In the mid-size, there are many SUVs such as Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos leading the segment, While there is only SUV from Renault and that is Duster. Duster once was a very successful SUV, but later the race for the SUV segment intensified. Renault has now launched the BS6 compliant Duster for the starting price of Rs 8.49 lakhs.
The Duster BS6 comes in three variants RXE, RXS and RXZ. It is based on the facelift version that was launched in July 2019. The SUV gets a chrome grille with revised headlamps that have L-shaped LED daytime running lights. It also has a new front bumper, black plastic cladding on the tailgate and dual-tone alloy wheels. The BS6 version gets a few changes to the interior.
Powering the Duster is a BS6-compliant 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 105 BHP @ 5,600 rpm and 142 Nm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Prices for the BS6-compliant Duster 1.5 petrol in entry-level RXE form now start a whopping Rs 50,000 higher than its BS4 model. The mid-spec RXS variant, however, sees a price hike of only Rs 10,000. Renault has also added a new top-spec RXZ petrol variant that is priced at Rs 9.99 lakh. The Duster first made its debut back in 2012 and has been well-known for its 1.5-litre diesel engine. It remains to be seen how the petrol-only SUV will fare in the market, considering its USP was the K9K diesel unit.
The company had showcased another engine option for the Duster, a BS6-compliant 1.3-litre, four-cylinder, direct-injection, turbo-petrol powerplant – good for a strong 156hp and 250Nm at the Auto Expo 2020. This engine will sit at the top of the Duster BS6 line-up in India and will come paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. Renault is yet to announce prices for the Duster 1.3 turbo-petrol.
