Renault India launches all-wheel-drive Duster at Rs 11.89 lakh

Renault India has launched the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Duster in India at Rs 11.89 lakh. The new Duster gets a few cosmetic updates too.

The most important change, the all-wheel-drive system, gets three modes – two-wheel drive, auto and four-wheel lock, and these can be changed on the go. The other highlight on the Duster AWD is an all-wheel independent multi-link suspension as opposed to the non-independent torsion beam setup in the front-wheel-drive car. Also on offer is Renault’s Electronic Torque control system, which helps distribute torque among all the wheels and allows torque balance at high speeds.

Other changes include smoked-grey alloy wheels, darkened headlamp clusters and matte black B-pillars, and ‘AWD’ and 4x4 badging. On the inside, there's a new three-pod instrument cluster, a new three-spoke steering wheel, dual-tone grey and red seats, and soft-touch plastics on the upper portion of the new dual-tone, and a black and grey dashboard.

Two variants are on offer, the base RXL variant priced at Rs 11.89 lakh while the top-end RXZ is priced at Rs 12.99 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi). 

The Renault Duster AWD comes with the same 108.5bhp 1.5-litre diesel motor as in the FWD RxZ variant, and is coupled to the same six-speed manual gearbox.

“Renault is committed to the Indian market and our focus is to offer products that exceed the expectations of customers and set the benchmark for perfection,” said Sumit Sawhney, country CEO and managing director, Renault Operations in India. “In line with this, the new Duster AWD is built to negotiate the most challenging roads and will enable drivers to enjoy the thrill of everyday driving.”

“We are building a strong runway to expand our presence in India, concentrating on both product expansion and enhancing the customer experience. We are working towards launching a couple of new vehicles in the near future, as well as expanding our dealer network,” concluded Sawhney.

Rafael Treguer, vice-president, Sales and Marketing, Renault India, commented: “The new Duster AWD will enable drivers to enjoy every challenge on the road with the best driving experience. We are offering our customers the best from the Renault stable, in terms of superior performance, contemporary design, innovative technology, excellent ride and handling, uncompromised safety and leading fuel efficiency, and are confident of redefining the segment like we did with the Renault Duster 2WD.”

Photograph: Sumit Sawhney, country CEO and MD, Renault Operations in India, and Rafael Treguer, VP, Sales and Marketing, Renault India, at the launch.