Renault Duster: Not many cars in India have made a name for themselves like the Renault Duster.
The Duster was introduced more than a decade ago and quickly became known for its rough styling and ride, and the authentic SUV experience in a world that was being consumed by crossover softroaders.
Although the aughts-era Duster has since been limited in production in India, the Duster legacy lives — there is a refreshed version that will be coming soon and we’ll hope will inherit the strengths of the original.
In a fashion-conscious market that prioritises form over function, the Renault Duster has always been able to charm customers who value ruggedness, minimalism and the ability to tackle the world outside the urban jungle.
Let’s examine a bit more closely exactly why the Duster resonated with so many and what the next generation could have in store.
Elegant, but strong design
The appeal of the Duster has always been its no-nonsense design. It’s not trying too hard to look impressive, but it achieves a strong, purposeful look.
The high bonnet, massive wheel arches, roof rails and a high ground clearance make it look like a confident SUV.
Its squared-off posture and aggressive grille made it appear at ease in both the city and on undulating terrain.
And while the Duster wasn’t exactly swathed in bling in its earlier iterations, it was never the sort of vehicle that leaned heavily on shiny chrome or extraneous styling add-ons.
Regardless of where it fell in the segment, it was a utilitarian vehicle, a function-over-form design that appealed to anyone who needed something that could actually do work.
But with latest global offerings such as the Dacia Duster 2024 adopting a more mature and futuristic look, the next version for India should present modern design elements, LED lighting, enhanced aerodynamics and yet retain its rugged DNA.
Cabin is comfortable and roomy
On the inside the Duster has always been more about function than flourish. Sitting upright at the controls with good visibility, the large windows and high driving position make it easy to see.
The cabin has plenty of room for five adults, and rear seat comfort is surprisingly good for trips of any length.
While earlier iterations featured interiors that felt somewhat dated compared to competitors, the top variants offered touchscreen infotainments, automatic climate control and rear parking camera.
The next-gen version of Formula is likely to take things up a notch with a larger touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, connected car tech, and more appealing material quality, as tidbits of utilitarianism will indeed be kept intact.
Engine Options and Performance
One of the key USPs of the Duster has always been its ride and handling.
The suspension is a little stiff and has been tuned according to the Indian roads, broken patches and potholes, uneven tarmac also can’t disturb this champ.
The old Duster came with the following dependable motor choices:
1.5L petrol
1.3 litre turbo petrol (with later models)
1.5L diesel ( no longer available in BS6)
The petrol turbo version in particular had an unexpected punch to it, and that is good news for the Duster as it remains one of the more fun-to-drive SUVs in its class.
Matched to the smooth CVT or 6-speed manual box, it managed suburbia and the freeway requirements with ease.
The coming global Duster will also employ mild hybrid and hybrid powertrains, with better fuel economy and lower emissions — a must for consumer tastes that are in transition.
Safety and Durability
Being a tough old bird, built from a good base, the Duster was quickly established as a well-constructed vehicle.
It didn’t provide an extensive menu of electronic safety aids, but it did hit the mark on basic safety features:
Dual airbags
ABS with EBD
Rear parking sensors
Stability program (in turbo versions)
In addition to these existing features, we expect Renault to add new dimensions to the offering such as 6 airbags, better crash safety ratings, ADAS features which will keep the model updated and competitive.
Pros:
Durable on the outside. Timeless on the inside.
Great ride quality over crappy roads
Good powertrains and average MPG
Roomy fore cabin with elevated helm position
New model will feature hybrid tech we expect to see.
Cons:
Now’s is not the time to buy a last-gen model without modern features
No diesel engine in new updates.
Plastics on the inside looked behind the times
Patchy coverage in the sticks
Renault Duster: Conclusion
The Renault Duster is no longer the one we rave about, but it is still the one that ticks all the boxes of what an SUV should drive like.
If Renault manages to get the new-gen Duster to India successfully and adds hybrid tech, a bunch of newer features, and the sort of robustness we have now come to expect from Renault, it could indeed redeem itself in a market that has only recently started rekindling its love for sensible, purpose-built cars.
For those who value footprint over flounce and wear over weariness, then the Duster remains a name to wait for.