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-   -   Introducing Chameleon - My Renault Duster AWD (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-drives-initial-ownership-reports/162921-introducing-chameleon-my-renault-duster-awd-3.html)

Congratulations on bringing home your Chameleon. You couldn't have chosen a name more apt though, you can add me to the list of guys who wouldn't believe your beauty is green and not brown! Loved the write up as well, you're inspiring newbies like me to muster up the courage to start a thread sometime.

Thanks ampere! On the tyres, I used Michelin XM1 Plus and then XM2 on my Swift for quite long. For on road touring, they are my favourites. You can check out MICHELIN Latitude Tour HP. Sidewall strength has improved nowadays. Latitude series is quite well regarded as I have heard.

Thanks a lot Premjit! It's been a while since a proper TeamBHP meet in Kolkata. Let's plan one soon!

Thanks Partha!

Hi, glad to read the ownership review and your travelog to Leh. I have been thinking of buying a duster AWD for a while now, how would you rate the ownership experience from getting the car serviced , cost and availability of parts etc. This is the only thing that keeps me worried, having burnt my figures with a skoda and extremely happy with the service aspect of SX4 I am in split minds.

How is the Continental AT performance in tarmac? I would like to know about road noise and breaking in wet conditions.

I had owned a Swift VDI before, so I can probably give you a perspective: Price of the spares is not as low as Maruti, it is somewhere closer to Hyundai prices. (I had actially enquired about prices of common parts like air filter, oil filter, shock absorbers, lower arm, clutch plate assembly before I booked). Availability can definitely be an issue and it will never match the quick turn around times that Maruti or Hyundai can deliver. Also, note that many parts of the AWD are different from the 2WD 110 PS Duster, so it does not always help on that front either. Having said that, I have not yet faced availability issues for regular maintenance spare parts.

Wet grip on turmac is extremly average, borderlining on quite bad! In fact I often drive in AUTO mode on in slippery conditions to get better traction thanks to the ESP. And yes they do make a huge racket on the road if you are driving fast!
I do not regret fitting them given the excellent grip and the peace of mind they offer off the road. Sidewalls are really tough, and even after 15K kms I do not see any significant wear of the treads (even after Manali-Leh trip).

Thanks. I own a 85ps duster which is on stock MRF Wanderers. My usage pattern is 60% on good roads,35% on broken/potholed roads and some 5% through unpaved roads. The car will see lot of wet roads for around 6-7 months of the year. Wondering if AT tyres makes sense for the this type of usage.

I would have kept the stock Wanderers had I been in your position :)