All-New Renault Duster Brochure Indicates What To Expect From Upcoming Mid-Size SUV
Renault is expected to bring the new third-generation Duster to the Indian soil soon. We expect the production to start sometime this month. When launched, the new SUV will bank on the nameplate’s existing acceptance and fan base in the Indian market to drive sales. It has already gone on sale in Australia. Based on our analysis of its brochure, here’s everything to know about the upcoming Duster...
Dimensions
Going by the brochure of the Australia-spec, the new Duster spans 4345mm in length, 1822 mm in width, and 1660 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2658mm. The 4x4 variant has a ground clearance of 212mm, while the 4x2 variants come with 174mm.
Exterior Design
The Duster is a good-looking SUV. It looks sharper and more modern than the previous model that was on sale in India. The new SUV will come with all-LED lighting. The headlamps and tail lamps will feature Y-shaped elements. Other key exterior highlights include chunky squared wheel arches, prominent body cladding, stylish new wheels, and a large grille. Even the bumpers will look fresh.
The SUV will also come with short overhangs at both ends. It will have an approach angle of 31 degrees and a departure angle of 36 degrees. The Australian model rides on 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels (lower variants feature 17 inchers). It remains to be seen if the same would be brought to India as well.
The third-gen Duster is offered in seven colour options abroad- Solid White, Khaki Green, Pearlescent Black, Terracotta, Cedar Green, Sandstone, and Shadow Grey. We have talked in detail about the colour palette in a previous story. Most of these colours are likely to be brought to India as well.
Interior And Features
The new Duster will come with a fresh cabin design and a long list of features. The overall layout will be driver-oriented. Unlike the previous model, the new Duster will look and feel premium inside. The Australian spec comes in two broad trims- Techno and Evolution. The upholstery on both features a Black-Grey dual-tone colour scheme. It remains to be seen if the same will be used on the India-spec as well.
The new Duster will come with a slew of features and tech. It will have a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, 7-inch colour driver display, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker Arkamys Classic audio system, front, side and rear parking sensors, hands-free key card, automatic ‘walk away’ door locking, electric folding mirrors, wireless charger, USB charging points, electric parking brake, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and an advanced level 2 ADAS suite.
The ADAS suite will include features like autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic high/low beam, driver attention alert, blind spot monitoring and more.
Specifications
Initially, Renault will bring petrol engines. These will likely be joined by hybrid variants later. The model sold abroad comes with a 1.3L petrol EDC engine and a 1.2L mild hybrid petrol. The former is the same turbocharged petrol used on the previous Duster that was on sale here. It will have an output of 160 hp.
The 1.2L turbo petrol will be able to make around 130hp. The strong hybrid powertrain expected on the new Duster will likely make 140 hp. The SUV will offer both manual and automatic transmission choices. Some variants of the new Duster will come with 4x4 hardware as well.
Safety Suite
The new SUV will be well-kitted even on the safety front. It will come with multiple airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, 360-degree camera, 3-point seatbelts for all seats, seatbelt warning lamps, and more. All these will be in addition to the ADAS suite mentioned above.
Possible Competition
In the Indian market, the new Duster will compete primarily with the Hyundai Creta. This Korean SUV continues to dominate the segment. It is loved for striking a fine balance between features, reliability and peaceful ownership.
In addition to this, SUVs like the Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, the new Maruti Victoris, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun, Citroen Basalt, MG Astor, Tata Curvv, and the upcoming Sierra EV will also give it heat. Models like the Taigun, Kushaq and Seltos are expected to get major updates in the coming years. The Duster is indeed destined to enter a segment with fierce competition.