Which variant of the Renault Duster should you buy?

Renault has given the Duster a facelift and prices of most variants have remained unchanged. It is priced between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 12.50 lakh and Renault has played around with the variant lineup, by adding some features and subtracting others. So, which variant makes the most sense for you? Let’s find out.

• Prices remain unchanged but there’s a new RXS(O) variant in addition to the RXE, RXS and RXZ.
• AWD tech now more affordable as it’s now available in RXS (O) instead of the top-spec RXZ variant earlier.
• Diesel AMT only available on the top-spec diesel RXZ variant priced at Rs 12.50 lakh.
• Gets cosmetic updates for the exterior as well as the interior.
• Standardization of new safety features — dual front airbags, seatbelt reminder and rear parking sensors.

Exteriors

The Duster looks quite similar in both its pre- and post-facelift avatars unless you look closely. The new model gets added chrome on the redesigned grille with a slightly different pattern for the hood bulges and the front bumper. The headlamps get projectors for low beam and multi-reflectors for high beam while the DRLs will be brighter than before thanks to LEDs replacing the bulbs.

The side profile remains unchanged save for the 16-inch dual tone alloy wheels which gets an updated design. The rear layout of the Duster facelift is almost similar to the previous model but gets black cladding on the tailgate. Renault will be offering two new colours with the Duster facelift: Caspian Blue and Mahogany Brown.

Interiors

The more tangible upgrades have been dealt on the inside, where the top layer of the dashboard has been redesigned. It looks much more cohesive and the central console now packs a glossy black finish while the round central AC vents make way for rectangular units. The newly designed top glovebox offers cooled storage. The Duster facelift also features brushed metallic accents similar to the Captur Platine along with colour-coded inserts on the dashboard’s passenger side. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto gets four Arkamys-tuned speakers and additional tweeters (missing previously). The steering wheel on the Duster facelift has also been updated to the one on the upcoming Triber. For aiding efficiency, a new EcoGuide feature has also been added as an update to the infotainment system.

Safety

With stricter safety norms set to kick in from July 2019, Renault has also standardized safety features on the Duster. All the variants get dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, front seatbelt reminders and speed alert system right from the base variant. ESP (electronic stability control) and hill launch assist are available on the AMT and AWD variants. The higher variants continue to miss out on the two additional side airbags that are available on the Captur and the upcoming Triber.

Engine and Specifications

There are no mechanical changes in the Renault Duster facelift. It continues to get a pair of 1.5-litre petrol (106PS/142Nm) and diesel engines (85PS/200Nm and 110PS/245Nm). The petrol engine is sold with a 5-speed MT and CVT whereas the diesel comes with a 6-speed MT/AMT option. The Renault Duster facelift remains the only option in the compact SUV category to offer an AWD with the 110PS diesel.

Variants and pricing

Renault has increased the variants count from three to four with the Duster facelift. While the RXE, RXS and RXZ have been carried forward, there’s a new RXS (O) available as well. Ex-showroom prices of the Renault Duster remain more or less the same. But the Duster AWD gets more affordable (~ 60K) than before as it’s available in the RXS (O) variant instead of the top-spec RXZ. Two-pedal convenience in the diesel will also pinch your pocket a bit too heavily (~ 40K) since it is available only in the top variant instead of the RXS before.

(Source: www.cardekho.com)