The all-new Renault Duster created quite the splash when it launched into the midsize SUV segment thanks to its appealing design, upmarket interior and multiple powertrain options. While we’ve already experienced the 1.3 turbo-petrol and the strong hybrid is still some time away, we finally got a chance to experience what could become the most popular choice amongst buyers – the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol paired with a 6-speed manual.
Renault Duster 1.0 MT Performance and Refinement –
The engine is a familiar one – a 100hp, 1.0-litre, three cylinder, turbo-petrol – that also does duty in the Kiger compact SUV. However, Renault has made some specific changes for the Duster and as such, torque stands at 166Nm, which is 6Nm more than in the Kiger. And in place of the 5-speeder in the Kiger there’s a 6-speed gearbox. There’s no automatic gearbox option however, which would’ve widened its appeal.
There is that typical three-cylinder thruminess and vibrations at idle, but the engine does smoothen out as you get going. Being a small capacity turbo engine, of course there’s turbo lag present. But once you cross the 2000rpm mark which is where it makes peak torque, this engine feels responsive and pulls cleanly till its redline. In the city keeping up with the changing flow of traffic is easy and part throttle responses are decent, though you will need to downshift to make a quick overtake when out on the highway or when you’re driving uphill, to keep it in the meat of the powerband. On the whole the performance isn’t quick but it’s well adequate for this midsize SUV.
The clutch pedal is light and easy to modulate and the 6-speed gearbox too is precise enough. It’s not light, however, and when you drive in an enthusiastic manner you’ll notice that it takes some effort to slot into the gates.
Renault Duster 1.0 MT Mileage and Efficiency –
Renault Duster 1.0 MT Ride Comfort and Handling –
The Duster’s superb ride comfort and handling balance remains intact. In fact, the Techno variants may even feel a touch plusher owing to its smaller wheel size though, the difference is barely perceptible. It does have a firmness to it at low speeds, but that’s not to say that it’s uncomfortable by any means. It smothers rough patches, broken roads and potholes, without breaking a sweat, and it also doesn’t have the steering kick-back associated with the older Duster. Even at high speeds it stays composed.
The Duster is also enjoyable around bends thanks to the precise steering and well-controlled body roll. It may not feel as agile as some rivals but there’s still some proper fun to be had when driving in a spirited manner.
Renault Duster 1.0 MT Design and Engineering –
The Duster 1.0 is being offered in the three trims from the bottom – Authentic, Evolution and Techno – with the top two (Techno+ and Iconic) being reserved for the 1.3 turbo petrol for now. But Renault have done a very good job of not making it look like a mid-spec model outside. You still get the same butch and muscular styling with the sculpted bonnet, the prominent Duster badging on the front grille, the faux skid plates front and rear, body cladding around the wheel arches and along the lower half and the roof rails.
Commendably, it even gets all LED lighting, which includes the auto headlamps, fog lamps, tail lights and the light bar at the rear. The only prominent difference to the top-trims are the alloy wheels, which are a size smaller at 17-inches and feature a slightly different design.
Renault Duster 1.0 MT Interior Space and Comfort –
Inside, the basic layout of the dashboard is the same as the top trims but you do get different upholstery and trim elements. The leatherette upholstery of the Iconic trim has been replaced by a two-tone brown-and-black fabric upholstery which does look nice. The brown fabric is also carried over onto the dashboard and the doorcards. The Techno trim also forgoes the faux carbon fibre trim on the dash for a different, white trim piece. The front seats feature white piping and stitching which lends it a premium vibe and are well-padded and accommodating as before.
The rear seat remains a comfy place to be, with ample kneeroom and headroom even for six-footers. You get dedicated AC vents, USB type C ports, a fold down armrest with cupholders and three-point seatbelts and adjustable head rests for all three passengers. And even though it can fit in a third, they won’t be comfortable for long thanks to the tight shoulder room. The cabin remains a practical place with plenty of cubby spaces and it also continues to get a segment-best 518-litres of boot space. A spare tyre is missing, though.
Renault Duster 1.0 MT Features and Safety –
In terms of equipment, the Techno trim gets all the necessities with some feel-good features too. You get the same slick and high-res 10.1-inch touchscreen as the top trims that features wireless smartphone integration, connected car tech, a wireless phone charger, 6-speaker Arkamys sound system, dual-zone auto climate control, cruise control, a large panoramic sunroof, auto LED headlamps, a powered tailgate, push button start/stop, electric folding mirrors and much more. As for the safety kit, you get 6 airbags, ESP, traction control, corner stability control, hill-start assist, a rear parking camera, a tyre pressure monitor, ISOFIX child seat mounts and more.
Features it misses out compared to the top-spec trim includes powered and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, the ADAS features, ambient lighting, an air purifier, front parking sensors, steering modes and the 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. You get a smaller 7-inch unit in its place that is also customisable and shows you all sorts of data, though the tachometer appears a bit too small. Overall, Renault has found a good balance of features for the Duster 1.0 Techno.
Renault Duster 1.0 MT Value for Money –
The Renault Duster 1.0 variants are priced from Rs 10.49 lakh for the base Authentic to Rs 13.49 lakh for the Techno trim. It’s worth noting, the 1.0 can’t be had in the top two trims – Techno+ and Iconic – which is reserved just for the 1.3 turbo petrol for now. But given all that it packs in, the Duster 1.0 range represents really good value for money.
The Duster 1.0 still features all of the Duster’s strengths, like the well-sorted ride and handling balance, tough build, butch styling and upmarket interior, without much compromise. Sure, it does miss out on features like ventilated seats, ADAS and it doesn’t have the performance of the 1.3 turbo petrol, but for those who want a robust SUV that offers decent performance, a good mix of features without having to spend big, the Duster 1.0 MT represents a great option. As such, it may just become the bestseller from the Duster range.
