Compact SUV is a segment which is getting more popular among the Indian customers.Although not being under four metres of length, the Renault Duster is one of the first SUVs that spread the compact-SUV trend in the country.The word SUV made us think of something muscular and big. The segment was started by renault duster in 2012. Earlier, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour ,Mahindra thar ,Mahindra scorpio, Tata safari ruled the SUV market but now the compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta,jeep compass ,Kia seltos , MG hector,Tata harrier , Nissan kicks,Volkswagen T-roc,have become extremely popular.Renault Duster , despite being the oldest car in the segment has still a special place in our heart. So here are the 5 reasons which could explain why Duster is still a value for money SUV.
- Price – Most affordable compact SUV
The compact SUV segment has become highly competitive with the products like Kia Seltos, new Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier,Nissan kicks and MG Hector. These few cars have redefined the compact SUV segment in the country with their Modern design and latest features. But all these cars are slightly expensive and start from over ₹9 lakh and Renault Duster is the only compact SUV which starts under ₹ 9 lakh. The introductory price of BS6 Duster is ₹8.49 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi that makes it a clear winner in terms of affordability.So if your priorities are ruggedness,spacious and practical cabin, then you should take a look at BS6 Renault Duster, which is the cheapest compact SUV in India.
2. Most Powerful SUV in the segment
The BS6 Renault Duster is now offered with the 1.3 turbo petrol engine as well as the existing 1.5-litre petrol motor.The new engine in the Duster gives it peak power of 156Ps and max torque figures of 254 Nm. This engine benefits from advanced technologies like Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) which provides high performance and efficiency, Dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) for higher torque at lower rpm and reduced emissions, according to Renault. The company also claims that the car will offer 16.5 kmpl in manual transmission option.The turbo petrol engine will be offered with options of either a 6-speed Manual Transmission, or a CVT transmission with a 7 speed Manual mode.The Renault Duster is also available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.So if your first priority is to buy a performance oriented compact SUV, then you can consider duster turbo petrol.
3. Great Handling !
Not every SUV handles well. A car with perfect handling gives satisfaction to the driver and makes the drive safe and enjoyable and Duster is one of the best Compact SUVs in terms of cornering, controlling and maintaining stability.We know that SUVs are known for their high ground clearance.The Ground clearance is a critical factor in several important characteristics of a vehicle.A higher ground clearance means that the center of mass of the gravity is higher, which makes for less precise and more dangerous handling characteristics (most notably, the chance of rollover is higher). The Renault Duster ground clearance is 205mm and it rides on 215/65 R16 tyres.
We can control the handling in our vehicle by either lowering the centre of gravity or widening the wheelbase of the car that helps to compensate for the body lean when the are turning.It also increases stability when you are driving on rough terrain. This is the same concept used by Renault. This lower centre of gravity (by increasing the width) helps to compensate for the inevitable lean it experience while turning.As a result you will feel confident while driving duster at corners even at high speed.
4. A practical SUV.
Renault duster’s front dashboard is loaded with large glove boxes which makes it easier to store stuffs.Moreover its boot space is its main USP.The Duster has a good size boot, offering far greater luggage capacity than you’d find in a other cars of a similar price. The Renault Duster has a boot space of 475 litres.The loading lip is of a height you’d expect in an SUV, while the boot itself is well-proportioned which makes it one of the most practical cars in its segment.
5. Ride comfort ,Leg room, head room & passenger space
The Duster’s suspension is one of the more comfortable ones in its segment also the seat in the rear row offers you a great under thigh support which makes the ride comfortable on long journeys.Head, leg and kneeroom are adequate regardless of where you’re sitting.Open the tall and wide doors to reveal a passenger compartment large enough to seat five adults.So if your priorities are good ride comfort , spacious cabin,then you should definitely consider duster.