Dacia is showing its new 4x4 compact SUV, Duster, at the currently ongoing Geneva Motor Show. The Dacia Logan – sold as the Mahindra Renault Logan in India – has not been successful here, but the Duster definitely looks like a product which could do well in India, if Renault chooses to bring it to this market.
Based on the Logan platform, the Dacia Duster is available with a range of 1.6-litre petrol and two diesel engines (all of which come with a six-speed gearbox), and features optional 4WD. The small SUV rides on 16-inch wheels, features adequate ground clearance, the latest generation ABS from Bosch, ASR traction control and multiple airbags.
With the Mahindra Scorpio and Premier Rio being the only inexpensive compact SUVs currently being available in India, the Dacia Duster could do very well here. The vehicle comes with a three-year/100,000km warranty in Europe, which should also go down very well with Indian buyers.
The Duster will be launched in Europe, Ukraine, the Middle East and various African countries later this year. In 2011, the vehicle will also be launched in Russia and various South American countries. We believe that if Renault gets its act together in India and reviews its product portfolio, the Duster should be one of the first products the French company should be bringing to this market.
Let’s wait and watch…
Price Expected : 10laks
