ALL NEW DUSTER(dacia) UNVEILED , RENAULT TO UP THE GEAR IN THE RACE FOR TOP SPOT

The conditions and competition in the Indian automotive industry has recently seen a shift. While in the past car manufacturers were focusing on the hatchback and premium hatchback market, presently there is a stiff competition starting to build in the compact SUV market, which is currently dominated by the likes of Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport and the Mahindra Quanto.

With the new players entering the compact suv segment, market leader and pioneer Renault is fast loosing its ground at the podium. bulk of it swallowed by ecosport and another junk engulfed by its twin brother Nissan terrano, which by birth is more eye catchy and stylish than the sibling

Trying to lure more customers to purchase a Duster over anything else, Renault has unveiled an all-new avatar of the its flagship compact SUV, which has already received quite a love from the Indian upper middle class.

 With quite a few cosmetic changes, the new Duster looks better and a lot more dynamic. Although the car maker hasn’t announced a launch date, chances are bright that we will see the new Duster at the upcoming Indian Auto Expo 2014, which will be held in Greater Noida.

 The car maker has left no stone unturned in giving the Duster a new look and some of the major modifications on the exterior include a dual-tone chrome grill, modified headlights that now feature double-optic units and daytime running lights.

 Additionally, the car gets a new tail lamp cluster, improved roof rails to add to the car’s already sporty look, chrome lined exhaust and a great new scuff place. With new 16-inch dark metal alloy wheels, the look of the car becomes as sporty as you might want.

Similarly, the sporty look has been carried forward indoors with new steering mounted controls, an all-new instrument panel, center arm-rest with a storage box, and a central console that comes equipped with the company’s new infotainment system.

 With all that in place, the car maker has still managed to give the vehicle its class leading boot space, which measures a whopping 475 liters.

 

 While the exterior and interior of the car have been considerably revamped, under the hood conditions are still a little similar. The new Duster will be made available in 1.6-liter petrol and 1.5-liter K9K engine.

 The 1.5-liter powerhouse will be able to provide two peak powers, that is 85PS and 110PS. However, there is a rumor that the new Duster might also come out with a new 1.2-liter TCe Turbocharged petrol engine, which will definitely make conditions difficult for Ford’s EcoSport which is still powered by a 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine.

 The revamp clearly suggests that the car maker is targeting the growing upper middleclass of India, and is trying to compete with other popular compact SUVs in the segment, including the Mahindra XUV500 and the Nissan Terrano.

 With competition already rising, we don’t think that Renault will increase the prices of the Duster and it might sell anywhere in between Rs 8.50 lakh and 13 lakh.If they can introduce a lower variant with price anywhere near Ecosports middle variant atleast they will ring the lottery. A 4X4 option would also have been a big addition.