Duster...All that glitters is not gold!

Like everyone else I was also eagerly waiting for the Duster launch. I was looking to change to a bigger vehicle having used Corolla for quite some time. However, when the prices came out, I was a bit put off to see the top end (without Automatic version or without 4x4) going to 13.25L on-road Pune.

Exterior How the vehicle looks, is a subjective matter. I found it to be quite acceptable especially in White. The wheel arches make it look wider than it is. The door handle quality is really really pathetic. I have seen such poor quality plastic in any indian car including M800, Nano, Indica.

I dont know why the designers screw-up the back of the SUVs e.g. XUV and Duster. It really looks yucks 😦 from behind...almost like a military vehicle.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Interiors are very economical. Quality of plastic is just about average. The model in which you get rear AC is the most stupidest thing I have seen in any car. They just fit is a cheap quality plastic box in between front 2 seats. It actually take away the leg space of the passenger inthe rear seat. It not only looks funny but ugly also.

I wouldnt call the interior spacious because I personally found it to average. This car is not as big on the inside as it looks on the outside.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Duster has a 1.5 dCi engine which is tried and tested all over the world. They use the same engine in Micra/Pulse, Sunny etc. The 85 PS engine begs for power whic 110 PS has some punch in it; albeit with an annoying lag. Well, it doesnt have a turbo so lag is understandable. I am sure the vehicle will give good mileage. I am expecting 14-16 in city and 18 on highway.

Ride Quality & Handling The suspension are stiff, as it would be on any SUV. However, they are not very uncomfortable. I have seen stiffer suspension on an BMW 3 series. Duster take potholes very easily and you even if you jump on one of those holes at 40kmpl it doesnt feel as if you have broken anything. The car height is very impressive do the underbody would be safe in the toughest terrains.

Final Words At 13+ Lakh, all I wanted is better interiors and atleast automatic version. I cannot justify not buying an Innova at that price. Just cant. The Renault showroom in Pune us worse than a bicycle mart. The owner is stubborn, the sales staff is LOST and clueless and nobody knows about the delivery schedule. The location of the renault showroom in Pune is laughable. It is the busiest road in Pune where it is difficult to put the car in 3rd gear. To add to these worries, I am told that their servicing is equally pathetic. This is the problem with foreign brands who want to "try" out India.

Areas of improvement Ahh!!!

Plastic Quality. Turbo charged engine. Replacement for rear-AC, better showroom owners and better locations. Get the price down atleast by a lakh rupees; Come-on you are offering and engine that is in you 6 lakh rupee car!!! I am not buying a Duster anymore. I will wait for automatic version. But that too costs 15-16 lakh, XUV makes better sense.

Road presence, Sturdy body, Proven engine, Mileage,Read AC module, poor plastic (door handle), no Automatic, no 4x4, average Sales and Service network