Renault has launched updated petrol-powered automatic Duster SUV for the Indian market. However, this new model was already caught at many dealerships recently. With the 2017 petrol model, Renault has replaced the 1.6-litre unit from the current Duster lineup with a smaller volume H4K 1.5-litre steup.
Despite downsized volume, Renaults engineers manage to add a bit of extra power to new engine setup. The new engine does not just produce more power than its predecessor but it returns more fuel mileage too. The French carmaker has also added an X-Tronic automatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox with four driving modes - Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive, besides a 6-speed manual gearbox replacing the 5-speed manual transmission.
Below here are the prices of the new 2017 Renault Duster variants -
2017 Renault Duster Manual (RxE and RxL trims)- INR 8.49 Lakh
2017 Renault Duster CVT Automatic (RxS trim only) - INR 10.32 Lakh
Note - Both the prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
Speaking at the launch, Renault India CEO and Managing Director, Sumit Sawhney said, "The Duster plays a pivotal role in our product portfolio and with the introduction of the new petrol range with CVT, Renault has the widest offering in the segment, enabling us to best cater to evolving customer needs. We are confident that the new Duster petrol range with the CVT will resonate well with discerning Indian customers in the fastest growing vehicle segment in India."
Coming on the numbers, the 1.5-litre motor is capable of generating a maximum power of 104.5 bhp at 5,600 rpm and a peak torque of 142 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Whereas the older 1.6-litre unit churned out a maximum power of 102 bhp along with the peak torque of 148 Nm. The 2017 Duster is continued to be offered with 2WD system. The new engine setup delivers an ARAI certified fuel economy of 14.99 kmpl with CVT gearbox and 14.19 kmpl with the manual transmission.
Since the automatic variant is based on the range-topping RxS trim, it gets all the top-end features inside the cabin such as a touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity, new fabric seat upholstery, automatic climate control, steering mounted audio as well as phone controls, steering mounted cruise control.
On the safety front, it is loaded with several equipment along with a number of driving assist technologies. The list consists dual front airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Hill Start Assist and reverse parking sensors with a rearview camera.
On the exterior, the new 2017 petrol automatic Duster is available across the 7 different paint shades - Fiery Red, Pearl White, Moonlight Silver, Outback Bronze, Woodland Brown, Slate Grey and Cayenne Orange. It also exclusively receives 16-inch gunmetal finish alloy wheels. Several added styling cues on the Duster CVT include blacked out grille, dual-tone body coloured front bumper, electronically operable wing mirrors, side stickers, tailgate decal and black door side sill.
The new Duster petrol automatic will come with a two-year or 50,000 km warranty and free roadside assistance for the first two years, similar to what’s offered on all other Renault models sold in India.
With the updated petrol mill and added CVT option, the carmaker is looking forward to adding more appeal to its slow-selling petrol Duster (compare to diesel model). Now, the Duster petrol CVT automatic has strong impression against its rivals in the segment. Hyundai Creta petrol automatic (1.6-litre 123 hp) and Honda BR-V (119 hp 1.6-litre) are the strong opponents of 2017 Duster petrol automatic.
Apart from petrol mill updation, Renault has also added a mid-line RxL trim with AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) to its diesel-powered Duster SUV and is priced INR 11.87 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
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