The 3-row SUV is based on the Dacia Bigster Concept.

Following the advent of the so-called 'compact SUV', most carmakers appear to have shifted their focus to the 7-seater SUV segment. We already have the Tata Safari and the MG Hector Plus. Soon, Hyundai will enter the fray with the Alcazar. Renault too is developing a 7-seat version of the Duster called the Grand Duster.

The Grand Duster (codenamed: Project RJI) was recently spotted testing in Europe. The 3-row SUV is based on the Dacia Bigster Concept.

The spy images suggest that the Grand Duster would be slightly longer than the regular SUV. It looks more like an MPV in these images, especially alongside the Duster. The car also has smaller diameter wheels.

The Grand Duster is likely to go on sale in Europe at the end of this year. It is unclear if Renault would offer it in India.

Source: Autoexpert

Off late, the Duster 110 PS AMT seems to have the following issues and is reported by many owners.

BHPian Ashley2 recently shared this with other BHPians.

Calling out Duster 110 PS AMT owners

Off late, the Duster 110 PS AMT seems to have the following issues and is reported by many owners.

• Severe shuddering in N to 1 gear shift.
• Jerking is more after a couple of hours drive.
• Replacement of Clutch/ flywheel as low or less than 30k kms to 50k km.

AMT Background

AMT's inherent character advantage over MT is, it should deliver a better (atleast match ) clutch life, fuel performance and related life of driveline components in comparison to equivalent MT. At any cost, it shall not deliver a performance lesser than MT.

Its basically de-skilling driver's ability and to obtain a fairly flat bell curve, across various drivers.

We call this deskilling because it eliminates what a novice driver does:

• Clutch riding
• Shifting with half clutch engaged
• Habitual shifting at high RPM
• Notorious downshift in high RPM
• Wrong selection of gears etc.

When driven with any one of the above or with the combination of the above, it will lead to premature wear of clutch, flywheel, withdrawal bearings, cover assy etc.

But in case of AMT, the algorithm takes complete control of the system and eliminates all possible issues (though with manual mode M mode, S.no 3 alone is still possible)

Issues in Duster AMT

Many cars have been reported with shuddering/ Jerking in N - 1, gear shift. The jerk is proportional to the temperature of clutch and its more obvious and makes it uncomfortable to drive in start - stop traffic.

Reported from as early as 20k to 25k Kms. Clutch parts are replaced as early as 30k kms and in some cases multiple replacements less than 80k Kms.

Renault Feedback and Action

Dealers do acknowledge that this is reported in many Duster's and insist replacement of parts either under warranty / Extended Warranty/ Out of warranty.

Renault doesn't agree on the issue with the system and say that the driver's inability and poor driving manners are leading to this. The system was supplied by ZF as turnkey with inputs from Renault. What Renault isn't telling is what exactly is the driver's role in AMT that's leading to premature wear of these components.

They fail to study the root cause and give a make shift temporary solution by just changing parts. Service team is highly reluctant to approach this technically instead with a novice view of just replacing parts.

While we get an average clutch life in excess of 90k KMS in MT, hardly owners have reported less than half in the AMT. This confirms, there is a serious problem in the system and Renault is highly reluctant in addressing this in a permanent way, instead only giving a temporary parts replacement.

My Background

Served in the capacity of Product Manager - Heavy buses. Our team was one of the earliest to try Automatics in heavy buses as early as 2009-10. We had documented evidences and studies and have followed up for buses for more than 3 lakh Kms.

I have shared more information on why AMTs are preferred in many heavy duty applications. They are also the most efficient Automatics, which is a fact that made Volvo to standardize I-Shift AMT's across their trucks. Since 2001, cumulatively Volvo will be nearing a sale of 1M trucks with I-Shift the in next few months.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

A rugged 7-seater Renault Duster SUV of the future could look like this.

Dacia has unveiled the Bigster Concept which previews a 7-seat version of the Renault Duster SUV.

The Dacia Bigster Concept is based on the CMF-B platform and measures 4.6 m in length. It features an extremely rugged look and has chunky bumpers with a slim front grille that houses Y-shaped LED headlights.

Similarly, the rear also features Y-shaped LED tail lights and the Dacia lettering on the tailgate. The Bigster has flared wheel arches that house massive 5-spoke alloy wheels.

The CMF-B platform will support 11 body styles and both, alternative-energy and hybrid powertrains. By 2025, Renault plans to introduce 3 new models and an all-electric city car.

Prices are being increased due to rising input costs.

Renault has announced a price increase of up to Rs. 28,000 on its entire range of products. The revised prices will be applicable from January 1, 2021.

According to the company, the prices are being increased due to rising input costs for materials like steel, aluminium and plastics.

Renault's current line-up includes the Kwid, Triber and Duster. Earlier this year, the carmaker launched the Triber AMT and Duster Turbo Petrol. Renault also introduced the 1.0L RXL variant of the Kwid as well as its NEOTECH edition.

Renault is now gearing up to launch the Kiger sub-4 meter crossover in India. It shares its platform with the recently launched Nissan Magnite.

Renault has announced that it will charge a concessional GST rate of 18 percent on its cars, as directed by Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Heavy Industries, for the specially-abled.  The company will also offer additional discounts through its dealer network in the country.

Under the scheme, all the Renault India dealerships will offer a concessional GST rate and internal corporate discounts to specially-abled customers. The customers will be offered the waiver and additional discounts upon the successful processing of the necessary documentation. While the corporate discounts will be offered on all models, the GST waiver will be offered to the specially-abled customers on all sub 4-meter petrol vehicles, with an engine capacity of less than 1,200cc.

Customers will be eligible to a maximum discount of Rs. 30,000 on the Renault Duster, and a cash discount of Rs. 9,000 on the Kwid and Triber. There will be other consumer schemes of the month that might be clubbed with the waiver.

Renault Duster vs competition

Renault Duster

What you'll like:

• A Duster on steroids! 154 BHP motor has transformed its personality
• Very fast & loads of fun on the open road. Punchy mid-range will leave you grinning
• Turbo-petrol's refinement levels are terrific, including at high rpm
• Smooth CVT automatic available. It's quick too
• Mature ride quality & sorted dynamics
• The Duster is still a good-looking crossover. Exterior styling has aged well
• Robust, abuse-friendly build & construction
• Practical boot (475 - 1064 liters of cargo capacity)
• Fair pricing for a 154 BHP crossover. Lakhs cheaper than the Creta / Seltos 1.4 Turbos
• ESP is a crucial safety feature in a fast car, while Hill Hold is very useful with a laggy engine
• 205 mm of ground clearance. Dismisses broken roads with aplomb

What you won't:

• 1.3L turbo-petrol suffers lag at low revs. It's very easy to stall too
• Duster's terribly old & outdated interiors are the biggest deal-breaker
• Feature list is basic by current times (no sunroof or keyless entry & go, just 2 airbags...)
• Ride quality is good, but retuned suspension & 17" rims have taken the "magic" away
• Price premium of ~2 lakhs for the turbo-petrol & 1.6 lakhs for the CVT is way too high
• Red highlights all over the car look extremely garish; we'd get them removed
• The next-gen Duster is already on sale globally, but Renault won't bring it here
• Workhorse 1.5L diesel & competent AWD are gone!!!
• Mediocre rear seat legroom. More like C1 segment sedans than C2
• Road & wind noise are prominent at high speed
• Renault's after-sales service quality is inconsistent

Link to review

Nissan Kicks

Link to Launch Thread

Hyundai Creta

What you'll like:

• A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
• We find the Hyundai Creta to be well-priced for what it offers
• User-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good quality parts
• Loved the 1.4L turbo-petrol & 1.5L diesel. These are fantastic engines
• Smooth & competent automatic gearboxes available. With the useful "auto-hold" feature too
• Sorted road manners & handling for a Hyundai, including on the highway. You will be surprised!
• The Creta's safety package includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS etc.
• Impressive kit (panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, Bose sound system, cooled seats, cabin air purifier & loads more)
• Hyundai's competent after-sales service, fuss-free ownership & upto 5-years standard warranty

What you won't:

• Oddball love it or hate it styling. We find the Creta's exterior design to be too weird & futuristic
• Firmer suspension isn't as cushy as the 1st-gen Creta. It is more comfortable than the Seltos though
• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
• Some misses (no auto wipers, 360-degree camera, illuminated window buttons, full-size spare tyre on top trims)
• Dual-clutch ATs (like the Hyundai Creta Petrol DCT) have a history of poor reliability in India
• Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – [I]although adequate[/I] – are the lowest in the segment. Old 1.6L CRDi was superior
• No manual transmission available with the fast 1.4L Petrol (Seltos offers this combo)
• The stiffer Seltos has an edge in the handling department. IMHO, the Kia is better looking too
• You get bigger SUVs & Crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier, XUV500)

Link to Review

Kia Seltos

What you'll like:

• A superbly engineered all-rounder that delivers a premium experience
• Handsome, contemporary styling. Looks very sharp
• We find the Seltos to be well-priced for what it offers
• Nice, user-friendly interiors with sufficient space & good quality
• Loved the 1.4L turbo-petrol & 1.5L diesel. They are BS6 compliant too
• Both the automatics - Diesel AT & Petrol DCT - are simply fantastic!
• Mature on-road behavior, including at highway speeds. A+ brakes as well
• Unusually wide variant offering. Seems there is something for everyone
• Top safety package includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, blind spot monitor, TPMS etc.
• Impressive kit (360 degree camera, HUD, front parking sensors, Bose sound system, cooled seats, cabin air purifier & loads more)

What you won't:

• Firm suspension. Liveable, but bad roads will bother you (especially on 17" wheel variants)
• Back seat's width makes it better for 2 adults and a kid, rather than 3 adults
• Niggles are being reported by owners (details here)
• Some misses (no paddle shifters or illuminated window buttons, thinner spare tyre on top trims, no dual-tone option on GTX+ / HTX+)
• Dual-clutch ATs (like the Petrol DCT) have a history of poor reliability in India
• Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – although adequate – are the lowest in the segment
• Extremely confusing & complicated variant spread. We still haven’t gotten the hang of it!
• Kia's after-sales service quality is an unknown. We await details in our ownership reports
• Waiting periods are already a couple of months long for some trims
• You get bigger SUVs & Crossovers for the same money (e.g. Hector, Harrier, XUV500)

Link to Review

MG Hector

What you'll like:

• Big size & lots of bling for the money! We find the Hector to be well-priced
• A spacious cabin that can easily seat 5 adults. Massive 587 litre boot too
• Fiat-sourced 2.0L diesel is simply fantastic
• Compliant ride quality. Suspension is tuned for comfort
• Lots of kit (panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, electric seats & tailgate etc.)
• ‘Connected’ Tablet ICE with an embedded SIM & lovely sound quality
• 5-year / unlimited km warranty with roadside assistance
• Top safety equipment includes 6 airbags, ESP, HSA, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS & more

What you won't:

• Awkward styling on the side & rear profiles. Looks weird from some angles
• Sloppy high-speed handling, noticeable body roll & easy understeer
• The petrol engine is “adequate” at best. Its guzzling Automatic variant is unimpressive
• No Diesel AT (Creta, Seltos, XUV500, Hexa offer this combination, which we love)
• Some annoyances like the ~6 meter turning radius, no auto-dimming IRVM, strange rpm meter…
• Small after-sales network. Service quality & long-term reliability are big unknowns
• Waiting period runs into a couple of months
• Don’t get blinded by the British branding. This is a Chinese car

Link to Review

Maruti S-Cross

What you’ll like:

• Solid build & good quality, inside out
• Competent 1.5L petrol offers excellent driveability & practicality
• Smooth torque-converter AT. Gets SHVS tech too
• Mature ride & handling package. High speed behaviour is exceptional
• Practical interiors, spacious cabin and supportive seats
• Features such as LED headlamps, cruise control, auto headlamps & wipers etc.
• Maruti's excellent after-sales support network

What you won’t:

• This 1.5L petrol motor is uninvolving to drive. Enthusiasts, look elsewhere
• 4-speed Automatic gearbox feels old & outdated. No manual mode or paddle shifters either
• No diesel option! Maruti’s BS6 1.5L diesel engine is still some time away
• AT option has a steep Rs. 1.24 lakh ex-showroom premium (will be more on-the-road)
• Unappealing styling. Looks like a big hatchback (not a crossover / SUV). Is quite old too
• Missing features by 2020 standards (6 airbags, sunroof, wireless phone charging etc.)
• 353 liter boot - though well shaped - is small for a car of this size & positioning

Link to Review

Click here to read BHPian comments.

Likes and dislikes of the Renault Duster 1.3L Turbo Petrol Review.

Renault Duster Turbo Pros:

• A Duster on steroids! 154 BHP motor has transformed its personality
• Very fast & loads of fun on the open road. Punchy mid-range will leave you grinning
• Turbo-petrol's refinement levels are terrific, including at high rpm
• Smooth CVT automatic available. It's quick too
• Mature ride quality & sorted dynamics
• The Duster is still a good-looking crossover. Exterior styling has aged well
• Robust, abuse-friendly build & construction
• Practical boot (475 - 1064 liters of cargo capacity)
• Fair pricing for a 154 BHP crossover. Lakhs cheaper than the Creta / Seltos 1.4 Turbos
• ESP is a crucial safety feature in a fast car, while Hill Hold is very useful with a laggy engine
• 205 mm of ground clearance. Dismisses broken roads with aplomb

Renault Duster Turbo Cons:

• 1.3L turbo-petrol suffers lag at low revs. It's very easy to stall too
• Duster's terribly old & outdated interiors are the biggest deal-breaker
• Feature list is basic by current times (no sunroof or keyless entry & go, just 2 airbags...)
• Ride quality is good, but retuned suspension & 17" rims have taken the "magic" away
• Price premium of ~2 lakhs for the turbo-petrol & 1.6 lakhs for the CVT is way too high
• Red highlights all over the car look extremely garish; we'd get them removed
• The next-gen Duster is already on sale globally, but Renault won't bring it here
• Workhorse 1.5L diesel & competent AWD are gone!!!
• Mediocre rear seat legroom. More like C1 segment sedans than C2
• Road & wind noise are prominent at high speed
• Renault's after-sales service quality is inconsistent

Read Team-BHP's detailed Renault Duster 1.3L Turbo Petrol Review.

Renault has introduced a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine in the Duster. The new engine is available in three variants - RXE, RXS and RXZ and prices start at Rs. 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Prices for the CVT version start at Rs. 12.99 lakh.

The Duster 1.3L turbo petrol was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. The same engine is available in the Nissan Kicks. The price of the Duster undercuts that of the Kicks.

The BS6-compliant 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine features dual variable valve timing (VVT) as well as direct injection and develops 154 BHP @ 5,500 rpm and 254 Nm @ 1,600 rpm. It is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has a 7-speed manual mode. Renault claims that the 1.3-litre engine returns 16.5 km/l, while the CVT version returns 16.42 km/l. 

The Duster 1.3L turbo petrol is based on the updated version of the SUV which gets a redesigned front facia. It comes with a new grille with red accents, projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights. It gets red DUSTER lettering on the roof rails and tailgate, red accents on the fog lamp pods, red wheel centre caps. The SUV rides on 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.

The Duster 1.3L turbo petrol comes with black interiors. The SUV is equipped with features such as automatic climate control with remote pre-cooling function and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment head-unit that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It has voice recognition and EcoGuide which monitors driving behaviour and provides guidelines to improve efficiency. It also comes with an automatic engine start/stop function. The SUV has a ground clearance of 205 mm and comes with a 50-litre fuel tank.

Renault Duster 1.3L Turbo Petrol features:

• Automatic climate control with remote pre-cooling
• 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• EcoGuide
• Auto engine start / stop

Besides the new turbo petrol engine, Renault will continue to offer the Duster with a 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol motor as well. This engine produces 104 BHP @ 5,600 rpm and 142 Nm @ 4,000 rpm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Prices for the Duster 1.5 start at Rs. 8.59 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Duster is available in seven colour options. These include Caspian Blue, Mahogany Brown, Cayenne Orange, Moonlight Silver, Slate Grey, Outback Bronze, and Pearl White.

Renault Duster variant-wise ex-showroom prices:

1.5L MT

• RXE - Rs. 8.59 lakh
• RXS - Rs. 9.39 lakh
• RXZ- Rs. 9.99 lakh

1.3L MT

• RXE - Rs. 10.49 lakh
• RXS - Rs. 11.39 lakh
• RXZ - Rs. 11.99 lakh

1.3L CVT

• RXS - Rs. 12.99 lakh
• RXZ - Rs. 13.59 lakh

Renault has released a teaser image of the upcoming Duster 1.3-litre turbo petrol ahead of the car's launch. The car was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo.

This variant of the Duster could get red inserts on the grille, fog lamp pods, red DUSTER lettering on the roof rails and tailgate, red wheel centre caps and satin chrome door sills. It could also get LED DRLs, projector headlamps, LED tail lights and Turbo badging at the rear. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and there is no plastic cladding connecting the tail lamp clusters. The interior of the car showcased at the Auto Expo was identical to the regular Duster.

Powering this variant of the Duster is a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 154 BHP and 250 Nm. It will be offered with either a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with manual mode. The same powertrain is available in the Nissan Kicks.

At present, the Duster is available with a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 105 BHP and 142 Nm paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

According to a media report, Renault is likely to launch the Duster with a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine in August 2020.

The Duster 1.3L turbo petrol was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. The BS6-compliant 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces 154 BHP and 250 Nm and could be offered with either a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This engine is also available in the Nissan Kicks.

In addition to the turbo petrol unit, the Duster will also be offered with a 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 104 BHP and 142 Nm. This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Source