Renault India launches "Gang of Dusters" expedition series

Today is India's 67th Independence Day, and French automaker Renault has used the ensuing long weekend to launch a new expedition initiative for the owners of the Duster SUV, the car maker's best selling product in the Indian car market. Renault has just launched the West Coast Expedition for Duster owners and their families, under the "Gang of Dusters" initiative.

This expedition, consisting of a number of Renault Duster SUVs, will involve a road trip from Mumbai starting today, and will traverse Panhala, Dandeli, Goa and Kolad, before arriving back at Mumbai on the 19th August. Here's an excerpt from Renault India's official communication, on what the participants of the West Coast Expedition will get to experience, 

During the drive, participants will have the opportunity to meet and share experiences with other Duster owners and drive enthusiasts as well as visit historic sites, go on a wildlife safari, talk to a rally expert, take part in impromptu rallies, go rock climbing, build rafts and attend interactive service sessions, among others.

Clearly, Renault India is seeking to promote the Duster SUV as an expedition vehicle, as a means of exploring India. Going forward, Renault has plans of many more such expeditions in various parts of the country. Such initiatives from car makers aren't new in India.

Mahindra has a dedicated Adventure division that organizes road trips and off road jamborees while Tata Motors conducts off road trials for owners of Tata SUVs under the Tata Motors Full Throttle banner. These events are used to showcase the vehicles's capabilities and also to give owners unique experiences. 

The Renault Duster sold in India is available with petrol and turbo diesel engine options. The 1.5 liter K9K turbo diesel engined variants of the Duster that come in 85 Bhp-200 Nm and 108 Bhp-248 Nm power and torque outputs remain the fast selling models of this SUV. The petrol version remains a slow seller as SUV buyers in India generally prefer diesel power. 

5 speed and 6 speed manual gearboxes are standard on the 85 Ps and 110 PS versions of the 1.5 liter K9K diesel engined Duster. Although the Duster that's sold in India comes with ample ground clearance of 205 mm, the SUV is front wheel driven, a factor that somewhat limits the its go anywhere credentials.

For the next year at least, Renault India has no plans of introducing the four wheel drive system on the Duster, a feature that's available on the models that the French automaker's Indian factory exports to the United Kingdom. So, the upcoming Duster expeditions from Renault India are expected to be held mainly on well paved surfaces.