Third report: It’s become the de facto long-distance car in our long-term fleet. But when it’s off the road, things aren’t as rosy.
The good news is that our Duster has just been for a service, and we’re happy to report that it has come back as good as new, without delay and free of all rattles. It’s also been given fresh brake pads for the front discs, as the old ones had worn to the bracket.
It’s disheartening when a great car is pulled down by poor after-sales service (just look at any Skoda), but that’s just what has happened here. The huge success of the Duster may have been a little overwhelming for Renault, but that’s hardly justification for the car going away for close to a month. Better service and more smiles, we’ll tell you if we get them. Watch this space.
Above: Superb ride; Cruises over all the rough stuff with poise. Kept my mom's back intact.
Odometer: 20,100km
Price: Rs 14.25 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)
Test economy: 14.4kpl (overall)
Maintenance costs: Rs 4,100
Faults: Rattle from the engine bay