Renault Duster AWD

Motorists confined to the limits drawn by civilisation don’t buy a 4X4. While there are some who love to explore the path less travelled bound by nothing but nature, their means of taking on the wilderness are not the kind of cars that are spotted often on Indian roads. The lifestyle activity, consequently, called off-roading is still in its nascent stage due to the cost of preparing and maintaining dedicated off-road vehicles that are no good inside the boundaries. It might urge a few more to take these unchartered paths if the costs can be kept in check and the easiest way is, by using a vehicle that blends into the civilised world and yet can double up for the extra bit on the weekends.

With the introduction of the Duster AWD, Renault becomes one of the few, offering a unique proposition in the mass market and I was the lucky one to test it at our “secret” off-road test facility. I was wide awake at 5am, which I wouldn’t be so easily for many diesel vehicles. The standard front-wheel-drive Duster is a capable machine and with the addition of the AWD system the brochure now looks complete. It isn’t an out-and-out off-roader, neither does Renault want to market it as one. So how capable is it off the road is what we found out in a grueling test over a couple of days.

The Duster looks macho and muscular from all four corners; this has to be attributed to the meaty fenders and bumpers. It doesn’t have styling that stands out like say the EcoSport, but it won’t blend in traffic like the Scorpio despite being spotted as often. Even harder to miss is this variant, thanks to the loud AWD stickers at the bottom of the doors and the rear pillar. We were stared at by almost every Duster and Terrano owner we came across during the short time we had the car. The cosmetic changes apart from the stickers are limited to the black surrounds inside the headlamp cluster and the anthracite alloy wheels (painted in gloss grey). It also gets a small 4WD badge on the tail gate, in case the stickers peel off with time.

Looks are subjective and I have always liked the Duster and while this is just another variant, we couldn’t have asked for drastic styling changes either. However, a few cosmetic additions like a bull bar, side cladding with AWD embedded would have made it look nicer.

In comparison to, is this new Duster AWD, it looks so different (pun-intended); the interior gets some notable changes. It gets a new steering wheel with cruise control buttons on it that looks nice and feels good to hold. The instrument console is borrowed from the limited edition Duster launched a few months ago. The plastics feel a little softer on the dashboard in comparison to the FWD model, but the quality and fit and finish could have been better.

The new touch-screen audio system works well if you decide to play the radio, but can act cranky if you pair it to a USB device (in our case three phones with different OS and an iPod). It got stuck in between often, changing the tone of the voice, this might have been peculiar to our test vehicle and we would have to try it in another example. The AWD also gets a navigation system which is a welcome addition and was fairly accurate.

Most of who have driven a Duster never appreciated its ergonomics; now add three more reasons to whine about – the AWD knob, traction control and Eco Mode buttons. The AWD knob has been set so far from the driver that Mister Fantastic will need to use his superpower to operate it.

It still lacks, auto down function for the driver’s window, no auto folding ORVMs, no climate control system in a car worth more than million rupees. The seats are not the greatest around and rear space is not sufficient for oversized adults.

Renault India’s ubiquitous diesel mill, the 1.5-litre K9K in its highest power rating of 108bhp of maximum power at 3900rpm and a maximum torque of 250Nm at 2250rpm, powers the AWD. This engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox that sends power to all four wheels.

A special mention for the light clutch in the AWD Duster, we have no clue how they managed it, but thank you Renault. The usage of grease on the shift lever seems to have gone high, the gears slot smoothly, but still lack that positive synchromesh click.

On the move, the shorter gearing is immediately noticed, it tops out at 30kmph in first gear, 50kmph in second gear and 90kmph in third gear. Well, it seems to have dropped at least 20 clicks on each gear and hitting 100kmph on the speedo takes going through four gears. The shorter ratios are tailor-made for mild off-roading, as it doesn’t get a low range box. While this has taxed its highway cruising ability, it is very tractable in city and in tricky off-road situations.

On the highways the engine does feel strained clocking 100 - 120kmph consistently with the engine spinning above 2500rpm. It has minimal lag, and power delivery post 1800 revs is strong and continues until 4000rpm beyond which it tails off. It was wet when we drove the car, and in those conditions it topped out at 170kmph mark on the speedometer, a clear indication that the top speed is down too. However, we reserve our comments on its performance until a proper road test.

It has decent stopping power and the braking is progressive and you won’t be left wanting for more bite or feel. Despite numerous hard braking sessions, the brakes didn’t fade much and continued to inspire confidence.

The AWD knob controls the drivetrain, it can be switched off completely in 2WD, can be locked in 4WD which works only until speeds of 60kmph post which it shifts to Auto. In Auto mode, the system does the work for you by transferring power as needed to the rear-wheels. It gets hill start assist, Electronic Stability Program and ASR (Anti Skid Resistance).

We didn’t test the Eco mode, but pressing the button didn’t make much of a difference to the throttle response.

The AWD now gets independent suspension on all four wheels, in comparison to the Torsion beam axle at the rear of the FWD model. This new setup gives it an even better ride and handling characteristics. The ride quality of the standard model is good but the AWD with independent suspension rides better. It rides brilliantly over any surface and makes mincemeat of everything our roads throw at it, potholes, craters, big speedbreakers are all welcome. We had some fun at our off-road test facility and the Duster AWD didn’t let us know much about the harsh terrain either.

It will take real hardwork to jolt the Duster off its line; the same can be said about its dynamics. This quasi-SUV loves corners and the only limiting factor is the fat rubber that it wears which give away the plot much before the chassis’ actual limit. But one can still carry a lot more speed through the corners that seems impossible in other conventional SUVs or even some crossovers.

It was hard to part with the Duster AWD after two days of driving it around the outskirts of Pune, there is no doubt that this version is more capable than the rest of the crossover pack. Make no mistake, it isn’t a proper off-roader like the Mahindra Thar or the Gurkha, but it can still take a lot of slush, mud and water in its stride. It costs Rs 11.90 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) for the RxL and Rs 13 lakh for the RxZ, also it is the only crossover with an all-wheel-drive system as the EcoSport is a front-wheel-drive vehicle. However, its price positions it such that it competes with the Scorpio, despite both being different products, one - an old-school seven-seater and the other a compact crossover.

Someone looking for absolute value may find the new Scorpio with additional seating a better proposition, but the Duster without doubt is more refined and modern of the two. Even though, the AWD may not appeal to an average Indian buyer, its compact size, overall good ride and handling characteristics and useable performance makes it a compelling package. It is not a sensible buy for someone who has no intentions to get his boots dirty. The standard car is good for city and highway driving and will serve the purpose of anyone looking for a capable crossover. For me though, I will pick the Duster AWD for the amount of fun one can have with it. It is the perfect amalgamation of an everyday drive and a quasi off-roader that can be enjoyed over the weekends.