Renault to launch the 4×4 Duster in India by March 2013?

Renault Duster is a runaway success in India and the French automaker is reportedly planning to add the 4×4 variant to the lineup.

Renault India has recently commenced the exports of the Duster to UK and Ireland under the Dacia brand. The RHD Dacia Dusters are manufactured alongside the India spec Renault Duster at the company’s plant near Chennai, however the 4×4 system is exclusive to the export spec Dacia models.

NDTV Car & Bike Show’s host Mr. Siddharth Vinayak Patankar has tweeted stating that the Renault Duster will be available in India with the 4WD system by March next year. He also added that Renault India will start exporting Renault branded RHD Dusters as well.

The export markets for the RHD Renault Dusters is not clear as of now. Renault India’s Managing Director Mr. Marc Nassif told Indian Autos Blog on the sidelines of Dacia Duster’s export commencement that the company may export the Renault Duster to RHD countries where Renault has a presence already.

The launch time of the 4WD variant will be in the vicinity of Ford EcoSport’s launch which won’t be having a 4×4 version, so that the Duster continues to stay fresh. The inclusion of 4WD version will lure the budding off road enthusiasts and will help Renault in further strengthening Duster’s brand image although majority of the sales volume is expected to come from the front wheel drive variants.

The Duster 4WD, if launched here in India, will become one of the most fuel efficient 4×4 car in the country.

[Note: The image is of a made-in-India Dacia Duster 4WD]