Latest news with #RenaultDuster
IOL News
a day ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Driving impressions: is the Renault Duster 1. 3T 4x2 Zen AT worth your attention?
Renault has introduced their new design language to the Duster making it look a lot more chunky and aggressive. Image: Supplied The Renault Duster has been a mainstay of the brand for many years and has an almost cult-like following in certain circles, especially the diesel off-road versions. They recently revamped the entire SUV range, which included dropping the well-loved diesel engine and replacing it with petrol and mild hybrid versions. There was much gnashing of teeth when the diesel mill was dropped, but whether we like it or not, Europe sees it as the devil's brew, so we need to come to terms with it. The Renault Duster is a result of the joint venture between themselves and Romanian subsidiary brand Dasia and is built on the Common Module Family-B build platform also utilised across several of Renault's products, including the fifth-generation Clio, second-generation Captur, Arkana, Austral and Kardian. Engine In the case of our Duster entry-level Cedar Green 1.3T 4x2 Zen AT test unit, it's fitted with a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine producing 113kW and 250Nm of torque coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Exterior In terms of the exterior, Renault has introduced their new design language, making it look a lot more chunky and aggressive and according to Renault, more aerodynamically efficient. Roof rails, flush rear door handles integrated into the C-pillar, prominent mass-dyed skid plates and standing on 17-inch alloy rims with flared wheel arches with cladding all combine to give the Duster an off-road appearance. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Duster entry level 1.3T 4x2 Zen AT is fitted with a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine producing 113kW and 250Nm of torque. Image: Supplied Interior The interior has also been given a complete makeover with the exterior angular theme followed through inside. In the Duster Zen, the new interior is a lot more spacious, and although Dusters were not known for their premium interiors, this one feels and looks a lot better with improved ergonomics, although there's still a strong presence of hard-wearing plastics scattered throughout. The seats have been redesigned and offer fantastic lumbar support while driving, and I felt a lot more comfortable with more legroom than the previous generation. It gets a seven-inch configurable digital instrument cluster with various themes and colour backgrounds. The 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is easy to use with sharp graphics and a quick response to inputs. Device charging is taken care of with two USB-C ports, front and aft. There's ample boot space with 472 litres to swallow holiday luggage and 1 696 litres with the rear seats folded down. The interior has also been given a complete makeover with the exterior angular theme followed through inside. Image: Supplied Driving I enjoyed driving the Duster 4x2 Zen and found the engine willing and quite zippy in its performance. The engine and gearbox combine well to provide a smooth driving experience, and I found it to be substantially more refined than the outgoing model. It's fitted with new optimised anti-roll bars, and you can feel it when cornering and going around bends with minimal body roll and more stability. The changes they have made to the steering, suspension, dampers and noise suppression provide decent levels of comfort behind the wheel. It's the kind of car that you could easily load up with the family and head out on an extended holiday while being equally adept at nipping down to the mall or doing the school run. And unless you really want or need an all wheel drive version, this 1.3T 4x2 Zen AT is enough to tick all the boxes. Renault claims consumption figures of 6.5l/100km, and I managed 6.8l/100km with a combination of suburban and highway driving. Safety is taken care of by, among others, six airbags, a multiview camera, Tyre Pressure Detector and Blind Spot Detection. Summary The Renault Duster 1.3T 4x2 Zen AT fights for attention in a cluttered segment that includes the VW T-Cross and Toyota Corolla Cross, as well as a constant stream of new Chinese models, but I do believe that it offers something substantial, including a strong following with a successful local run over the years. It comes with a five-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, a three-year/ 45 000 km service plan, and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty. Pricing Renault Duster Zen EDC 4x2: R489 999. Renault Duster Intens 4x2: R519 999. Renault Duster Zen 6MT 4WD Mild Hybrid: R549 999.
India.com
2 days ago
- Automotive
- India.com
Confirmed: Renault Duster Coming Soon - Expected Launch, Prices, Features & More
Renault Duster: Renault India has confirmed the relaunch of its most well-known SUV in the country, the Duster. The French carmaker will bring in the third-generation Renault Duster and its 3-row version in India. The 5-seater Duster is expected to be launched in early 2026 and will take on SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, and more. Its 7-seater model might follow a few months later, competing with SUVs like the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, and Hyundai Alcazar. Turbo-Petrol Engine And Hybrid Setup The French automaker has recently unveiled the Renault Boreal SUV, equipped with a 1.3L turbo-petrol engine and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering 138bhp/156bhp of power with 240Nm of torque. It also supports flex fuel, producing 163bhp and 270Nm of torque. Renault claims the Boreal can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 9.26 seconds. It offers four drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and MySense. The same powertrain setup is anticipated in the India-spec new Renault Duster and its 7-seater version. According to media reports, both models could also get hybrid powertrain options. The 5-seater Duster might feature a 1.6L petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.2kWh battery pack, producing a combined output of 140hp. Its 7-seater version might come with a 108bhp petrol engine paired with a 1.4kWh battery pack powering a 51hp motor. Expected Features While the official feature list will be revealed later, many features are likely to be borrowed from the recently unveiled Renault Boreal SUV. These may include dual 10-inch screens (one each for infotainment and instrumentation), powered front seats with massaging (for the driver only), a premium Harman Kardon sound system, dual-zone AC, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera system, and Level 2 ADAS. Expected Prices The new 5-seater Renault Duster is expected to be priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 15 lakh, while 7-seater models will likely be priced in the range of Rs 14–15 lakh to nearly Rs 18 lakh.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Hyundai Creta turns 10! The SUV that refuses to fade
In the world of Indian automotive retail, few nameplates have held their ground as firmly, and as quietly, as the Hyundai Creta . A decade after it first arrived in showrooms, the Creta isn't just present in the mid-size SUV segment, it still defines it. Since 2016, the Creta has consistently been the highest-selling SUV in its category, every single year. In the past 10 years, its cumulative sales have crossed 1.2 million units in the domestic market. The numbers speak volumes. A product line that now spans three full generations, multiple powertrains, and two special editions. " Hyundai identified a fast-growing demand for compact SUVs among Indian buyers, especially as preferences started shifting from hatchbacks and sedans to vehicles offering more space, a higher driving position, and stronger road presence. At that time, the Indian compact SUV segment had started gaining traction, and models like the Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport were doing well. Hyundai aimed to disrupt this space with a global product tailored for local needs, " says Abhilash Gupta, Automotive Analyst, Counterpoint Research. A product that grew with the market When the Creta was launched in 2015, it entered a segment still in flux. Compact SUVs were just beginning to get serious buyer attention, and Hyundai's strategy was to deliver a product that felt premium, yet practical; urban, yet not too aggressive. That positioning hit a sweet spot. The Duster had made the space viable, but the Creta made it aspirational. Gupta adds, "Hyundai conducted extensive research in India, including feedback from over 900 SUV owners and potential buyers." The second-generation Creta, launched in 2020, leaned harder into features and tech, establishing new norms for what a mid-size SUV should offer. Its large infotainment display, connected car features, a panoramic sunroof, and the introduction of turbocharged petrol variants marked a clear upshift in customer expectations, expectations that competitors had to then catch up with. "Hyundai offered a feature-rich package, an industry-first three-year unlimited warranty, and a total cost of ownership promise, appealing directly to the price-sensitive Indian consumer. Hyundai's direction was clear: build an aspirational yet accessible urban SUV for India's evolving and maturing car buyer," explains Gupta. By the time the third-generation Creta arrived in 2024, Hyundai had refined the formula even further. From ADAS Level 2 features to dual 10.25-inch screens, from a more mature design language to a quieter, more premium drive feel, the 2024 model made one thing clear, Creta wasn't just keeping pace with the segment. It was still setting the pace. A brand that transcends product cycles Part of what makes the Creta story so interesting is how consistent its appeal has remained, even as the Indian buyer has evolved. Between January and June 2025, nearly 70 per cent of all Creta buyers opted for variants equipped with a sunroof, a strong signal that lifestyle features are now no longer optional for India's new-age buyer. What Hyundai has done well is to anticipate these shifts early, and scale features quickly across variants without making the product feel stretched or gimmicky. Gupta explains, "Eight of 11 Creta trims now come with sunroofs, making this feature widely accessible across price points. The high take rate for sunroof models in Creta indicates a maturing, urban-centric customer base willing to pay for feel-good features over basic utility." Even special editions have been handled with restraint. The Creta Knight Edition in 2022 brought in a darker, sportier look, while the Adventure Edition in 2023 played to outdoor and offbeat sensibilities. Neither strayed far from the core identity of the car, but both gave enough freshness to maintain excitement across showroom floors. At a time when most mid-size SUVs refresh every three years and often vanish by year seven, the Creta's ability to hold attention, and market share, for ten straight years is a feat in itself. That it has done this while staying true to a mass-market premium positioning makes it even more impressive. "Hyundai effectively creates a "tech-luxe" positioning within the mainstream compact SUV segment. A customer looking for this category's most feature-rich, connected, and semi-autonomous experience is naturally drawn to the Creta. This creates a powerful differentiator beyond just engine performance or design," feels Gupta. Competition has evolved, but so has Creta Today, the Creta competes with a long list of capable alternatives. Kia's Seltos has carved its own identity and is often seen as a sportier cousin. Maruti Suzuki's Grand Vitara and Toyota's Hyryder have made strong inroads with hybrid drivetrains and city-friendly efficiency. Volkswagen's Taigun and Skoda's Kushaq offer dynamic driving experiences with European engineering polish. Even the Honda Elevate has entered the fray with its understated value-first approach. "The Creta's enduring dominance isn't due to a lack of competition, but rather Hyundai's mastery of a holistic strategy that competitors have struggled to match across the board," Gupta says. Yet, none have been able to consistently dislodge the Creta from its perch. Hyundai's edge lies not in delivering one spectacular feature, but in maintaining a balance that few others manage. Powertrain choice, feature availability, brand value, resale comfort, dealer coverage, it all comes together to keep the Creta ahead without shouting. Gupta elaborates, "In essence, Creta is successful because no competitor has delivered the same all-round package with the same level of consistency and nationwide appeal." A decade in, still growing What perhaps sums up the Creta's enduring success best is this: it doesn't compete with others so much as it competes with itself. Each generation, each refresh, has outdone the previous without trying to overcorrect. It's a model that evolves in rhythm with the market, not ahead or behind it. And as the Indian SUV landscape continues to shift, with hybrids gaining ground, EVs entering in higher numbers, and buyer expectations rising, there's every indication that Hyundai will continue to invest in keeping the Creta relevant across multiple fuels and formats. But even in its internal combustion avatar, the Creta continues to outsell rivals and set the tone. As of H1 2025, Hyundai sold around 4,000 units of the Creta EV in India, capturing an estimated 5 per cent share of the country's fast-growing BEV market. The Creta EV is priced, positioned, and specified as a 'tipping point,' but will need time and market tailwinds to match the original's runaway numbers. Creta EV arrives when rivals are also launching compelling, long-range, and feature-rich electric SUVs. Maintaining its 'default choice' status will depend on Hyundai's agility in scaling production and sustaining perceived value.
NDTV
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
India-Bound Renault Boreal (7 Seat Duster) Breaks Cover
Renault has unveiled the Boreal SUV, which is expected to be launched in the Indian market by 2026. It is to be noted that the French automaker has developed the SUV specifically for the markets outside Europe including India. Dubbed the seven-seater derivative of the Renault Duster, it is based on the ultra-flexible platform of the brand. Once launched, the SUV will be aimed at improving the brand's presence in the C-segment, which also makes it a crucial part of the brand's future strategy. The ultra-flexible platform used for the Boreal was first used in the Renault Kardian. It has been designed for use in various body configurations. Furthermore, it shortens the development cycles to optimise the brand's presence in non-European markets. This also makes the Boreal capable of housing various new technologies, which can be accommodated depending on various markets. The Renault Boreal stands over 4.50 meters in length and 1.84 meters in width. Its wheelbase measures 2700 mm, and the brand has opted for shorter overhangs to maximize cabin space. Key exterior features include a body-colored grille with a backlit NouvelR emblem, LED headlights that stretch towards the fenders, and 19-inch alloy rims. Inside, the SUV boasts twin 10-inch displays integrated into a single unit, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and 48-color ambient lighting. Currently, the vehicle offers two upholstery choices with contrasting stitching: Pure cool grey for Turkey and Blue for the Latin American region. The front seats are electrically adjustable with memory settings, and the driver gets a massage function. Additionally, the SUV features in-car Google integration and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. The Boreal is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine available in both petrol and flex-fuel variants, depending on the market. The flex-fuel version produces a maximum output of 160 bhp and a peak torque of up to 270 Nm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Auto recap, July 9: New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe review, new Renault Duster spotted, top 5 affordable fun-to-drive cars
Here is your quick check on the biggest developments in the world of automobiles. Notify me The automotive industry is experiencing rapid changes, which make it difficult to stay informed about all the latest advancements. At HT Auto, we are dedicated to delivering the most relevant and current information as it becomes available. Below is a concise overview of the key highlights from Wednesday, July 9. New-gen BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe first drive review - More substance with style The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe turned out to be a fairly successful model since it went on sale in India in 2020. A stylish exterior, powerful engine, and the quintessential Bavarian luxury, endured buyers moving up in the 'ladder of life' found this attractive enough as their first luxury offering. With the second generation, BMW has doubled down on the strong attributes of the 2 Series Gran Coupe, while improving on some of its shortcomings. Can it still be your gateway to the luxury segment? We headed to Chennai to take the second-gen BMW 2 Series GC for a spin and find the answer to that question. Also Read : New-Gen BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe First Drive Review - More substance with style Seven-seater Renault Duster spied testing in India ahead of launch Renault's Indian market strategy is at a critical juncture, as the brand aims to revive its presence with an overhauled line-up. Although the new Renault Duster is due in 2026, recent spy images hint that the company is working on a bigger three-row edition, titled Bigster or Boreal globally. Spotted being tested in India for the first time, this 7-seater SUV could be an important product for Renault's second innings in the country. Also Read : 7 seater Renault Duster spied testing in India ahead of launch. Check details From Maruti Suzuki Ignis to Hyundai i20 N Line: 5 most affordable fun-to-drive cars in India today Looking for budget-friendly cars that are fun to drive? Here's a list of sporty, affordable options in India that deliver excitement without breaking the bank. Also Read : From Maruti Suzuki Ignis to Hyundai i20 N Line: 5 most affordable fun-to-drive cars in India today Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 10 Jul 2025, 06:48 am IST
