The Renault New Duster is one of India’s most popular compact SUVs, combining robust performance, stylish design, and off-road capabilities. Known for its reliability, spacious interiors, and advanced features, the Duster has consistently been a top choice for urban commuters and adventure enthusiasts alike. With its refreshed look, upgraded engine options, and modern technology, the Renault New Duster offers a balanced driving experience, making it a compelling option in the competitive SUV segment.
Renault New Duster Highlights
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.5L Petrol / 1.5L Diesel |
| Max Power | 108 PS (Petrol) / 110 PS (Diesel) |
| Max Torque | 144 Nm (Petrol) / 245 Nm (Diesel) |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / CVT (Petrol), 6-Speed Manual (Diesel) |
| Mileage | 16–17 km/l (Petrol), 19–20 km/l (Diesel) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Seats |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 Litres |
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm |
| Brakes | Front Disc / Rear Drum |
| Front Suspension | McPherson Strut with Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam with Coil Spring |
| Tyres | 215/65 R16 / 215/60 R17 |
| Infotainment System | 8-inch Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Safety Features | Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, Rear Parking Sensors, ESP |
| Dimensions | 4366 x 1822 x 1695 mm |
| Price (Approx.) | ₹12.00 – ₹16.50 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom) |
Design and Exterior
The Renault New Duster features a rugged yet modern design that enhances its road presence. Its bold front grille, LED DRLs, muscular wheel arches, and skid plates create an assertive SUV look. The redesigned bumpers and chrome accents give the New Duster a premium feel, while roof rails and alloy wheels enhance its sporty appeal.
Practicality and Aerodynamics
The high ground clearance of 205 mm ensures smooth handling over rough terrain, while the aerodynamic design improves fuel efficiency and reduces wind noise. The wide track and compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in city traffic and challenging roads alike.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Renault New Duster offers spacious seating for five passengers. High-quality upholstery, supportive seats, and ergonomic layout provide comfort for long drives. The rear legroom and headroom are generous, making it suitable for family trips.
Dashboard and Infotainment
The updated dashboard features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice commands. The instrument cluster is clear and provides essential driving information. Climate control, steering-mounted controls, and adjustable seats enhance convenience and usability.
Engine and Performance
The Renault New Duster comes with 1.5L petrol and 1.5L diesel engines, both tuned for efficiency and performance. The petrol engine delivers 108 PS power and 144 Nm torque, while the diesel engine produces 110 PS and 245 Nm, offering strong mid-range performance.
Transmission and Driving Modes
Petrol variants are available with 5-speed manual or CVT, while diesel comes with a 6-speed manual. The Duster handles city roads and highways with ease, providing a smooth and confident ride. Optional Eco and Sport driving modes allow drivers to optimize performance or fuel efficiency as needed.
Ride and Handling
The Renault New Duster excels in ride quality with its McPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension. The SUV maintains stability even on uneven roads and provides comfortable handling in urban traffic and long highway journeys.
Off-Road Capabilities
Thanks to its high ground clearance and robust build, the New Duster can handle light off-roading. The all-terrain tyres, hill-start assist, and traction control enhance its ability to tackle rough roads and challenging conditions confidently.
Safety Features
Safety is a strong point of the New Duster, with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program (ESP), and rear parking sensors as standard features. Higher trims offer additional features like side airbags, hill-start assist, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Driver Assistance
The SUV comes equipped with parking sensors, rearview camera, and optional keyless entry, enhancing convenience and reducing the risk of minor accidents during urban driving.
Fuel Efficiency
The Renault New Duster delivers a mileage of 16–17 km/l for petrol and 19–20 km/l for diesel. Its fuel-efficient engines, combined with aerodynamic design and optimized gear ratios, ensure low running costs over long-term usage.
Pros and Cons of Renault New Duster
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rugged and stylish design | Rear drum brakes in some variants |
| Spacious and comfortable interiors | CVT petrol could be refined |
| Strong petrol and diesel engines | No automatic diesel option |
| High ground clearance for rough roads | Infotainment lags slightly in heavy use |
| Good safety features | Cabin could be quieter at high speed |
Competitors
The New Duster competes with Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier, and MG Hector. While the Creta and Seltos focus on premium features, the Duster stands out with its ruggedness, strong engines, and off-road capabilities.
Comparison with Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta offers more premium interiors and additional tech features, but the Renault Duster provides better ground clearance, off-road capability, and a more powerful diesel engine, making it ideal for adventure enthusiasts.
User Experience
Drivers appreciate the New Duster for its solid road presence, comfortable seating, and dependable performance. It handles city traffic efficiently while offering a confident ride on highways. Its practicality, easy cargo access, and off-road capabilities make it a versatile choice for families and explorers alike.
Verdict: Should You Buy Renault New Duster?
The Renault New Duster is a reliable and stylish compact SUV suitable for both urban commuting and adventurous trips. With its rugged design, spacious interiors, fuel-efficient engines, and modern features, it provides excellent value for money.
If you are looking for a versatile, safe, and high-performing SUV, the New Duster is a practical and long-lasting option that caters to families, solo travelers, and small business owners.
Conclusion
The Renault New Duster remains a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. Its combination of rugged design, powerful engines, comfortable interiors, and essential safety features makes it a balanced package for Indian buyers. With options for both petrol and diesel, manual or CVT transmissions, and advanced infotainment, the New Duster appeals to a wide audience. Its off-road capabilities and high ground clearance further enhance its versatility, making it an ideal SUV for daily drives, weekend trips, and occasional adventures.