Renault has just launched a refreshed version of the Duster in Brazil. The SUV features multiple differences in comparison to the version that is sold in India. The new model features a large silver insert in the front bumper that doubles up as a skid plate, a two slat black front grille and tinted headlights with LED accents.

At the back, this Duster gets a silver insert in the rear bumper, two small reflectors to the sides and LED accents in the tail lights. The side profile is highlighted by dull grey alloy wheels. On the inside, the SUV gets a gloss black centre console, a white backlit instrument cluster, restyled air vents and the door panels are said to get higher quality materials. The touchscreen infotainment system is updated and gets a GPS navigation system with real time traffic updates.

Mechanically, the SUV is available with 1.6L and 2.0L petrol engines. The 1.6L engine is offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the 2.0L mill can be mated with a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

It isn't uncommon for a vehicle to be parked at an after sales service center for diagnosis or repairs for a long duration. However, Renault really tested the patience of this Kota, Rajasthan-based businessman, Rajesh Pareta.

It is said that he faced technical issues the very first day he bought the vehicle, and when Renault couldn't fix the electric and air-con issues even after keeping the car in the workshop for 200 days, Pareta finally took some drastic measures.

The owner decided to donate his problematic vehicle to the Morak Station Gram Panchayat on the condition that it would be used as a garbage collection bin. The owner, himself pasted the stickers (which translate to: garbage bin) on the vehicle before donating it to the Gram Panchayat.

Renault is currently in the process of expanding its network and such incidents are bound to create a huge dent on the reputation of the brand. The story does bear quite a resemblance to the tales of Maharajas converting their Rolls Royce cars into garbage carriers after being disrespected by the company.

 

Source: topyaps

Renault has given the two-wheel drive Duster SUV some additional features for 2015, some of which have been carried over from the AWD version of the car.

While the exterior of the Duster is unchanged, the interior has been given some updates. There is a soft touch dashboard, a new instrument cluster with a new multi information display with service reminders and a gearshift indicator and an arm rest. The Duster also gets an ECO mode feature, cruise control and speed limiter, new steering column and a speed-sensitive door lock. The fabric upholstery is new and better noise insulation.

The Duster continues to use the same 1.5-litre diesel engine in 108 bhp and 84 bhp guises as the outgoing model. Renault claims that it has tweaked it for improved fuel efficiency. The 108 bhp version delivers an average of 19.64 kpl, while the 84 bhp variant returns 19.87 kpl. The 1.6-litre, 103 bhp petrol engine has also been carried over from the old car.

Prices for the 2015 Duster range start at Rs. 8.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

French carmaker Renault has displayed a new variant of the Dacia Duster AWD compact SUV at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed 125 TCe, the new variant features a 1.2-litre petrol engine. It will replace the 2.0-litre petrol variant in global markets.

This 1.2-litre petrol engine is turbocharged and produces 125 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission and comes with start/stop and energy recuperation systems.

In India, the petrol Duster is available with a naturally aspirated, 1.6-litre, 103 bhp engine and front-wheel drive only. Renault has not disclosed any plans of introducing the new variant in the country.

Thanks to BHPian gauravdgr8 for bringing this to our notice.

Until 2014, Renault was known to offer one of the best factory warranties in India on their vehicles - 4 years or 80,000 kms. However, 2015 onwards, Renault too like other manufacturers, now provides a standard warranty of 2 years (or 50,000 kms from the date of delivery).

Customers now have the option to purchase extended warranty for an additional 2 years or 30,000 kms, by paying a certain sum of money. Pricing of this extended warranty varies on the basis of city and vehicle.

Prices for extended warranty in Mumbai are as below:

Duster: Rs. 10,400/10,650 (P/D)
Pulse: Rs. 6,150/6,300 (P/D)
Scala: Rs. 7,450
Fluence: Rs. 19,200
Koleos: Rs. 26,500

On a related note, Honda offers a warranty of up to 7 years / 1,00,000 kms on their cars.

The Renault Duster has proven to be a one model saviour for the French car maker in India. Under either the Renault or Dacia badges, the compact SUV is very popular in markets such as India, Brazil and certain European nations. The next generation Duster is likely to go on sale in 2017, and a report suggests that the SUV will see an increase in length, along with the provision of 2 more seats at the back.

According to the report by a French publication, the new Duster will see an improvement in space at the back in order to better accommodate 2 additional passengers. It is important to note that the Duster is already offered with the option of adding a jump seat as an accessory. However, the jump seat is quite small and is ideally usable only for small children. Expected to be revealed towards the end of 2016, the new Duster will get design inputs from the Oroch concept, which was showcased at the 2014 Sao Paulo motor show. The new Duster is also likely to see a reduction in weight along with more efficient petrol and diesel engines.

Source: Cardisiac

Renault India appears to have silently given the Duster 85 PS an update. The RxL Plus and RxL (option) variants of the car were spotted at a dealership stockyard in Gurgaon. The changes include new rubber beadings on all the doors and new damping material in the engine bay near the firewall. These updates are said to give the vehicle better sound insulation. The engine cover of the car has been left out.

The Duster also gets a chunkier steering wheel, audio controls mounted on the steering column and a new instrument cluster with white backlighting and a dedicated dial for the MID. All these updates are in line with the AWD variant that the company launched recently.

Additionally, the Dusters spotted at the stockyard also sported new beige shade for the dashboard, new fabric for the seats and door pads and piano black door handles. These have been available as optional equipment earlier. It is unclear whether they are now a part of standard equipment. The car is also said to sport better fit and finish and paint quality than before. It may be recalled that the India-made Duster was recently recalled in the UK for rust issues.

It is unclear whether these updates will be made to the 110 PS version of the Duster as well.

Source: Gaadi

Right hand drive Dusters for UK, were made in India at the Renault-Nissan's plant in Chennai until recently, when the company shifted the production to Dacia's Pitesti plant in Romania where LHD Duster's are being produced.

What started with only a few complaints, has now spread all over the internet about issues relating to corrosion in right hand drive Dusters. Blame it on paint irregularities or lack of quality control, but owners experienced rust issues in their few month old Dusters. The India-made (Dacia) Dusters have developed a reputation for being rust buckets in the UK.

In response to the several complains, Dacia UK officially released statements which confirmed paintwork issues in right hand drive Dusters manufactured between January 2013 and August 2014.

Interestingly, the Chennai plant manufactured Dusters for both UK and India. The Dusters sold in India are still being manufactured at the same plant. If the UK Duster is plagued with corrosion issues and Dacia have officially recalled the Duster to address the issue, it is very strange that Renault India have remained tight-lipped regarding the Duster sold here.

Here are some rust issues experienced by BHPians on their Renault Dusters:

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/official-new-car-reviews/123824-renault-duster-official-review-137.html#post3036518

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/official-new-car-reviews/156651-renault-duster-awd-official-review-12.html#post3592144

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/official-new-car-reviews/123824-renault-duster-official-review-139.html#post3041157

In an attempt to boost sales, Renault India is offering discounts on select variants of the Duster SUV.

The entry-level 4x2 85 PS RxL diesel variant is now available at Rs. 9.29 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), which translates to a discount of Rs. 40,000. The price of the 110 PS RxL AWD variant is now pegged at Rs. 11.29 lakh, which makes it cheaper by more than Rs. 60,000. The discounted prices have been offered only as long as stocks last.

In addition to the discounted prices, the company is also offering two years additional warranty and four years roadside assistance.

With the demand for compact SUVs growing, the Duster is one of the most crucial models in the company's line-up. At present it lies in second position in the market after the Ford EcoSport as far as sales are concerned.

Renault has launched the Duster all-wheel drive (AWD) in India. Sitting at the top of the Duster range, it is available in two trim levels - RxL and RxZ priced at Rs. 11,89,499 and Rs. 12,99,499 (ex-showroom, Delhi) respectively.

The Duster AWD is powered by the same 1.5-litre, K9K diesel engine, which produces 108.5 bhp and 240 Nm of torque as the regular Duster. It uses the same 6-speed manual transmission as well. AS the name suggests, the car comes with an all-wheel drive system and three drive modes - 2WD, Auto and Lock. The user is able to shift between these three modes on the move by turning a switch, located on the centre console, below the AC control knobs.

The Duster AWD uses an all-wheel independent multi-link and is equipped with Renault's Electronic Torque Control System, which regulates the distribution of torque between all four wheels. The vehicle also gets cruise control, hill start assist, electronic stability programme (ESP), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and anti-skid resistance (ASR). Renault has also provided an ECO mode, which it claims reduces fuel consumption.

Coming to cosmetic changes, the exterior of the Duster AWD features smoked alloy wheels and headlamps, matte black B-pillars, and 'AWD' and '4×4' badging. On the inside, the car gets a soft-touch dashboard, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel and new upholstery and new 3-pod instrument cluster with an updated multi-information display. Other equipment include Renault's MediaNav system, a multi-function steering wheel and dual airbags.

The Duster AWD is available in six body colours - amazon green, pearl galaxy black, pearl supreme white, metallic woodland brown, metallic graphite grey and metallic moonlight silver.