Renault will launch the Duster with five variants which include a base 1.6-litre petrol at a price of approximately Rs 7 lakh and the 1.5-litre diesel that currently powers the Fluence.
The diesel engine will be available in two states of tune — an entry-level 85bhp version and a top-of-the-line 110bhp variant. The 110bhp motor is the ‘Step 4’ version of the K9K engine.
The Duster is based on the Logan and, in its European guise, has similar interiors to the saloon. The Indian market will get a completely revamped version since Renault is aware that it cannot get away with dull interiors. For example, the power window switches for the rear passengers will be moved from the front dash to the more conventional location on the door pads.
Unlike the Ford EcoSport, the Duster won’t qualify for excise cuts as it is longer than four metres. But you can still expect aggressive pricing in the range of Rs 7.2-11 lakh. Renault has ambitious plans of selling 50,000 units every year, a part of which will be exports to right-hand-drive markets like the UK.
Renault will unveil the Duster at the Auto Expo next month followed by a launch by mid-2012.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
