Earlier, we brought you a scoop about a mysterious SUV spotted on the GST road which leads to Renault-Nissan JV plant at Oragadam. We predicted that Renault is testing the Duster in India. Now, Overdrive magazine confirms that the Duster will make it to the Indian shores by early 2012.
Overdrive reports the Duster will be priced at about Rs 7 lakh for the 2WD version and Rs 9 lakh for the 4WD variant. This is a fantastic price tag for the 5 seater SUV. So would it be successful in India? We have our doubts.
• Firstly, it’s a 5 seater SUV and let’s not make any bones about it; apart from the Honda CRV and BMW X1, 5 seater SUVs don’t really rake in volumes in India. The Outlander, Yeti, Rio, X-trail, Vitara – they all tell us the same tale.
• Although the Duster is fantastically priced at 9 lakhs for the top end variant, the price tag puts it in direct competition with the Scorpio, which according to our comparo is the second best selling SUV in India and has 2 extra seats.
• The range of MPVs in that segment such as Sumo, Bolero, Innova, Xylo, soon-to-come Tavera will also give a tough fight for the Duster. The only to way to differentiate the Duster will be to market it as a ‘niche’ product. But the price tag suggest otherwise.
• The competition coming from Force Motors with its 10 lakh SUV and Tata Motors’ new Safari Merlin will be too hot for this baby SUV to handle.
• The Duster is not a hardcore off roader. It is always marketed as urban run-around for people to go to their office and occasionally take a long road trip on weekend. So clearly, it cannot enter into battle with the Mahindra Thar or Maruti’s new Gypsy.
But there a few things going for the baby SUV as well:
• Firstly, it has a diesel engine, a 1.5L dCI from Nissan to be precise. Honestly, with sky rocketing petrol prices, any company that launches a petrol SUV should be sued 
• Secondly, ‘technically’ there is no baby SUV in that price range. So for someone who enjoys an elevated ride height, travels on a rough terrain often, but only needs 5 seats, the Duster is a very ideal SUV. It may not sell volumes but can be the ‘brand builder’ for Renault.
• Finally, according to international automotive press, the refinement, build quality, and NVH levels of this SUV are exceptional. It will certainly create a niche segment for itself just the way the Skoda Yeti, BMW X1 and Honda Jazz have done for themselves.
What are you opinions about this SUV? Does it make sense to launch it in India? The comments section awaits you
well planed s u v the company will earn and have hafty coustmer lobby keep it up
I think this is the best option for SUV buyers in india, comparing other SUV duster can give more mileage and comfort, i think its a good start for RENAULT to launch an SUV within 10 lakhs price tag.
GOOD LUCK RENAULT.
It is a good vehicle for Indian roads when compare to tata vehicles and mahindra vehicles
well said m m shaikh
I believe it would be the best SUV to buy for those whose budget is just around 10lakh. This car succeeded well in Germany and France, and I am eager to follow their trend in India. Cheers
i am very ragerly waiting one good quality of SUV in price tag less 10 Lac like Duster, i will be first to book one, come on Renault launch it fast.
A perfect vehicle for someone who needs a 4 seater but does not want a sedan
A price less than 10 lakhs with 4 wheel drive would be ideal
look at how the XUV has suceeded in india
Duster may have the same kind of sucess
provided it markets it well and takes care of after sales servicing as well
This will eliminate scorpio and safari. Aslo will give hard time to many diesel sedan.
a 5 seater suv is much needed for indian roads. It will be a hot pick for people who want more than a sedan and a little less than those robust off roaders.
Heard lots n lots of price , lets C….
I would evaluate Price againt the fit n finish & ofcource the interieors.
i finalizes to purchase the duster coz it will not run i the taxi segment coz having 5 seater that by i like it in which i look like a carr owner not a passanger who hire a taxi.
I am eagerly waiting for this beautiful SUV. I am sure it will be a big because of following reasons:
1. Attractive/Killer pricing.
2. Quality is much better than Indian/Desi SUVs.
3. Proven renault/nissan engine.
4. Looks.
I will be book it on first day of launch
:).
if the price is between 7 to 9 lakhs then no doubt its the right suv for india. why would people buy old model desi safari scorpio .
i belong to patiala & visted the showroom of renault the duter is not a wrong suv for indian market now there is a great compititon ihope according to price tag duster will capture the market
Customers normally look for a strongly built compact SUV with diesel engine that performs good, look reasonably good, fuel efficient with low maintenance and finally, reasonably priced. If Renault Duster falls in this category it will be accepted by the private users in the Indian market, no matter its seating capacity is 5 or 7.
Good looking vehicle at such a attractive price range all that Renault needs to take care of after sales service and maintenance cost. I think 6 and 7 no seats hardly matters. As it is looking good from exterior side must accompany by good interior as on present Indian car buyers are going to get lot of good options. Presently I have dropped the idea to purchase new swift at the present price. I would prefer to purchase such a suv with such a reliable engine by spending approx. 1.5 lakh more with such a powerful engine. All I am waiting for it’s look in actual int nd Ext.
Best Stylish baby SUV!!
duster will be a success in India if priced right,as it is a more practical suv compared to its bigger counterparts.the major competition to duster will be ford ecosport and xuv 500.i dont think tata storm will cause any problem to duster considering the changes done.
I think it’s best suv for the best range around 8 lakh
I m planning 2 buy this baby suv
Features that has been given in this vehicle is suitaible according to selling price of this suv
There are many guys those who are waiting for this kind of suv
I thing Renault Duster Will Hve a good start in indian market
nice features with GUD price tag.