[tachobells]

Originally Posted by BUXX

this is as classic a case of "make hay while the sun shines" , as it can be.
Way to go Renault India !

Renault seems to be on the greed path :(
"make hay while the sun shines" shouldn't become "killing the goose that laid golden eggs".

Just ask Honda if you need a history lesson about becoming overconfident of the product and raising prices at will. When a proper competitor appears on the market (say EcoSport, Chevy Trax?), you'll be cornered so badly.

[suhaas307]

Originally Posted by agambhandari

Is it possible to do a custom mod on the Duster's interiors? A better designed dashboard maybe with better plastics. If yes, what would be the ballpark for the pricing.

The Duster seems good enough in most areas, but the Interiors are a major letdown.

The dashboard may be uninspiring in terms of design but as long as it's functional, it shouldn't bother me.

What really bothers me about the Duster's interiors are the seats. They aren't very supportive and they do not compliment the good ride quality that the car delivers.

If I were to 'custom-mod' the interior, I'd start with the seats. I'd also add damping to the doors - this will not only improve sound quality from the ICE but also add some weight to the flimsy doors. It must be noted that this only gives you a false sense of security and must not be done only for the purpose of adding 'solidity'.

But all this would come at a price. I'm sure custom seats all round won't cost less than 50k if done at a reputed place. ICE (must) + damping would cost another 50k.

If I'm spending 15 lakhs on a car, I would expect the car to have decent ICE, supportive seats and solid / adequately damped doors right from the start. The thought of spending 15 lakhs on a Duster and then spending 1 lakh just to 'improve' it puts me off.

[agambhandari]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

The dashboard may be uninspiring in terms of design but as long as it's functional, it shouldn't bother me.
The thought of spending 15 lakhs on a Duster and then spending 1 lakh just to 'improve' it puts me off.

The dashboard is not only uninspiring but also seems to be made for a car that costs a fraction of the duster's price.

As for the thought, it puts me off too . But then the EcoSport seems to be delayed again and the family is in a dire need of another car.

[desidino]

Originally Posted by Phukan

Congrats desidino. I have booked the same model. I definately would have loved to book a higher model, but my finances restrict me. Wish your family many happy miles in your duster!!!

Thank you for your wishes Phukan ! Yes, price was a constraint for us too. Even close to 10 lacs on road was over stretching our budget quite a bit.

We do look forward to many happy miles. Duster gave us a glimpse of the future on the way back from Dehradun to Haridwar. As per my brother, the 2 hour ride was effortless !

[ampere]

Originally Posted by agambhandari

As for the thought, it puts me off too . But then the EcoSport seems to be delayed again and the family is in a dire need of another car.

Only point I can add is if you are looking at a car for the family where every one needs to good (e.g. 5 and with boot).
I doubt if Ecsoport would give you that much space. Do take that into consideration and have a alternate choice.

[agambhandari]

Originally Posted by ampere

Only point I can add is if you are looking at a car for the family where every one needs to good (e.g. 5 and with boot).
I doubt if Ecsoport would give you that much space. Do take that into consideration and have a alternate choice.

Actually, EcoSport seems to have everything that we are looking for. We dont need a large boot as much as a Duster, the EcoSport's will do just fine.
My only real requirement is to buy a niggle free SUV under 10 lacs.
Also, we are more interested to buy a Petrol car. Compare the Duster's petrol ill equipped variants to the EcoSport's flagship EcoBoost, and there is a clear winner! If only Ford could Boost the launch....

[vasanthn21]

I see the first duster for sale in T-BHP classifieds. Sign of things to come?!

[bhagathmp]

Originally Posted by vasanthn21

I see the first duster for sale in T-BHP classifieds. Sign of things to come?!

Not necessarily a bad sign. I have seen few XUV's up for sale during the initial launch window. And also some reliable and fast selling models with less than 5K on the odo ...

May be the seller is leaving country or he found something that suits him/his needs better !

Regards
Bugs

[Docster]

I'll be taking the Duster for its first long drive on the 23rd, going from Indore to Aamby Valley for an aeromodelling show. Any suggestions as to what route should we be taking and any tips on this drive.

As for the door dampening, the dealer here put some heat shrink on the door latch and now the doors close much sweeter.

[engrohit]

Originally Posted by Docster

As for the door dampening, the dealer here put some heat shrink on the door latch and now the doors close much sweeter.

Hey Docster, can you please elaborate this procedure further? Did they put any heat shrink film on the latch on door?

[ampere]

Originally Posted by Docster

I'll be taking the Duster for its first long drive on the 23rd, going from Indore to Aamby Valley for an aeromodelling show. Any suggestions as to what route should we be taking and any tips on this drive.

As for the door dampening, the dealer here put some heat shrink on the door latch and now the doors close much sweeter.

Originally Posted by engrohit

Hey Docster, can you please elaborate this procedure further? Did they put any heat shrink film on the latch on door?

Originally Posted by engrohit

Hey Docster, can you please elaborate this procedure further? Did they put any heat shrink film on the latch on door?

You can add damping sheets to the door's inner and outer lining. It can a bit costly as the damping sheets are expensive. Since you damp both inner and outer lining, the sheets used would be more in number.
But do note they give you a heavy feeling which is only NOTIONAL. (Thanks to Condor from whom I got my dump of info!)

[Docster]

Originally Posted by engrohit

Hey Docster, can you please elaborate this procedure further? Did they put any heat shrink film on the latch on door?

The silver knob on the inside of the body..... they opened it and put on the heat shrink like a sleeve and screwed it on again. The doors close much better now.

[97_Octane]

Anybody know the accurate pricing for the 85 RXL? Most of the prices on the net are varying and I want a reliable source. If prices have increased by 25-30k, Dad is seriously considering cancelling the booking (It was 10.89L when launched, then hiked to 11.39L).
Does the price hike affect customers who are already in queue or is it only for new bookings?

[Phukan]

Originally Posted by 97_Octane

Anybody know the accurate pricing for the 85 RXL? Most of the prices on the net are varying and I want a reliable source. If prices have increased by 25-30k, Dad is seriously considering cancelling the booking (It was 10.89L when launched, then hiked to 11.39L).
Does the price hike affect customers who are already in queue or is it only for new bookings?

Dude I have spoken to the customer care on this matter and they are saying you will be given price protection, if the price increase is not because of any new tax levied by the government. Moreover as per the customer care executive, Renault has not come out with the revised updated price list as of now. Even their website (http://www.renault.co.in/cars/Duster/Price.html) says the same.

I am too in the same boat and any further increase of price would jeopardise my planning.

[sumeshmani]

Originally Posted by Phukan

Dude I have spoken to the customer care on this matter and they are saying you will be given price protection, if the price increase is not because of any new tax levied by the government.

I hope we do get the price protection. Else it will be tough for me to justify the holes in my pocket if i do manage to buy Duster.