Renault Duster

Renault Duster

Renault wants a presence in each segment of the car market and will be ready with its Duster mini-SUV by July next year. The Duster shares its platform with the Logan (now Mahindra Verito), so should be able to take a fair bit of abuse. But this is no off-roader in the true sense and will be sold in India in a two-wheel-drive avatar only. Interior space is impressive and, just like on the Logan, ride quality is nice and supple too. The Duster will have  1.6 petrol (105bhp) and 1.5 diesel (90bhp) engines. A more powerful 107bhp 1.5 diesel with reduced turbo lag will also be on offer. Expect prices to start at Rs 7 lakh for the base petrol-engined Duster. 

 

Factfile:

Engines: 1.6-litre petrol, 1.5-litre

diesel, 1.5-litre diesel

Power/Torque: 105bhp/15.1kgm,

90bhp/20.4kgm, 107bhp/24.5kgm

Kerb weight: 1205kg

L/W/H: 4315/1822/1695mm

Expected: July 2012

Price: Rs 7-8 lakh