Black seats, Rear bench foldable 1/1, vanity mirror on passenger sun visor.
SAFETY- Immobilizer, Day/Night IRVM, steel engine sump protection guard, 2 rear headrest <<balloon>>, 3 pts rear side seat belt, 2 pts central, RF remote control (boot included), single tone horn
DRIVING/COMFORT- Power steering, Manual HVAC, keyless entry with central locking, manual internal adjustment for ORVM, tilt steering column, front central roof light with dimming effect, front and rear power windows, ashtray, trunk room light, 2 reverse lights, rear parcel shelf, strut type hood lifter, internal cable release for fuel filler lid, tailgate push button
RxL = RxE + following
EXTERIOR- Front fog lights, black door handles, body coloured ORVMs
INTERIOR-2 tone beige/carbon dashboard, shine champagne door handles and door moulding, beige fabric on door panels, shiny champagne STW add on, shiny champagne grab handles, shiny black center console, all beige fabric/vinyl seats
SAFETY- ABS + EBD + BA
DRIVING/COMFORT- On board trip computer, 2 DIN integrated radio with MP3, USB, AUX In, SD Reader, 4 speakers, Audio and phone controls behind steering wheel, height adjustable front seat belts, electrically adjustable ORVMs, front roof light incl, map lights on both sides, rear seat armrest with cup holders, glove box lamp, rear side passenger reading lights, rear glass wiper, washer, defroster, rear 12v socket
OPTIONAL- Dual front airbags, navigation, 16′ alloy wheels, rear parking sensors. ABS+EBD+ Brake Assist
RxZ = RxL + following
EXTERIOR- Chrome satine skid plates, black and chrome satine roof bars, chrome satine side mirrors, chrome satin finish door handles, chrome satin door sill add on, 16″ alloy wheels with with centre cap of chrome Renault logo, chrome exhaust pipe finisher
INTERIOR- 2 tone beige/grey fabric seats, leather steering wheel & gear knob, wood like finish on embellisher, shiny black inside door handles, shiny black mouldings (baguette), bright chrome inner pull handles
SAFETY- ABS + EBD + Brake assist, dual front airbags, driver seat belt reminder, impact sensing door unlock , speed sensing door locking
Engine Specifications
Petrol/Diesel
Displacement- 1.6L/1.5L
Max Power (BHP)- 100/85/110
Max Torque (NM)- 160/200/240
Fuel Economy (claimed)- 13.24/20.46/19.01