Duster LPG Launches in France, Will it Come to India?

French automaker Renault that sells Duster in various international markets under Dacia badge, has now launched a petrol/ LPG powered version of the compact SUV in France. Renault Duster which is being sold in India as well, will come in the LPG variant or not here, is still a mystery, but if it happens, they will have a variant to compete against the upcoming Ford EcoSport's 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which has already gained much popularity globally for its power and most importantly the fuel efficiency.

In France, Ambiance and Lauréate versions of Dacia Duster 4x2 can now be specified with the 1.6 16V 105hp LPG petrol/LPG engine under its bonnet. The price of these two versions is identical to that of the equivalent petrol-engined versions they replace, i.e. €13,350 for the Ambiance equipment level and €14,350 for the Lauréate equipment level.

Powered by the 1.6 16V 105hp LPG powerplant, the 4x2 version of Dacia Duster emits just 146g of CO2/km when running on LPG, compared with 167g/km when using petrol. Its combined-cycle fuel consumption is 11kmpl with LPG and 14kmpl with petrol there in Europe. However, at less than €1/litre, the pump price of LPG makes it a significantly more economical solution compared with petrol.

As is the case with all LPG vehicles, the driver is free to choose between the LPG and petrol modes, and the switch between the two fuels is very simple. Running on LPG, Duster has a range of almost 1,000km on a full tank.

To guarantee optimal quality, the engine is converted to LPG use at the factory. LPG/petrol versions of Duster come with Dacia’s usual three-year or 100,000km warranty. In 2012, Dacia vehicles represented more than half of total LPG sales in France. The 32-litre LPG tank replaces the spare wheel beneath the boot (tyre inflation kit supplied). Order books for the LPG version opened across the French Dacia network on January 29, 2013.