Renault Duster 85PS Diesel

The Renault Duster 85 PS Diesel is a well-rounded compact SUV that checks many boxes for Indian buyers. It features the robust K9K engine, known for its reliability and performance. The vehicle offers a smooth and silent ride, thanks to its efficient engine and well-tuned suspension. The interior is spacious, with ample knee room, shoulder space, and excellent visibility, making it comfortable for both drivers and passengers. The boot space is generous, capable of handling luggage for multiple families. Additional features like great ground clearance, smooth clutch and gear shift, and efficient air conditioning add to its appeal. While it may not be perfect, with some minor issues like wind noise and occasional rattling, the Dusters overall package makes it a strong contender in its segment.

The Renault Duster 85 PS Diesel is a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment in India, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. The vehicle boasts a smooth and powerful engine, with minimal turbo lag, making it a joy to drive both in city conditions and on highways. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride even over rough terrain, and the ground clearance is more than adequate to handle Indian road conditions. While there are some minor drawbacks such as wind noise at higher speeds and average speaker quality, the overall package is hard to ignore. The spacious interior, excellent visibility, and generous boot space add to its appeal. However, potential buyers should be aware of the occasional issues with rattling doors and the need for prompt service to address these problems.

The upcoming Renault Duster will not have a diesel engine option, a significant departure from its predecessors. Instead, it will be available with various petrol engine options, including a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.6-litre strong hybrid petrol. This change reflects the industrys move towards more environmentally friendly options. I believe this could be a smart move given the current market trends.

The Renault Duster RxE 85 PS Diesel, a mid-variant in the Duster lineup, is priced at an on-road price of Rs 10.70 lakh in Delhi. This variant comes with features like ABS with EBD, driver and passenger airbags, and rear parking sensors. Its a solid choice for those looking for a reliable diesel SUV. I think the pricing is competitive, but the lack of advanced features might be a drawback.

The current Renault Duster RxE 85 PS Diesel comes equipped with basic safety features such as ABS with EBD, driver and passenger airbags, and rear parking sensors. While these are essential, the new-gen Duster will offer more advanced safety features like six airbags and ADAS. Its clear that safety standards are evolving rapidly. I think the new safety features will be a major selling point for the new Duster.

Renault has stopped producing the current generation of the Duster, marking the end of an era for this popular SUV. The decision comes as the company prepares to launch the new-gen Duster, which is expected to hit the Indian market by October 2025. This move signifies a significant shift towards newer technology and design. I think this is a bold step, but its necessary to stay competitive in the market.

The Renault Duster RxE 85 PS Diesel is powered by a 1.5 dCi diesel engine, producing 83 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and has a front-wheel drive configuration. This setup provides decent performance and fuel efficiency. I believe the engine has been reliable, but its time for an upgrade.

The Renault Duster 85 PS Diesel, when it was available in the market, typically had an ex-showroom price ranging around 9.90 lakhs. Adding registration and service charges, insurance, and other costs, the on-road price would usually come to around 11.40 lakhs. Buyers could often avail discounts and exchange bonuses, which could reduce the total cost by up to 80,000. Its important to note that prices can vary based on the region and the specific dealer, but overall, the Duster offered good value for money considering its features and performance.

The Renault Duster 85 PS Diesel offers respectable fuel efficiency, with initial fuel averages reported around 19 kmL. This makes it a viable option for those concerned about running costs. The linear turbo and 5-speed gearbox contribute to its peppy performance without compromising on mileage, making it a good choice for both city driving and long highway trips.