Renault DUSTER: The game-changer SUV that is still ruling the market

The demand for SUVs has been steadily rising in India. With just 16% market share in 2014, it touched 25% in 2018. In fact in 2019, it reached 40%, which was just 5 odd percentage points less than the largest segment of passenger cars – the hatchback. There was a time when the hatchbacks dominated the passenger car market had close to 60-70% market share, but not anymore.

Earlier, an SUV meant a car which was heavy, looked very bulky, extremely difficult to drive, and had higher engine capacity and one which was extremely poor on comfort & fuel efficiency. However, in July 2012 when the Renault Duster was launched, it became the first car that succeeded in changing the customer perception about SUVs. Since then, the segment and the car both have ruled the Indian buyer’s hearts.

Interestingly, the Renault DUSTER was born out of a huge gap that every car marketer had overlooked. Prior to the DUSTER, global players offered their SUV’s in a Rs. 20 lakh+ price band, while the Indian manufacturers did the same in Rs. 6 to 10 lakh price band. Renault India saw a gap, understood the evolving customer preference and kept the Renault DUSTER prices between Rs. 8 to 12 lakh band with features that were generally found in the higher end cars at that time.   

Today, after almost 8 years of its launch, the DUSTER is still going strong. In fact, the recently launched BS6 compliant version has already created waves in the market. The new DUSTER features some of the latest interiors, exterior, comfort and safety features. These are the same features that had helped the first version to make its mark. Also, with a starting price of just Rs. 8.49 lakh (ex showroom Delhi), the car has remained honest to its initial price band even today.

The car retains its signature broad hood and the imposing bold stance which not only gives it a very sophisticated look but also makes the onlooker’s pulse race. In the new version, the exteriors are more refined with projector headlamps, LED DRLs, Everest Diamond Cut alloy wheels and Tri-winged full chrome grille. However, where the car stands out from the competition is on the passenger comfort and safety. The interiors are equipped with an all New Style Renault steering wheel, Premium Blue Glazed seat upholstery, automatic climate control and cooled storage. Whereas for the passenger safety, the car features a monocoque design, driver & front passenger airbags, ABS with EBD & Brake Assist and a host of safety features that are generally seen in the top end cars.

The DUSTER has the reputation of creating a new category in the SUV segment where none existed before. The new BS6 Renault DUSTER continues to stay true in every aspect which made this car stand tall amongst all other compact SUVs.