In a surprise move, Renault India has officially launched the latest version of its best selling SUV model, Duster in the country. This 2015 version received a great deal of changes to its cabin. At the same time, the manufacturer has also made some updates to the diesel engine to improve its overall fuel efficiency and given it low end torque. Like its predecessor, this refurbished version too is available in number of variants among which, Renault Duster 110PS Diesel RxZ Option is the fully loaded version. It is equipped with the powerful 1.5-litre, dCi engine, which is capable of releasing a power of 108.45bhp along with a torque of 245Nm. As a result of modifications to the engine, its fuel efficiency has been upped by 10 percent as compared to its predecessor. On the other hand, the manufacturer has also made changes to the insides by giving its dashboard with smooth finish and by modifying the steering wheel. At the same time, center armrest is provided for both front and rear seats, wherein its rear one has cup holders as well. Beside these, there are several additional features have been added to this SUV including gearshift indicator, a new multi-information display featuring service reminder and the first-in-class ECO mode function. This vehicle is available with a standard warranty of 2-years or 50000 kilometers, whichever comes first.
Exteriors:
This newly launched version gets no updates to its exteriors, since the changes were made to the insides and features. Hence, it continues to look to be the same like its earlier version. To start with the frontage, it has a dual barrel headlight cluster with smoked finish, which is powered by halogen lamps and turn indicators. The radiator grille too remains to be the same featuring three horizontally positioned slats along with a company's insignia. The front bumper has a dual tone look, as it is fitted with a black colored lower cladding. It further houses a small air intake section along with dynamic fog lamps that adds to its sporty silhouette. Coming to the side facet, this Renault Duster RxZ trim gets sporty aluminum alloy wheels fitted to its fenders. It also gets B pillar stripping with high gloss black accents, while its door handles and ORVM caps have chrome accents. Beside these, it also gets aluminum roof rails, which enhances its sporty character. Coming to the rear, this vehicle has a distinctly designed tailgate, which is accompanied by a large windscreen and a high mount third brake light. The rear facet too has a sporty dual tone bumper that is fitted with chrome plated exhaust pipe.
Interiors:
Coming to the insides, this high end Renault Duster 110PS Diesel RxZ Option variant gets a series of updates inside the cabin that renders it a brand new look. Its cockpit is now fitted with a premium soft touch dashboard, which is designed with the fusion of elegance and ergonomics. At the same time, its instrument cluster too gets some updated with white illumination and chrome rings that adds to its classy DNA. It is further fitted with a stylish display that notifies about the fuel levels, speedometer and a few other such features. The manufacturer has also made changes to the steering wheel, which is now fitted with user friendly audio and call control switches. Another major change is that the seats are now covered with premium grade leather upholstery in beige color that gives an eye-soothing look to the cabin. Beside these, all the remaining aspects of the interiors have been retained from its predecessor. For the convenience of the occupants, there are several utility based features provided inside the cabin like center armrest with cup holders, accessory power sockets and dual front sun visors.
Engine and Performance:
This variant is powered by the same 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine, but it received some modifications that improved its overall fuel efficiency. It is based on the DOHC valve configuration with 4-cylinders and 16-valves, which receives fuel through common rail injection technology. It produces the same power of 108.45bhp at 3900rpm and yields a pounding torque output of 248Nm at 2200rpm. Its transmission duties are handled by the advanced six speed manual transmission gearbox that releases the torque output to the front wheels. This motor is now capable of delivering a maximum mileage of 19.64 Kmpl, which is quite good.
Braking and Handling:
There are no changes made to the braking mechanism of this SUV and it continues to work with ventilated disc and drum brakes fitted on front and rear wheels respectively. This mechanism gets the boost from the anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution system that enables this vehicle to deliver exceptional performance. In terms of suspension, this vehicle gets McPherson strut system on its front axle and torsion arm system on its rear one. Beside this, it also gets coil springs and double acting shock absorbers that helps to stabilize the vehicle, especially on uneven roads.
Comfort Features:
This latest version is blessed with a series of additional comfort features that further augments the driving pleasure. This top end variant gets a superior air conditioning system including a heater and pollen filter that regulates the air temperature inside. This trim is now blessed with a cruise control system with switch mounted on steering wheel, which eventually offers a fatigue free driving experience. The list of other features include keyless entry system, power assisted steering with tilt column, all four power windows, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, rear reading lamps, external temperature display, electric back door release, digital clock and passenger vanity mirror. Beside these, it is also blessed with MediaNav system featuring a CD player along with an FM tuner. At the same time, it also has a USB port, AUX-In socket and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless audio streaming.
Safety Features:
This model series is currently available in numerous trim levels and its safety features varies from each other. This Renault Duster 110PS Diesel RxZ Option has a list of features including ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, reverse parking sensors, engine immobilizer, central locking system, engine protective under guard and door open warning lamp. This high end trim also gets features like driver's seatbelt reminder, front fog lamps, rear wiper with washer, speed sensing automatic door, impact sensing auto door unlock and rear defogger.
Pros:
1. Improved comfort features are its big plus point.
2. Plush interiors with smooth finished dashboard.
Cons:
1. Price range is very expensive.
2. There is still work to improve its fuel efficiency.
