[Neil Roy]

Originally Posted by GTO

The following information has been received from Renault:

- On July 4th , Renault Duster was launched with an introductory price and we have received over 20,000 bookings in less than 3 months from launch.

So what renault is basically saying is that they are increasing the prices because they have got 20000 bookings in 3 months

Originally Posted by Vid6639

With the price hike, the Duster 110PS is now entering the D segment sedan territory. I don't think it belongs there and now does not look VFM at all.

Sir, there are opinions and there are facts. What you have stated is a fact. There is no "think" in that statement. DUSTER PRICING DOES NOT BELONG IN THE D SEGMENT SEDAN TERRITORY.
If you look at the Duster advt. preview, all new sedan owners will be crying.From taking a stand that Duster will be slated against C segment sedans to upgrading pricing to compete against D segment sedans is very ambitious, to say the least.
As a Duster owner, I can confidently say that the fit and finish of the Duster, the electronic gadgetry etc. does not even compare with the top end C segment sedans.AND THAT IS A FACT
Renault got greedy.

[Vid6639]

Originally Posted by Neil Roy

Sir, there are opinions and there are facts. What you have stated is a fact. There is no "think" in that statement. DUSTER PRICING DOES NOT BELONG IN THE D SEGMENT SEDAN TERRITORY.
If you look at the Duster advt. preview, all new sedan owners will be crying.From taking a stand that Duster will be slated against C segment sedans to upgrading pricing to compete against D segment sedans is very ambitious, to say the least.
As a Duster owner, I can confidently say that the fit and finish of the Duster, the electronic gadgetry etc. does not even compare with the top end C segment sedans.AND THAT IS A FACT

Neil, I'm not sure if your agreeing with me or disagreeing to my post. The bold and capitals is confusing?

[suchit23]

Originally Posted by Vid6639

Neil, I'm not sure if your agreeing with me or disagreeing to my post. The bold and capitals is confusing?

What he is saying is that by virtue of the product (Duster) it can by no means fall in D segment although its price is falling close to D segment. And that is exactly what you are saying as well

[Rigid Rotor]

Originally Posted by Neil Roy

My take on the price hike.

Some 400 years ago, the french and the British came to our country, set up camp,... they took back in return was cheap and loyal labor,spices and more importantly our vast horde of Gold, diamonds and other treasures.

Fast forward to late 2000s, Renault and Nissan come to our shores, set up camp, show us superiorly designed Cars, .... This price revision smacks of arrogance and avarice.Makes the general automobile loving population feel helpless when it comes to buying good "phoren" cars at honest prices.

My 5 cents on this -
Before we make definite opinions on whether its plain neo-colonial exploitation or the effect of tax squeeze and low margins, we need a bit more info:
(quoting from my earlier post)-
What is the percentage of all taxes and excise duties that contribute to the ex-showroom price of a car in India? Are there any handy rules-of-thumb?

The point is - the 2012 UK price of Duster, which is made here and will be exported to UK has been quoted at about 13,000 to 14,000 GBP (for the top-end model with 4x4 and all the options, bells and whistles included)

Check out this link to Autoevolution
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/da...ced-46610.html

Assuming 13,000 GBP (1000 GBP less for a hypothetical reduction in price for an equivalent 4x2 model less the extra hardware) and @ 85.3 INR to a GBP, that would be equivalent to our RXZ 110, it would be priced at Rs 11.08 lakhs/-. That's almost the same price for the RXZ 110 in India (pre-price hike).

So how do they manage that, despite the transportation costs, exit and entry costs and notoriously high taxes, etc in UK?

Are the taxes and duties here to blame or is Renault raking in the 'moolah' while they can?

Any info from industry insiders could help!

[benbsb29]

Originally Posted by Vid6639

The Duster was supposed to be a VFM option to counter the Safari and Scorpio. Instead it is going against the XUV, Yeti and c2 and D segment sedans.

Reminds me very much of a certain vehicle called the Logan, which was touted as an entry level sedan, and when it finally arrived, it was trying to take on the likes of the more luxury sedans. The same principles of good ride quality, and composure didnt ensure its success. It saw a price revision in due time.

Renault would do well to remember they were a part of this story.

[Neil Roy]

Originally Posted by Vid6639

Neil, I'm not sure if your agreeing with me or disagreeing to my post. The bold and capitals is confusing?

I agree with you a 110%. I knew something was wrong with the Duster pricing but could not put my finger to it. Only after I read your post, I realised that Duster is dangerously close to D segment sedans. Hope I have not offended you.

@ rigid rotor,
my thumb rule for Duster price rise, if any, is simple.
Increase in raw material cost = increase in landing cost.
With an unladen weight of 1375 Kgs of steel, an increase of Rs.10 per kg(which is really not the case in the present scenario) will entail a maximum increase of Rs.13750/-. Truth is steel prices are pretty stable for the last two months.
I have assumed steel as it is the largest component in the car.
Renault have already recovered their design cost as Duster was launched globally on 2009 itself.With regards to specialized components like pumps,brakes etc , I am pretty sure any major player would have airtight contracts with regards to price escalation.
Bottom line- There is no explanation warranting such a huge price hike so soon except that Renault needed more money per duster.
Regarding taxing, it is a little complicated. But, if input VAT is being availed, logically Tamil Nadu should have had the lowest ex-showroom price.Maybe there are other hidden taxes which I am not aware of.

[ssbshankar]

People like me started looking at Duster due to following things:
1. VFM (you get a Duster at C segment sedan price)
2. Its overall height being between sedan and other available SUVs
3. Car like driving experience with SUV like stance.
4. Sedan like 5 seater, with lots of boot space for weekend trips for a small family with kid/s.
5. Suspension and ability to handle bad roads.

I personally was looking at VW vento or Rapid at some point of time and almost zeroed down to Rapid. When I got to know that Duster launch was around the corner first thing that appealed me a lot was its front looks (in photos). Then, when started reading more about its specs, it made me incline more towards Duster than any sedan in my mind. And then a day came to have a look at Duster personally at Palace orchards. I was still amazed to see it inside the showroom, but on road it did not catch my eyes much. May be my mind was tuned with high expectations. I waited long for test drive but, denied due to lot of people already waiting in August 1st week.

By the time August 3rd week, I had read lot of reviews and desperately wanted to try out Duster. This time I visited Renault Whitefield. I visited this showroom on a Saturday (around 11am), it was all empty . No crowd around the Duster, standing alone inside the showroom. Immediately, I got a chance to do test drive too. I was quite happy with the test drive. No doubts about that. Height was okay, I did not feel much difference from my Santro in this aspect. I felt like sitting on small cushion inside a santro (of course, more space than santro). My brother-in-law who came with me was amazed with the SUV stance and view from driver seat (as he drives swift). Pot holes and huge trenches did not trouble this rugged cross over, suspensions were the best I must say. Handling was very good too and no body roll at all. Felt like driving a car with a good road view. driver seat adjustment and interiors definitely felt cheap and gave enough hints about cost cutting and its positioning as a "cheep SUV" for SUV savvy Indian market.

I was interested in Petrol duster as my driving was limited with occasional week end trips for less than 1000kms. As we all know, there is no petrol Duster with safety features. Even if I want to pay more, I don't have a choice in petrol. For me, when I m buying a 4 wheeler with ~10L+ budget, safety features is a must. What did Renault think when they decided to knock off any safety features from Petrol Duster? Does it mean Petrol vehicles and its owners do not need any safety? Still a mystery to me. This forced me like many others to consider Diesel versions only.
Now, with price hike for Duster, lot of negative thoughts surrounding it. In my opinion, Duster has forced its prospective buyers to look at XUV. Though XUV in some sense is over-designed, it has got big road presence and beasty front looks. Most importantly, better power than Duster and there is nothing much between the two in case of interiors.

By increasing the price, I feel, Duster has created a step ladder to XUV. People like me would have not considered a SUV like vehicle for various (well known) reasons. But, Duster changed this mind set and opened up the market for monocoque desgined SUVs. Since, XUV500 also shares similar design, its very obvious now for people to think about XUV500. In a way, Duster has boosted sales of XUV500 by this price hike.
As I observed, between August 1st week and 3rd week there was a drastic drop in the interests for Duster. 18000 till August 31st(9000/month) and then just 2000+ in the coming month reflects this observation.
However, I think Duster 85PS (O) is still okay to buy for the utility it provides, under 13L OTR (hope I m correct with price). Yeti is a lot of stretch for people who were looking at Sedans like Rapid/Vento. I think Yeti base version is 16+ OTR in Bangalore. Yes, we need to wait and see what happens when Eco sport is launched. I m waiting for Eco sport before I make any decision and hope its not cramped inside!

[condor]

Originally Posted by swiftnfurious

If this is true, I see a HUGE dip in the Duster interest. It dropped to almost 30% of what it was in the first two months. If they can't sustain the booking numbers even in the 3rd month of launch, where is Renault actually heading with Duster?

Nothing out of the ordinary. The numbers & trend are normal for any such car. If the XUV bookings had not been closed, the same would have happened. INitial wave - the ones who really want
some do a sepculative booking
as bookings get more & more, the waiting period increases. At that point, people start to re-think : if they want to wait that long. And when that starts, the bookings begin to taper off.

[Tgo]

Originally Posted by Neil Roy

Increase in raw material cost = increase in landing cost.
With an unladen weight of 1375 Kgs of steel, an increase of Rs.10 per kg(which is really not the case in the present scenario) will entail a maximum increase of Rs.13750/-. Truth is steel prices are pretty stable for the last two months.
I have assumed steel as it is the largest component in the car.

The steel used in the manufacturing of a car is much more than that in its Kerb weight. Parts of the body going into manufacturing of the body are cut out of sheets larger than the size of the particular member of the body. Thus most of the steel goes out as scrap. Just pointing it out. There are other non metallic components in the kerb weight which can be substituted in place of scrap though.

Price still not justified.

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by ampere

Also is it that big a difference in pricing across 2 cities thanks to taxes?

OT: Yes, it could be possible if you consider Bangalore and Pune as the 2 cities in question and Yeti as the vehicle to be purchased. In Pune, road tax is calculated as 7% of the cost of vehicle (Cost of vehicle = Cost of vehicle + Central Excise + Sales Tax, i.e. ex-showroom price) for an individual owner [from http://www.rtopune.info/taxation.htm]. I don't know the exact rate for Bangalore, but I seem to remember reading somewhere on the forum that it was more than 12% of the ex-showroom price.

Cheers,
Vikram

[Clouseau]

Originally Posted by thalavoy

@Clouseau. With this you are getting 15? I am doing similar runs, but I am getting < 11 :(
Guess the traffic conditions are different.

Thalavoy - mine's an 85 and yours is the 110 right? There will be a difference.
Anyway took it for the first outstation trip (to Nainital). The Duster behaved well and the avg has increased to 17kmpl. Only had one problem: while climbing a steepish hill-road with four adults, two kids and two golf bags had to really rev the engine after stopping to let a car pass. Probably not a good thing during the running in period...

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

Unfortunately for me, my fat golf bag and trolley cannot fit if placed laterally and horizontally in the boot of the Duster OR the Yeti. I will measure the bag along its length and tell you what the reading is.

In the Duster it can possibly fit if placed slightly diagonally. I did not try this though. However, if I had a slimmer "stand-bag" I think it may fit in the Duster.

It still wont fit in the Yeti so regardless of the type of bag, I am forced to put my rear seat down and place the golf bag laterally on it.

No doubt the trolley's to blame and not the golf bag per se. In any case it's not often I need to carry my golf bag AND my family in the same trip

[ampere]

Originally Posted by comfortablynumb

OT: Yes, it could be possible if you consider Bangalore and Pune as the 2 cities in question and Yeti as the vehicle to be purchased. In Pune, road tax is calculated as 7% of the cost of vehicle (Cost of vehicle = Cost of vehicle + Central Excise + Sales Tax, i.e. ex-showroom price) for an individual owner

If that is the case we still have at least 1.5 to 1.75L difference between top end Duster 110 and Yeti active.

I am in no way suggesting that at 14 to 14.5L Duster top end is worth a buy. But what I am trying to bring about is that we still have a big gap for play in that segment.

[h.s.r]

Originally Posted by GTO

The following information has been received from Renault:

- On July 4th , Renault Duster was launched with an introductory price and we have received over 20,000 bookings in less than 3 months from launch.

- Usually customers have to pay the price that is prevalent during the delivery time. However, as a special case, Renault is protecting all bookings made until 31st Aug 2012, which is = 18,000 bookings. The introductory price will be maintained for all the bookings made until the end of August 2012, delivered or not at the time of the price increase.

Went to Renault Delhi West today, where i have booked Duster.
Inquired about the price rise & price protection to those who booked before 31 Aug 12.
As expected dealer refused to accept anything about the price protection.
Stated they have not received any kind of such information.
This is totally disgusting.
I am going for Duster only if price protection will be given, otherwise bye bye Duster & may go for XUV.
Any suggestions how to deal with this.

[zen kobane]

Originally Posted by h.s.r

I am going for Duster only if price protection will be given, otherwise bye bye Duster & may go for XUV.
Any suggestions how to deal with this.

Ask for freebies, as many you can, that you come near the increased price

Friendly way out, both are happy.

[MAS]

Guys,

I test drove the Duster 1.6 litre Ethanol-Petrol Flex engine in Brazil today. I have not driven the Duster in India as i was not very impressed by the looks of the car. The test drive this evening changed everything.

Wow is the word. The Brazilian Duster also comes with a 7 inch touch screen in the dash as standard for the variant i drove and a list of OE accessories making the car look more sporty and makes it look more muscular and Butch.

The price of the lowest variant of Duster starts at around 55,000 Reals (which translates into Rs. 14 Lakhs) going all the way up to 80,000 Reals (Rs. 21 Lakhs) for the 2.0 Lite Flex Engine with all the bells and whistles thrown in. The car is not very much different from the one produced in India, but this one feels strong (no flimsy feeling of the door). For all those who think they would cancel the booking and wait for the Eco Sport, i have news... I test drove the Eco Sport back to back with the Duster and the Duster feels so much better to drive. Will post a detailed comparison in a separate thread.

I have the brochures with me and will post them along with the photos when i get access to my lap top. The brochure has all the accessories which makes the Duster look cool.