Renault launches Duster SUV, Hyderabad

Hyderabad, July 4, 2012: Renault India, the fully owned subsidiary of Renault s.a.s., today launched its SUV – the all new Renault Duster starting a new segment in the Indian automotive market. The Duster built with all the features and luxuries of a premium vehicle will be offered with an introductory price which offers an outstanding value proposition and will provide Indian buyers an alternative choice.

The Renault Duster combines the comfort and sophistication of a sedan and the robust ruggedness of an SUV. It is „City Suave? with its easy to maneuver and manageable dimensions and an appealing exterior styling while at the same time it is robust enough for the out of town drive with a high ground clearance (205mm) and the practicality of an SUV.

Speaking on the occasion, Marc NASSIF MD, Renault India Pvt. Ltd. said, “The Renault Duster is the best choice for customers looking for the comfort of a sedan with the appeal of an SUV. We are very excited about the product and we expect it to be a game changer for this segment. The new Duster is all about our commitment to Indian customers. We have packed in the best Renault technology which results in a fuel efficient, powerful performance, superb ride and handling along with a host of practical and attractive features and this makes the Renault Duster an extremely good value proposition for all our customers.

The Renault Duster is a vehicle which will not only meet the aspirations of our customers but also set the benchmark on all parameters. We are not only introducing a new vehicle today but I am happy to say that we have also ramped up our dealer and after sales network to reach out to customers pan India.”

A new market reference in India, the Renault Duster is set to attract a new set of aspiring SUV customers who might be looking for an alternative to the sedan. In a way, the Renault Duster re-defines Renault?s motto – “Drive the Change”. The launch of the Duster is also a strong demonstration of Renault?s commitment to the Indian market. Loaded with luxury features and powered by Renault?s most successful new generation, 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine, this feature rich package is expected to receive a highly positive response. The Duster will stand for Renault?s iconic image of bringing

Comfort, Convenience, Styling, Safety & Technology, all in one power packed offering with an accessible price positioning.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The Renault Duster will be available in both petrol and diesel engine options with choice of two diesel engines and a powerful petrol powerplant. For the more powerful diesel variant it will use the reliable and fuel efficient 1.5 K9K THP, dCi (common rail direct injection) diesel engine delivering a powerful performance with 110PS@3900RPM of maximum power and peak torque of 248NM@2250RPM. The engine is mated to a 6 speed manual transmission with a fuel efficiency of 19.01 Kmpl (ARAI figure).

The new Renault Duster RxE, RxL Diesel variant with its 1.5 dCi K9K HP engine will produce 85PS@3750RPM of maximum power and 200NM@1900RPM of peak Torque with class leading fuel efficiency of 20.45 Kmpl which will provide one of the best options for economical city driving with enough power to cruise comfortably on the highway as well.

The powerful petrol variant uses the 1.6 K4M engine with a displacement of 1.6 litre. It produces a maximum power of 104PS@5850RPM and 145Nm@3750 RPM peak torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It has a fuel efficiency of 13.24 Kmpl.

FEATURES & EQUIPMENT

Renault?s rich heritage of producing quality and comfortable cars is evident in the way the new Duster is equipped.. The Duster comes with the latest features and styling cues like two-tone dashboard, plush leather upholstery with leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, stylish, reverse parking sensor, keyless entry with answer back function, on board trip computer with multi functional displays, integrated 2-DIN audio system with USB, auxiliary and Bluetooth connectivity, steering mounted audio & phone control, electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors (ORVM), AC with pollen filters to ensure clean air inside the cabin, front fog lamps, rear defogger and wipers for better visibility.

Additionally, the Renault Duster comes in choice of four interior colour harmony which provides different colour seat fabric, door handles, centre fascia finish, floor console and steering wheel add on finish.

The exterior of the car is equally striking with double barrel headlights, chrome finish radiator grille, sporty 16”aluminum wheels, stylish roof rail, lateral bars and muscular, elegant wheel arches which provide the tough SUV stance to the Duster. Yet the Duster with its compact dimension is ideal for city driving with a turning radius of 5.2 meters which is even less than some hatchbacks.

Meanwhile, the driver's environment places the accent on visibility and comfort. The ideal driving position is easy to find thanks to its 8 way adjustable driver’s seats with height and lumbar support and a tilt steering wheel. Traveling comfort is further enhanced by the separate Rear AC with independent control which was specially designed keeping in mind the extremely hot weather conditions of India and wide, comfortable rear seats with easy ingress and egress.

The Renault Duster has the roominess of an SUV and the comfort and maneuverability of a sedan. Well thought out cabin space ensures that five adults can easily travel in comfort with ample head and leg room, thanks to its long wheelbase of 2673mm.

The rear seats, with its foldable backrest gives the vehicle additional versatility and increases the carrying capacity to 1064 litre. The boot with 475 litre capacity allows enough luggages to be carried for a weekend getaway with a parcel tray specially designed for India.

SAFETY

The Renault Duster is loaded with active and passive safety features like dual airbags for the Driver and Passenger, ABS, EBD with Brake Assist and a Monocoque body with side impact beams. The high driving position establishes dominance, control and feeling of safety with a height adjustable front seatbelt.

The active safety credentials of Renault Duster are founded on the model's intrinsic design. The front Ventilated discs and rear drum bring the Duster to a standstill from 100kph, within 38 meters.


RENAULT COMPLETE CARE

To further lay emphasis on customer satisfaction the company is offering its customer the “Renault COMPLETE CARE” service package which is a globally benchmarked offering and provides customers with a host of best-in-class facilities which includes a 2+2 years/80,000Km warranty, labour free service at 2,000, 10,000 and 20,000Km with 24/7 Roadside Assistance through a dedicated call center. The cars would be serviced by COTECH technicians who have been specially trained at the Renault facility in France.

The new Renault Duster will be manufactured at its manufacturing facility in

Oragadam, Chennai and will be available at all Renault dealership?s across the country in six exciting colours.

ABOUT RENAULT

Renault India Private Ltd is a fully owned subsidiary of Renault s.a.s, France. Renault India PVT Ltd was established in 2005 and in May, 2011 introduced the Renault brand and its first product – the premium sedan Fluence to customers in India.

Renault currently has three models in the Indian market – the premium sedan Fluence, the luxury SUV Koleos and the premium compact - the Pulse. Renault cars are manufactured in the plant located on the outskirts of Chennai in Oragadam with a capacity of 400,000 units per annum.

Currently, Renault India has 55 dealerships across the country which the company plans to increase to around 100 dealerships by the end of 2012. Renault India will be present in the Indian market with five products across segments by end 2012.

Established in 1898, Renault is a group with a long and successful history of vehicle production. Today, it produces cars and light commercial vehicles in 18 countries in five continents across the world with many firsts to its credit like the first hatchback and the first mass produced turbocharged car.

The €40 billion (US$55 billion) Renault Group designs, develops, manufactures and sells innovative, safe and environmentally-friendly vehicles worldwide. It has a commercial presence in 118 countries, selling vehicles under three brands – Renault, Dacia and Renault Samsung.


Renault also pursues an Alliance with Nissan, created in 1999. The Renault-Nissan Alliance is the fourth largest automotive group in the world, and aims to rank among the world?s top three automotive groups for quality, technology and profitability.

Renault recently unveiled a range of full-Electric, Zero Emission cars, and will initially be available in Israel and Denmark, before being introduced in several other European countries.

Renault?s international growth will result from its presence in high-growth markets such as India, Brazil, Russia and China. Thanks to strategic partnerships in many of these countries, Renault?s products are designed to meet the differing requirements of customers all over the world.

Renault is Europe's leading brand in terms of safety, and the only vehicle manufacturer to have nine cars with the maximum five-star Euro NCAAP rating, and the winner of the Formula 1 World Championship for Constructors and Drivers in 2005, 2006 and 2011.

The Renault Group employs about 122,000 people worldwide.