[C'estlavie]

Originally Posted by anilntny

Both are entirely different vehicles . Honda mobilio is a mpv,where as duster is a mini suv.
They are not comparable in any aspect.

I would politely but vehemently disagree. While they are in different classes, one can always compare ride quality and handling. And that is how/ why I had phrased my question.

Moving on...

[gurha]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

Do you see a noticable improvement reduced effort with the new clutch pedal assembly?

Oh yeah, it's much smooth now, previously driving in city traffic it was like a punishment, after I have changed my clutch, I've driven around 4K kilometer, of which 80% is highway and 20% of city driving, and the city driving had been a lot easier. I wish Renault should have done it at the first place itself, anyways it's better late than never.

[HillMan]

Originally Posted by C'estlavie

I would politely but vehemently disagree. While they are in different classes, one can always compare ride quality and handling. And that is how/ why I had phrased my question.

Moving on...

If you are not worried about feature rich interiors of sedan, a quieter cabin and ground clearance.

I am sure Mobilio will have a great ride quality for city use and vacation trips on good roads.

On ride quality where Duster excels is you dont have to bring down speed to 10kmph to tackle road humps and potholes. That way you can maintain a better average speed with lesser gear changes and not to push the engine.

Mobilio, being designed for 7 adults the suspension could be stiffer while driving alone or with two occupants. Something the Duster handles well even while driving alone. Large wheels and long arm can handle soft cushioning and stiffen up as the arm travel upwards.

That said, these are two different breeds. Someone looking at Innova or Mobilio for third row comfort will never go for a Duster. Simply for its utility.

Duster has no jazz in it like a sedan. Not even an automatic speed sensing or on ignition door locks. Nor does it beep on door lock/unlock by remote. Its a no fuzz practical machine. The driver has to be in control. Few things that look quirkier around initially feels right in place as you start using the car.

[Rigid Rotor]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

Do you see a noticable improvement reduced effort with the new clutch pedal assembly?

Originally Posted by gurha

Oh yeah, it's much smooth now, previously driving in city traffic it was like a punishment, after I have changed my clutch, I've driven around 4K kilometer, of which 80% is highway and 20% of city driving, and the city driving had been a lot easier. I wish Renault should have done it at the first place itself, anyways it's better late than never.

Well, yes the new pedal with helper spring has definitely reduced the pedal effort. Its easier to use in long bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The only bit of grouse is that the clutch 'bite-point' is less clearly discernible now. The helper spring makes the pedal travel soft throughout and there is no clear point felt where the clutch engages. This appears to be similar to helper-spring mounted clutch pedals in other cars elsewhere.
I was reading in other forums that some people actually de-modify these and remove the helper springs to go back to the harder but 'sportier' mode as they prefer it. Also, it exercises the quadriceps muscles more (albeit asymmetrically)!!

Originally Posted by C'estlavie

I would politely but vehemently disagree. While they are in different classes, one can always compare ride quality and handling. And that is how/ why I had phrased my question.

Moving on...

The Mobilio appears to have taken a leaf out of Jazz's ingenious flexi-seating and appears to have done a far better job than the Ertiga, with its obvious design mistakes in seating and 3rd row adjustment. Flexi-seating and spaciousness appears to be its USP (from what I could make of the pics & reviews of the interior).

For the ride quality - I guess you need to wait for the reviews and try it out yourself.

One of the Duster's USP is its good ride & decent handling. Amongst its other points, it also has a rugged unpinning - I was taken to the body-shop repair section, where damaged vehicles were being repaired. There were few Dusters, Scalas and even a Pulse or two with their underpinnings exposed. The main frame of the Duster on which the engine was mounted felt as tough as a typical military vehicle (I was reminded of the old Nissan Patrol 60 'Jonga'). It was a bit of an eye-opener and I guess that's where Renault / Dacia spent most of their budget for the Duster.

Amongst its (Duster's) cons is that the designers made the wheel well large enough to accept even 18 inch rims (check out some of the upgrades abroad) and thus cut into the rear leg-space. However, as result the boot is practically quite large and is even luggage-friendly.

So I guess it all boils down to what your requirements are: You need to list those out and eval which vehicle suits those requirements better.

[C'estlavie]

Originally Posted by HillMan

If you are not worried about feature rich interiors of sedan, a quieter cabin and ground clearance.

I am sure Mobilio will have a great ride quality for city use and vacation trips on good roads.

On ride quality where Duster excels is you dont have to bring down speed to 10kmph to tackle road humps and potholes. That way you can maintain a better average speed with lesser gear changes and not to push the engine.

Mobilio, being designed for 7 adults the suspension could be stiffer while driving alone or with two occupants. Something the Duster handles well even while driving alone. Large wheels and long arm can handle soft cushioning and stiffen up as the arm travel upwards.

That said, these are two different breeds. Someone looking at Innova or Mobilio for third row comfort will never go for a Duster. Simply for its utility.

Duster has no jazz in it like a sedan. Not even an automatic speed sensing or on ignition door locks. Nor does it beep on door lock/unlock by remote. Its a no fuzz practical machine. The driver has to be in control. Few things that look quirkier around initially feels right in place as you start using the car.

Thanks for the opinion. This is exactly what I was looking for. But are you saying that the Mobilio would have quieter cabin and better GC? The Duster has a higher GC, AFAIK (210 mm to 185 mm).

In terms of my choice, it still seems like the Duster to me. The Mobilio just came up as something out of left field.

[ampere]

Originally Posted by C'estlavie

In terms of my choice, it still seems like the Duster to me. The Mobilio just came up as something out of left field.

Mobilio may have much better fit and finish compared to Duster. If GC is not a big concern for you and also more importantly if a people mover branding of a car does not matter to you, then in that case you should seriously look at the Mobilio. Utilility wise, Mobio stands much higher than Duster. It can carry more people in case you need it. Duster has a higher GC, which can take you off the road once in a while. And also it has an SUV image, (which is the primary reason many buy it).

[sumeshmani]

Originally Posted by C'estlavie

Folks, this is one of those last minute question, after a lot of back and forth, I was planning to buy the 85 PS in a few months. The impending launch of the Mobilio is now an additional factor I need to consider.

I had zeroed in on the Duster primarily for its ride quality. Has anyone here driven the Mobilio and if they have how does to compare to the Duster in ride quality, especially on bumpy roads, and handling? Any other comparison would also help.

At some stage I will need to go myself to a Honda showroom, obviously, but thanks in advance.

When I bought Duster, and chose it over Ertiga, i did so for the following reasons:
- Better to seat 5 members in the first two rows, as most of my trips will have 5 passengers and a lot of luggage. If Mobilio's second row can seat three, great.
- Better ride quality, my impression after test ride. So its better you wait for a test drive. That is the best way to judge and choose.
- After owning a Maruti for over 10 years, I knew that low costs of maintenance is a myth. Only benefit with Maruti is availability of service centers

The things that hurt when buying Duster, the ridiculous price tag. Ertiga was miles ahead in this department.

Eventually my requirements beat price tag debate and my brain decided Duster. (My heart was always with Duster )

I hope this gives you a small idea of how to choose one over the other.

[HillMan]

Originally Posted by C'estlavie

Thanks for the opinion. This is exactly what I was looking for. But are you saying that the Mobilio would have quieter cabin and better GC? The Duster has a higher GC, AFAIK (210 mm to 185 mm).

Quieter cabin, Yes.
Better GC, No way.

Duster has a design with a good angle of entry/exit. Really helps when you come down a slope and turn into a road. The bumper doesn't scrape.

[HillMan]

Originally Posted by C'estlavie

In terms of my choice, it still seems like the Duster to me. The Mobilio just came up as something out of left field.

Originally Posted by HillMan

Quieter cabin, Yes.

Mobilio official review is here.
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offici...al-review.html

Sadly it fell flat on my expectations too.

[vikash49]

A few classy mods, and our humble Duster has the potential to turn into a real Show Stopper!

Standard



Modified



- About 3" body lift
- Adventure edition side cladding
- Adventure edition front bulbar
- Front grill blacked out with 3M CF Vinyl
- Blacked out B and C pillars
- High profile off road tyres on 15" alloys

Disclaimer : Mods executed in photoshop

[::CMS::]

Originally Posted by vikash49

- About 3" body lift
- Adventure edition side cladding
- Adventure edition front bulbar
- Front grill blacked out with 3M CF Vinyl
- Blacked out B and C pillars
- High profile off road tyres on 15" alloys

The mods other than the 3" lift can be done as it can make the daily use car to a mere showroom piece.

[ashlyak]

My Duster (85) did some 28k, in the last 1 year 2 months period. We traveled from Bangalore to Bikaneer last year. Last week end, we did another 1k trip (Bangalore-Belur-Honnavar-Dharmsthala-Kuke-Madikeri-Bangalore) The roads were wet most of the time. Am totally happy and impressed with this partner ! Good power, and great control in all the road conditions.

The only thing i hate about Duster is, its dealer. Professionalism is an alien word for them. After each service, multiple visits are a must to fix things, that they "forgot" to fix/clean.

[Waxeloquent]

I found an app noise level meter (android as well as iOs). Plan to test the Duster's in-cabin noise level during our next month road trip to Pondy under different conditions and note the
readings and share. Any suggestions? Post this will see if I seriously want to pursue wind deflectors, change door beading options. Cheers

[anilntny]

Finally I added skid plate/ diffuser on the rear end.Cost 6500 Rs.

Since I have the crash guard on the front end it won't fit in.
So I managed to paint the same area with a single can of nippon automotive quick drying paint. Cost only 200 Rs.

Now I wish to smoke my headlights,any idea about how to remove the headlamp assembly?

[HillMan]

Originally Posted by anilntny

Now I wish to smoke my headlights,any idea about how to remove the headlamp assembly?

Checkout this link for instructions;
http://www.automobile-dacia.cz/08_El...ent_Duster.pdf

Hope it helps.