Renault Duster Turbo RXZ

The Renault Duster Turbo RXZ is a significant upgrade to the Duster lineup, powered by a new 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine that shares its credentials with the Nissan Kicks. This engine produces 156hp and 254Nm, making it one of the most powerful compact SUVs in its segment. The car is available in both manual and CVT gearbox options, with the CVT being a 7-step unit that works well with the engine. The Duster retains its robust build and excellent ride quality, handling bad roads with ease and providing a comfortable driving experience. Features include a 6.9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, and a pre-cooling function. However, the interior feels dated, lacking modern features like rear AC vents and connected car technology. The boot space is generous at 475 litres, and the car also comes with dual airbags, ESP, and hill start assist. Overall, the Duster Turbo RXZ offers a unique blend of power, comfort, and value, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The Renault Duster Turbo RXZ is a compelling package for those seeking a powerful and robust compact SUV. The new 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing 156hp and 254Nm, offers a significant boost in performance compared to its naturally aspirated counterpart. While it may not deliver the explosive torque of the discontinued diesel engine, it provides smooth and linear power delivery, making it a joy to drive. However, the CVT gearbox, though efficient, lacks paddle shifters which would have enhanced the driving experience. The Dusters ride quality remains one of its strongest points, effortlessly handling bad roads and providing a comfortable ride. Despite its dated interior and lack of modern features, the Dusters value-for-money proposition, combined with its robust build and impressive performance, makes it a solid choice for those prioritizing driving pleasure and practicality.

The new Renault Duster Turbo RXZ is anticipated to have a ground clearance of 211mm, a 31° approach angle, a 24° breakover angle, and a 36° departure angle, making it suitable for various road conditions. It will also offer a boot space of 472 liters.

The 2024 Renault Duster Turbo RXZ is expected to come with a full hybrid engine option, featuring a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to an automatic gearbox and two electric motors. This setup is similar to what is offered in the Jogger MPV and produces 140bhp and 148Nm. This could be a game-changer in terms of fuel efficiency and performance.

The interior of the 2024 Renault Duster Turbo RXZ has been completely redesigned, featuring a new dashboard layout, a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen, and a 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster. The SUV will also come with ventilated front seats, wireless charging, and automatic climate control.

The new Renault Duster Turbo RXZ will be underpinned by Renaults new CMF-B global platform, which is shared with other Dacia, Renault, and Nissan vehicles. This platform is expected to provide improved stability and better handling. I think this new platform will make the Duster more robust and reliable.

The 2024 Renault Duster Turbo RXZ is set to debut in India in early 2025, marking Renaults re-entry into the competitive C-segment SUV market. The vehicle will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, producing 130bhp and 230Nm, and will be available with both a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission. It is also expected to feature 4X4 technology with multiple driving modes. I think this new engine and transmission combo will make the Duster a strong contender in its segment.

The Renault Duster Turbo RXZ is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price starts at around Rs 12 lakh for the manual variant and goes up to Rs 13.59 lakh for the CVT variant. On-road prices in Delhi can range from Rs 12.27 lakh to Rs 15.82 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. This pricing makes the Duster Turbo RXZ an attractive option, especially when compared to its rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, which are priced significantly higher. The premium of about Rs 2 lakh over the naturally aspirated petrol variant and an additional Rs 1.60 lakh for the CVT automatic seems justified given the substantial increase in power and performance.

The Renault Duster Turbo RXZ claims a fuel efficiency of 16.5 kmpl for both manual and CVT options, although real-world mileage can vary. In traffic conditions, the mileage can drop to around 10 kmpl, which is still respectable given the power on offer. The startstop feature and EcoGuide system help in conserving fuel to some extent. While it may not match the fuel efficiency of the older diesel engine, the turbo-petrol engines performance more than compensates for the slight drop in mileage, making it a balanced choice for those concerned about both power and running costs.