Renault Duster

Renault originally entered the Indian market in a joint venture with Mahindra in the year 2007 with the  Logan (Now the Mahindra Verito). Even with all the experience from the joint venture and data from its sister company Nissan, it failed to create traction with its initial portfolio which included the Fluence, Koleos and Pulse. Renault entered India as a standalone in the year 2011, but continued to see dismal sales figures. The Duster debuted in mid 2012 and turned things around for Renault in India almost overnight.  Banking on its success, Renault also added an All-Wheel Drive variant to the lineup.  

The Duster captured the mini SUV market with its SUV form and compact size. A segment that everyone, right from Hyundai, Ford and even Maruti, now have their eye on.

The market has had an onslaught of cross-over SUVs since the Duster broke cover, but the Renault has managed to hold its own. What makes the Duster so desirable as opposed to a full-size SUV’s which boast better off-road capability and could seat 2 more than the mini SUVs? We find out!

The Renault Duster is offered in five variants - STD, RXS, RXL, RXZ and RXS CVT

The Duster stands as our favorite as it ticks two boxes. One, it’s a capable highway vehicle. Two, it’s a capable off-roader. Obviously, it won't climb rocks like the Thar, but soft off-roading is fun in the AWD Duster. While the Creta is a looker it lacks out on the 4x4 option.

Bottom line, pick up the Thar if you want a pure off-roader. A Creta if you want the comfort of a premium hatch but the feel of an SUV. If you want the best of both worlds, the Duster AWD is your best bet! You could also get your hands on the regular/Explore editions of the Duster to skip the waiting time of the Creta and get a good deal before the revamped version make their way to the showroom.

For all we know, the updated Duster could shake this space up even further! We’ll keep you updated as soon as it gets here.