Renault Duster 2016-2019 85PS Diesel RxL

Duster 2016-2019 85PS Diesel RxL Review

For increasing the number of sales, the Renault India has launched the 2015 version of its famous sports utility vehicle Duster in the car market. The company has updated its internal section with a few features like a new instrument cluster, redesigned steering column and speed sensitive door locks. Now this variant comes with a new ECO mode features, which helps in producing 10 percent higher mileage than its predecessor. It is being sold in seven diesel trims, out of which, Renault Duster 85PS Diesel RxL is the mid range variant. The car maker has not made any technical changes. It is fitted with the same 1.5-litre diesel power plant, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1461cc. It has the capacity of churning out a maximum power of 83.8bhp in combination with a peak torque of 200Nm, which is rather good for Indian road conditions. The spacious internal cabin of this SUV is in dual tone finish and incorporated with a lot of sophisticated features. The seats are ergonomically designed and are covered with premium upholstery. It also has several vital protective aspects, which gives the occupants a stress free driving experience. It has an advanced engine immobilizer, driver airbag, central locking system and many other such aspects. On the other hand, it has an inviting body structure with lots of striking features. It is designed with a large perforated radiator grille with chrome slats, neatly crafted headlight cluster, roof rails, a set of steel wheels and so on. This sports utility vehicle comes with an overall length, width and height of 4315mm, 1822mm and 1695mm respectively. It has a minimum ground clearance of 205mm, which is quite good for dealing with terrains. Its large wheelbase measures about 2673mm that ensures a spacious cabin inside. All these features put together makes it one of good looking and safest vehicles in its segment.

Exteriors:

To begin with the frontage, this SUV is designed with a bold radiator grille that is fitted with three chrome plated slats. There is a prominent company logo embedded in the center. This grille is surrounded by a well lit headlight cluster that is powered by double barrel headlamps and side turn indicator. Just below this it has a dual tone bumper that houses a large air intake section for cooling the powerful engine. It is flanked by a couple of round shaped fog lamps that adds to the visibility. Its windscreen is made of toughened laminated glass and accompanied by a set of intermittent wipers. The slanted forward bonnet has a couple of visible character lines that gives the frontage a distinct look. Its side profile is neatly designed with body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. These wing mirrors are electrically adjustable and integrated with side turn blinker. The neatly crafted wheel arches are fitted with a robust set of 16-inch steel wheels, which have been covered with full wheel covers. These rims are further equipped with 251/65 R16 sized tubeless radial tyres that offers a superior grip on any road conditions. The rear end has a body colored bumper, which is accompanied by skid plate for preventing the vehicle from minor damages. Its large tailgate is embossed with a thick chrome strip and variant badging. The distinctly designed tail light cluster is incorporated with halogen based reverse and brake lamps along with turn indicators. It has a large windshield, which has a defogger along with timer. It is also integrated with a centrally located high mounted stop lamp.

Interiors:

This Renault Duster 85PS Diesel RxL variant has a spacious internal cabin, which is incorporated with well cushioned seats. These seats are covered with premium beige color fabric upholstery that gives a plush feel while traveling. These are integrated with adjustable head restraints for added comfort. The driver seat comes with electrically adjustment function with proper lumber support. For increasing the boot space, the company has given split foldable facility to rear bench seat. The smooth dashboard is equipped with quite a few features and enhances the overall look. It is equipped with AC vents, a three spoke steering with multifunctional switches, a large glove box with sun glass holder and a 3-dial techno sporty instrument cluster with various functions. It also has a 12V power socket in center console for charging mobiles and other gadgets. Apart from these, the company has also given this variant a number of utility based aspects like cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets, map pockets in all doors, rear parcel shelf, boot compartment light for easy access and several other features.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1461cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. It has the capacity of churning out a maximum power of 83.8bhp at 3750rpm in combination with a commanding torque output of 200Nm at just 1750rpm. This power plant is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which helps in generating a maximum mileage of 19.87 Kmpl on the bigger roads and about 15.5 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions, which is quite good for this class. The company has mated this diesel motor with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. It allows the vehicle to achieve a top speed in the range of 150 to 158 Kmpl. At the same time, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 13.9 seconds from a standstill.

Braking and Handling:

The manufacturer has given this vehicle a proficient braking system along with reliable suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced. This Renault Duster 85PS Diesel RxL variant is blessed with a hydraulically operated diagonal split dual circuit braking system. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated discs brakes, while rear have been fitted with a set of drum brakes. Its front axle is fitted with an independent McPherson strut system, while the rear one is assembled with trailing arm. Both these axles are loaded with coil springs and anti-roll bars. On the other hand, it is equipped with an electro hydraulic power assisted steering system, which comes with tilt and telescopic adjustment function. It is quite responsive makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters, which is quite good for this segment.

Comfort Features:

This variant is incorporated with a number of sophisticated features, which gives the occupants a pleasurable driving experience. It has an efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioner) unit with rear AC vents that cools the cabin in no time. Its music system is equipped with CD/MP3 player, radio with AM/FM tuner, USB interface, Aux-in port and six speakers that enhances the ambiance of its cabin. It also has a roof mounted antenna for better reception of FM radio. The company has blessed this variant with an advanced MediaNAV system that features multimedia, navigation and Bluetooth. Its multi functional steering wheel is mounted with audio and call control buttons. Its illuminated instrument cluster is integrated with a digital tachometer, low fuel warning light, door ajar warning, an electronic tripmeter, average fuel consumption and several other functions for keeping the driver updated. In addition to these, it is equipped with electrically adjustable driver seat, foldable rear seat backrest, theater dimming interior lamps, sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror, all four power windows with driver side auto down function and so on.

Safety Features:

This trim is equipped with a number of protective aspects including seat belts for all passengers, driver airbag, front fog lamps, rear wiper and washer with timer, speed sensitive auto door locks, door open warning lamp, a central locking system along and s centrally located high mounted stop lamp. It also has an advanced engine immobilizer, which prevents the vehicle from any unauthorized entry. It has a rigid body structure, which has side impact beams and crumple zones that enhances the safety quotient in case of any accidents.

Pros:

1. Fuel economy is up to the mark.

2. Spacious internal cabin with good seating arrangement.

Cons:

1. Absence of ABS along with EBD is a big minus point.

2. Many more comfort and safety features can be added.