Renault Duster 2012-2015 85PS Diesel RxE Adventure

Duster 2012-2015 85PS Diesel RxE Adventure Review

Renault Duster is perhaps the best selling SUV in the Indian automobile market and it gets another variant in its series. The French automaker has now introduced a new variant called as Renault Duster 85PS Diesel RxE Adventure Edition in this model portfolio. It comes with the same 1.5-litre common rail diesel engine fitted under its hood. This engine is capable of producing 83.8bhp in combination with a peak torque of 200Nm, which is quite decent. The company has introduced this Adventure edition with several exclusive styling aspects in terms of both exteriors and interiors. It has a front armour with lamps, a set of steel wheels, smoked headlamps, which gives an eccentric look to the exteriors. Its interiors have been bestowed with lime green fabric and floor mats with duster lettering, dual tone dashboard and a MediaNAV system, which certainly adds to the customer excitement. On the other hand, the company has retained all the features that are standard in RxE variants including power steering, key less entry, front power windows and so on. At present, this SUV is available with several body paint options including Amazon Green, Graphite Grey, Pearl Galaxy Black, Woodland Brown, Fiery Red, Supreme White and Moonlight Silver. This vehicle will compete with the likes of Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Safari Storme, Nissan Terrano and other contenders in the SUV segment.

Exteriors:

This latest SUV has an intimidating look, thanks to its rugged body kit and a set of new cosmetics. The car maker has focused on giving it a perfect off-roader look for which, it has added body claddings, smoked headlamps and several other bold cosmetics. To start with its front profile, it comes fitted with a smoky headlight cluster fitted with two halogen headlamps and a turn indicator. In the center, it has a neatly sculptured radiator grille with a lot of chrome treatment. Below this, the dual tone front bumper is fitted with an armour along with a pair of bright lamps that gives an aggressive look to the front. The side profile looks even sportier, thanks to the black colored wheel arch claddings and body moldings. Its wheel arches are skilfully equipped with a set of steel wheels that are embossed with a chrome plated company's badge. The rear bumper is also equipped with a black colored protective cladding, which makes it look striking. This latest trim comes with a total length of 4315mm along with an impressive width of 1822mm and with a decent height of about 1695mm (including the roof rails). Its wheelbase is quite large with 2673mm and the ground clearance is 205mm, which is rather generous.

Interiors:

The all new Renault Duster 85PS Diesel RxE Adventure trim gets an intense black and grey color scheme. The car maker has retained the interior design and all the features of RxE trim. It has seats with head restraints that covered with black colored fabric upholstery. The dual tone dashboard has been equipped with several equipments like an instrument panel, AC unit and an advanced MediaNav system. Its central console and the door handles come with glossy metallic grey finish, while the floor console gets a Charcoal Grey inserts. It comes fitted with a three spoke urethane steering wheel and a gear shift knob, which are accentuated with chrome inserts. The overall look of the cabin is emphasized by 'Duster' lettering and Neon Green inserts given on floor mats and seat covers. This trim is bestowed with some utility aspects including cup holders, tilt steering column, accessory power sockets and other such aspects.

Engine and Performance:

This SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre, dCi, in-line diesel power plant that is incorporated with common rail direct fuel injection system. This 4-cylinder engine makes a total displacement capacity of 1461cc . This mill develops a maximum power output of 83.8bhp at 3750rpm, while generating a peak torque of 200Nm at just 1900rpm. The car maker has paired this engine with a five speed manual transmission gearbox that helps in producing approximately 20.54 Kmpl. It takes about 13.9 seconds to breach the 100 Kmph mark from a standstill and it can achieve a top speed in the range of 150 to 160 Kmph, which is quite good.

Braking and Handling:

This Renault Duster 85PS Diesel RxE Adventure edition trim is incorporated with an advanced electro hydraulic power assisted steering system that offers excellent response depending upon the speed levels. The car maker has bestowed this SUV with hydraulically operated diagonal split dual circuit braking system featuring front ventilated discs and rear drum brakes. On the other hand, it is bestowed with highly robust suspension system, which keeps the vehicle stable irrespective of any road conditions. Its front axle is paired with an independent McPherson Strut , while the rear is coupled with a torsion beam. It is further loaded with coil springs and anti-roll bars, which further reinforces the suspension mechanism.

Comfort Features:

Despite being one of the entry level variant, it is bestowed with several important features that makes the journey comfortable. The list of features include key less entry, power steering with tilt adjustment, front power windows with illuminated switches, rear seat center armrest with cup holder, 12V accessory power socket, headlight alarm, bottle holder on console, versatile rear parcel tray with storage space, front seat back pocket, headlight alarm and many other such features. It is also equipped with an air conditioning system featuring a heater and pollen filter, passenger vanity mirror, trunk room lamp and an electric boot door release . Additionally, the car maker is also offering a MediaNav that features a radio, music player, Bluetooth audio streaming and Navigation system.

Safety Features:

The features include an engine immobilizer, central locking system, engine protective under guard and door open warning lamp. It is also blessed with features like high intensity headlights, wheel arch cladding, side moldings and high performance tubeless radial tyres.

Pros:

1. Interiors are added with swanky features.

2. Engine performance is good.

Cons:

1. Several other aspects can be added.

2. Price can be slightly more competitive.