Renault Duster bags over 6000 bookings within week of launch

We always knew that the Renault Duster has the potential of becoming a success in India market – SUV size, commanding seating position, economical diesel and comfortable drive with monocoque chassis. The only thing that remained was competitive pricing. Renault has done a reasonably good job on that front with prices starting Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the diesel variants. The Duster has also attracted many sedan buyers; since it costs very similar, offers better boot space and has ability to handle the rough roads.

Renault opened bookings for the Renault about two weeks before the launch; since then the French car maker has received over 6,000 orders for this five-seater SUV. The numbers are very high considering the limited sales and service facilities of Renault – the company is working on building a stronger dealer network and plans to have 100 outlets by 2013. The main reason for the Duster’s success is lack of competition. The five-seater SUV is priced on par with the Mahindra Scorpio, however the Scorpio is an ageing model with replacement expected only by 2014. The Duster has got the early bird advantage, while its direct competitors – the Xylo Mini and the Ford EcoSport will be launched in the coming months.

Renault dealers have unofficially confirmed that the Duster already has a waiting period of over two months.