[lamborghini]

Voted No.

For some reason the resale prices of the Duster aren't tempting enough compared to competition that is arguably superior - the S-Cross 1.6 for instance in terms of fun-to-drive, or even for the chauffeur driven.

The only variant I would consider is the AWD as it is a very competent vehicle.

[Brumby]

Voted no.

It might have a very good ride quality but over all I was not impressed with the car when we went for a test drive and a visit to a nearby showroom.

The interiors were not that great, the roof of the test drive car with some 6000-7000 odd kilometers was squeaking while slowly passing over potholes at the time of leaving the showroom. It felt as if it was supported on bamboo sticks. That was when I decided not to go ahead for the test drive and handed over the car to the salesman much to his surprise.

That might be one off case but influenced my decision.

[aniyo]

Voted No.
No one seems to be focusing on the safety aspect. Duster has 3 star rating with smaller airbag. There are much better options in the price range.
For me safety comes first and would suggest other cars

[Altocumulus]

Originally Posted by aniyo

Voted No.
No one seems to be focusing on the safety aspect. Duster has 3 star rating with smaller airbag. There are much better options in the price range.
For me safety comes first and would suggest other cars

That's for the variant with just Driver Airbag. Higher variants have dual airbags, ESP, ASR, ABS, EBD, BA, Hill Hold & understeer control.

[dr_davis97]

Definitely a yes from my side. Especially, if I am looking for a self-driven beater. The combination of that workhorse motor coupled with the best suspension set up that I have experienced for our road conditions makes it a no brainer for me. The duster or the sunny(chaffeur driven) have been my ideas for a really fab beater.

[dr.aviansh]

Well, I have done 1,50,000 KMS on my 85 PS and this is a question I keep asking myself, that what will I do once she’ll do 10 years? (NCR region)
My preference would be a Jeep Compass, but what if I start hearing horror stories about FCA after sales service? Which I already am by now.

I like the fit and finish on the Creta but never really appreciated the handling or its dynamics. The newer one simply has a rear that I’m not able to digest.

Same with the Seltos which doesn’t have the ride quality of the Duster. I believe the drop dead looks are more because of the LED lights in the front. I have seen a few base models at night and they looked awful. Till I realised that it is just an average looker without those all alloys and LED lightning.
Plus, there are alot of issues with KIA ASC, so, no.

MG Hector has more than one issue. Long term reliability uncertainty, boat like dynamics and I’m not a fan of Chinese technology.

Tata Harrier, a very capable product and though Tata cars have come a long way, but still there are a lot of expectations while buying an 18L car. After all, I’m not buying a 4L Indica!

Negatives about the Duster :

1.) No option of a Diesel Mill anymore. Since, I can consider buying a new one again.

2.) Poor AC. Yes, at 1-2 blower speeds, rear passengers are not very comfortable. At 3-4, it gets very noisy.

3.) Injector Issue with 110 PS. I haven’t done my full research but some aftermarket Injectors from maybe BOSCH etc should provide a long term solution. You can always be friendly with an ASC and they can claim warranties on newer ones and get yourself the new injectors. I have done that for a couple of parts myself. It’s a little complicated process but it doesn’t cost them a penny.

4.) AC knobs and switches become hard after a few years.

5.) Poor rear Leg room. I’d consider on swapping the rear bench with captain seats or maybe reclining seats from some MUV. That’s on the list. Any suggestions from you guys are more than welcome.

6.) Brake issue. I particularly feel that the brakes on my 2013 should have been better. They’re just not enough for the heavy car. I heard they have fixed it in the later models. Inputs are welcome.

7.) Crude and Ugly interiors. Can modify it according to taste or better i can live with it.

8.) World War Jeep like Rear Looks. Well how many times do I even get to look at the rear?

WHY DUSTER AT ALL?

Unmatched ride quality : After having owned one, I cannot compromise on this factor. I wouldn’t want my family to be tossing around on bad roads. It’s technologically advanced 2020 and surprisingly people are overlooking this basic requirement.
My old grandfather has done 800 kms at a stretch without breaking a sweat. My family has done long drives to Bhopal, Himalayas on several occasions, Ranthambore etc etc. I am sure the same on say a Creta, can never be as tireless.

Handling : How often do you get a precise and feedback giving steering these days that too on an SUV?

No breakdowns : Dacia is reputable in the Central Europe for making simple workhorses and no wonder the Duster has been a global product. It is very reliable and there are hardly any mechanical breakdowns. I did some research about the DCi from Meru Cab drivers who were using Logan back in 2013 before buying mine. Each of them said that this engine can do atleast 4 lac kms. Now that’s despite an oil change at 10,000 kms unlike Innova’s/Fortuner’s at 5,000 km. Take this Toyota!

Safety : Despite a low NCAP rating, it actually turned out to be safe. My driver was once involved in a head-on collision with a Police Gypsy coming towards him on the wrong side on Delhi Jhansi highway. The Gypsy fell into a ditch a little far away, its dead axle, differentials all came out. Luckily, the police and arrested weren’t injured much but our Duster could walk down back to Delhi from Jhansi after all legal clearances.

NEWER DUSTER?

Well I’m really eager on seeing the 1.3 TCe CVT combo. I hope they launch it soon.

So my vote on a pre worshiped or a new: YES.

[cars_etcetera]

I voted no mainly due to the interiors.

Originally Posted by GTO

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Indian Car Scene. Thanks for sharing!

Voted yes, but only for the AWD version. If you have to drive on bad roads, mountain roads or tour India, there is no car like the Duster AWD. Big fan of its mechanical capability. Has niggles & a sad cabin, but I can live with that. With premium A/T tyres, the AWD is surprisingly capable! They reduced the turbo-lag when these came out, while the AWD's all-independent suspension further improves the S-Class matching ride comfort . Would get one and tour Maharashtra / India like PapaBravo does

Attachment 2021190

Yes would go for the AWD version, which for me seems to be a deal breaker

Originally Posted by Nithesh_M

If the Duster had the interiors from the Kicks atleast they would sway a lot of Creta customers towards them.

Oh boy this is nowhere near Kicks(interiors).These are easily the worst in the segment I recon.But, The drive feels absolutely very sure footed, the diesel variant with 4WD/AWD as I myself am a bit confused cause the one I drove was actually a 4WD and there's also a AWD. The 6-speed gearbox, the clutch all seems very appealing.

But look at the infotainment system and the air conditioning unit. You evidently need to pull your hand that far down to reach the A/c knob to adjust.


The steering looks very fat (personal opinion). Though it gives decent feedback as such.


For me this instrument cluster is in fact the greatest bummer of all. I just can't accept such a nicely put together car not getting the interiors it needs. The almost 31k odo reading includes a trip all the way to Ladakh from Kerala

[DBeast]

Voted weak YES - I own one though (85 PS - diesel)!

I would love to see two improvements :
1. Better interiors
2. Far better after-sales service

I would never want anyone to re-tune / re-work on the suspension. It has got the best riding dynamics (the carpet ride) and very precise steering on this of 20L, even Creta, XUV 500, Harrier (no offense to any owner here) comes close.

Have done 35k in 22 months years, and just waiting for the lockdown to get over to be back on the road.

-DB

[McLaren Rulez]

They're pretty much unicorns but the Captur would be a far better value proposition if you can find one.

[Ace F355]

Originally Posted by dr.aviansh

unlike Innova’s/Fortuner’s at 5,000 km. Take this Toyota!

Sorry but against your presumption, Toyota does oil change at 10k Kms only. 5k is a general check up

[dr.aviansh]

Originally Posted by Ace F355

Sorry but against your presumption, Toyota does oil change at 10k Kms only. 5k is a general check up

Okay my bad. Nonetheless, Renault doesn’t require a general check up every 5k.

[PrasannaDhana]

Voted yes.

Because

1. Ride quality is very important to me, and duster's USP is its ride quality

2. Small dimensions - easy to drive and park in urban conditions

3. Good GC and robust construction - abuse friendly

4. That 1.5 is a tested engine. Very efficient too.

5. Duster feels nice to drive, coming from larger ladder on frame SUVs.

6. Plenty of cars available in the used market for as low as 3 lakhs.

Negatives :

1. Interiors

2. Second row is useless if you are tall. I had almost no underthigh support

3. Most used cars are abused and it's hard to find pre-worshipped ones.

[swarnava.ch]

Voted: No

As many other members also commented above, Duster had the most capable 4X4 package at a good price point. Loved and admired the AWD varient. However Renaults decision to not upgrade the AWD version to BS6 is not confidence inspiring. The petrol package is good only for the Engine option however there are many more Turbo Petrol Options in the market today at better Value for Money proposition. I am sure anyone who owns the AWD version currently will keep it for longer and hold on to their cars.

[drmohitg]

Voted No. It looked dated at the time of launch and after so many years feels completely out of sync with the market today. Drab exteriors combined with vanilla plain interiors just do not cut the job now. Also Renault after sales service is a big question mark. My very close friend has one and his servicing bills are almost in line with my 3 series. The only good thing about this car is its ride quality. But not so much to compensate for the cons.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Guess if BHPians themselves are generally reluctant to buy the Duster in 2020 - no wonder why the resale value is rather less in the used market.