NewZNew (Chandigarh) : Renault India, one of the country’s fastest growing automobile manufacturers, continued with its aggressive product launch strategy in India by introducing the New Generation Duster. The new range boasts of superior engineering, all-new safety and comfort features and improved fuel efficiency, made possible by several technical and design enhancements. The new range starts at Rs. 8.30 Lakh (Delhi ex-showroom).

Renault created an all new segment in the Indian automotive industry with Duster, which has continued to dominate the Indian roads selling over one lakh units in India since launch. Built with all the features and luxuries of a premium vehicle at an outstanding value proposition, Duster has been appreciated as much for its futuristic design cues, as it has for successfully combining the comfort and sophistication of a sedan and the robust ruggedness of an SUV.

“Duster has firmly established the Renault brand in India, and reflects our commitment of introducing products and services that supersede customers’ expectations. Like all our products, we have kept Duster contemporary and exciting with relevant product improvements and we are confident that the New Generation Duster will further enhance the ‘Legacy of Duster’ in India,” said Mr. Sumit Sawhney, Country CEO and Managing Director, Renault Operations in India.

On Renault’s progress in India, Mr. Sawhney added, “Renault is one of the fastest growing auto makers in India, and we have a keen focus on strengthening our presence in the country. We will launch two new products this year in very exciting segments – Renault Lodgy in the MPV segment and a compact hatch, which will target the heart of the Indian automotive industry. So together with Duster, you will see two more volume drivers in our portfolio. Our aggressive expansion plans will be matched by our sharp focus on offering customers the best experience with our brand, and we are pioneering several initiatives on that front as well.”

The New Generation Duster features evolved electrical and electronics architecture and a new “CMO10” engine compartment enabling a superior driving experience with excellent acceleration and low end torque for better drivability. The New Generation Duster is also built to be compatible with future regulation and its high ground clearance of 205mm adds to the practicality of the SUV.

Renault has also gone the extra mile to make the New Generation Duster the preferred choice for ‘Next Generation India’ with all new comfort features including the arm rest, the gear shift indicator and the new multi information display with service reminders. It also includes a segment first ECO mode feature, cruise control & speed limiter, new steering column, new instrument cluster and a speed sensitive door lock for better safety. The interiors have also been refreshed with a soft touch dashboard, new fabric upholstery and a quieter cabin to better the drive experience.

Together with the dynamic new styling features, Renault has ensured that the technical enhancements have led to improved fuel efficiency, with the 110PS delivering mileage of 19.64kmpl while the mileage of the 85PS variant is 19.87kmpl. Driving in the ECO mode delivers upto 10% higher fuel economy by balancing power and torque delivery in the vehicle.

New Generation – Key Features

Engine & Transmission

The New Generation Duster will be available in both petrol and diesel engine options with choice of two diesel engines and a powerful petrol engine. For the more powerful diesel variant it will use the reliable and fuel efficient 1.5 K9K, dCi (common rail direct injection) diesel engine delivering a powerful performance with 110PS@4000RPM of maximum power and peak torque of 245NM@1750RPM. The engine is mated to a 6 speed manual transmission. This is matched by its excellent fuel efficiency of 19.64 kmpl*, which is most effective in the eco mode.

The New Generation Duster RxE, RxL Diesel variant with its 1.5 dCi K9K engine will produce 85PS@3750RPM of maximum power and 200NM@1750RPM of peak Torque with class leading fuel efficiency of 19.87 Kmpl which will provide one of the best options for economical city driving with enough power to cruise comfortably on the highway as well.

The powerful petrol variant uses the 1.6 K4M engine. It produces a maximum power of 104PS@5750 RPM and 148 Nm@3750 RPM peak torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It has a fuel efficiency of 13.24 Kmpl.

High on Safety and Contemporary Design cues

The New Generation Duster also comes with state-of-the-art safety features starting with the monocoque body, ABS with EBD and brake assist, dual front airbags, rear defogger and a rear wiper and washer with timer. Other progressive features which contribute to the styling and comfort of the car include a sporty instrument cluster and upholstery, a new improved soft-touch dashboard which accentuates the superior quality and adds a regal touch to the car, multi-information display panel which comes with several smart features including a service reminder, real time fuel efficiency display, distance to empty warning, and average speed. The New Generation Duster also has a driver armrest, an 8-way adjustable driver seat, one touch turn indicator (lane change), ambient temperature display, speed sensitive auto door lock, impact sensing auto door unlock, rapid deceleration warning, ample trunk storage space, futuristic navigation consoles – medianav, steering-mounted audio and phone controls and a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel amongst others. The Feather light Steering wheel makes for easy driving and is well supported by the cruise control feature which helps reducing driving fatigue.

The new uber-stylish IP cluster with white illumination and chrome rings add to the sporty DNA of the vehicle, while the new seat fabric upholstery lends a stylish and sophisticated feel, while maintaining the vehicle’s sportiness.  On the exterior, smoked headlamps, body colour door handles and rear view mirrors are new features that come with the New Generation Duster.

Renault Secure

Renault is also introducing innovative after sales support to customers and its latest offering includes integrating extended warranty service contracts with Roadside Assistance which offers towing facilities in cases of immobilization, accidents or any unforeseen event, and this is offered under the brand “Renault Secure”. These are competitively priced, and offer customers the best ownership experience.