Team-BHP - Renault Duster AWD launched at Rs. 11.89 lakh (pg. 15)

Mod Note: Team-BHP's Duster AWD report has been uploaded at this link. Please continue the discussion over on the new thread. Thanks!

The AWD variant of Renault Duster is expected to be launched in March 2013 with an introductory price tag at least Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 1 lakh expensive than its 4x2 variant. The 4x4 capability in the yet-to-be launched Duster model will enable it to comfortably confront the likes of Mahindra's Bolero, XUV500 and Tata Safari Storme.

The detailed report can be seen in the cartrade site:
http://www.cartrade.com/car-bike-new...me-119568.html

[Edit] More details available in IAB site as well now.

Quote:

There is not much effort required on the manufacturing side because Renault already produces the Duster 4X4 for the UK market from the Chennai factory.
The Renault Duster 4X4 will come with a selectable system with a knob on the dashboard.

Source: http://indianautosblog.com/2013/01/r...h-likely-59397

This news was expected right from the time of the original launch. This seems like a logical and much awaited option for the taut little Duster. The only fly in the ointment would be the pricing.

Already the higher ends are nearly at the 12 lakh mark clearly over a lakh or more costlier that it should have been, and with the 4x4 it would be very close to the XUV territory and frankly not worth the cash for a machine such as this.

Dustermania notwithstanding we have to wait and watch how much longer will Renault sustain this volume of sales run and when would it taper off eventually due to this stiff pricing and impending competition in the mini SUV space.

The car pictured on the CarTrade site is the Dacia Duster (not too much of a difference, but still)

And while we are on the Duster 4x4, I thought you guys might enjoy reading this - http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/the...ter-2012-01-09

Edit - The top end Duster costs 14.xx lacs OTR in Thane. The XUV 500 W8 costs 16.xx OTR. The Duster 4x4 is going to be priced dangerously close to the XUV territory. Let the games begin!!

I am waiting to see how Renault handles the service. I have already seen a lot of owners complaining about niggles/rattles in Duster with 5K on the odo; also read about a lots of cancellations in this forum itself.

With Eco-sport launch just round the corner; the competition would heat up and it would be interesting to see how Renault copes with it.

As I see, the only way they can have long term success it by addressing all issues with duster and providing exemplorary service!

Great news indeed , there will,be quite a few takers for the AWD ,
It will be quite interesting , the ecosport launch ,the price nearing XUV , things are getting hotter in this segment and as customers we can expect the best .
The rattles and the water seepage problems of the duster will be addressed ASAP by Renault .

Guys, if you see the article, it is very vague. All this is based on "Industry Sources". I wouldn't waste my time until there is some official confirmation or reports in more credible journals.

I enquired at the renault dealership in andheri. They have no news of the 4x4 duster. They are not accepting any bookings for 4x4 either. This is unlike the earlier 4x2 model where they had started accepting bookings nearly two or three months before launch.

4X4 (or the lack of it) was the only reason I was not ready to go for the duster. I was almost decided on XUV W8 AWD version. But now I am confused. Anyway I have some breathing space, planning to get the vehicle only in end of April or First half of May. So I still have 1 more month to decide.

Good news but after the recent price hikes don't see the point of launching 4X4 now. The USP of duster was an affordable SUV in the 10L price bracket. If I have to spend 15L for it, I would rather consider the Yeti and the XUV.

Duster 4X4 is wecome but the recent sets of price rise are not.
Rather a Duster with AT would help take on the EcoSport better 4X4 - don't really know the numbers for this in that segment, there are of course people who want it. And again will it be a AWD like the Aria or 4X4 like the Storme but on a light mono chassis.

Duster 4X4 - 14.7L OTR vs XUV 4X4 W8 - 16.5 L OTR? - 5 vs 7 seats, 110 vs 140 BHP, European vs Indian effort, Barebone topend spec vs the a-z of features, Quality plastics vs It's almost chinese, small service network vs big service network, Globally proven vs niggles galore, Which to choose? It is a tough decision still, The duster if priced better it could have made the decision easier, hey even the XUV has increased prices and it is considering a W10 varient? - What more can M&M add? AT Maybe? A version without the rear moustache maybe. :)

Wohoo! SUV market is seeing some real action! Guess, Mahindra's success has really rubbed off the market participants positively.

Duster 4X4 looks like a capable off-roader. I doubt if crossovers like XUV 5OO or Skoda Yeti can even hold a candle to it in serious off-roading.

Save for Mahindra Scorpio, there was no other SUV in Indian market south of INR 15 Lacs. Tata too has disappointed enthusiasts with its odd strategy of offering 4x4 in only the top trim of Storme.

One year down the line when I plan to hit the market, Duster 4x4 will surely make to the top of my list.

The XUV is excellent VFM. Quality is a bit dodgy, with some bits and pieces fall off and then my RM claims that the Purple Club (or whatever its called) is no longer available. But on the whole, the powerful engine, and space inside doesn't make me regret cancelling the Duster!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACM (Post 3065038)

Rather a Duster with AT would help take on the EcoSport better 4X4 - don't really know the numbers for this in that segment, there are of course people who want it.

I think that the numbers are key. So even if 4x4 Duster was priced reasonably, how many would go for it given that 4x2 with all the same creature comforts be a lakh cheaper? It would be good to get some idea of the 4x4 vs. 4x2 break up.

So whats in it for Renault to launch the 4x4 with no creature comforts to boast of at 15+ lac OTR? I think Duster is doing enough numbers to introduce the 4x4 as a statement if nothing else. Plus keeps the buzz going i guess, especially if you launch it around the same time as Ecosport with a snazzy ad campaign.

If the 4x4 adds to the already decent numbers, its probably worth it. Renault knows that it will have lots of competition real soon. :)