The base Renault Duster Authentic variant, priced at Rs. 10.49 lakh, is now reaching dealer yards in Pearl White with a 99bhp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a six-speed manual gearbox.
A 1.8-litre turbo-petrol hybrid version is expected to join the Duster line-up later this year, likely around the festive season.
Roughly a month after Renault officially announced pricing for the new-generation Duster, the most affordable variant in the range has begun making its way to dealer yards.
The Authentic 1.0 Turbo MT, finished in Pearl White, carries a starting price of Rs. 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom), and its arrival at dealerships signals that deliveries for this entry-level trim are now within reach.
What the Base Variant Looks Like on the Outside
Despite sitting at the foot of the range, the Authentic trim is no stripped-out affair. The Duster Authentic variant gets LED headlamps, LED DRLs, LED tail lamps, an integrated rear spoiler with a high-mounted stop lamp, chunky front and rear bumpers, 17-inch steel wheels, body-coloured ORVMs and door handles, a plastic insert on the tailgate, and a Turbo badge. It is a handsome package for the money, and there is nothing about its stance that gives away its entry-level positioning.
Inside the Cabin
Step inside, and the Authentic holds its own reasonably well. The cabin is fitted with black upholstery and grey stitching, power windows, an auto start-stop function, steering-mounted controls, a front armrest, a digital colour driver's display, a manual IRVM, two rear AC vents, holders in the centre console, a rear armrest with cup holders, six airbags, ABS with EBD, and reverse parking sensors. It is a sensible, well-considered set of features that covers the essentials without feeling sparse.
Engine and Powertrain Options Across the Range
The 1.0-litre Turbo-Petrol That Powers the Base Trim
The Authentic variant is powered by a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, producing 99bhp and 166Nm of torque. It is the most accessible point of entry into the Duster range, and for city and highway use, those figures should be more than adequate.
Bigger Engines and the Hybrid to Follow
Higher variants of the Duster are offered with a larger 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, available with either a six-speed manual or a DCT automatic gearbox.
A 1.8-litre turbo-petrol hybrid is also planned, with its Indian launch expected later this year. That hybrid variant is particularly worth watching, as it is expected to arrive around the festive season and could make a compelling case for buyers looking at long-term running costs.
A Strong Start for the New-Generation Duster
The Duster's return to India has been warmly received. The new-generation model scored a five-star rating in Bharat NCAP tests, and the range now covers a broad spread from the Rs. 10.49 lakh entry point upwards.
With the base Authentic trim now trickling into dealerships, prospective buyers no longer have to wait to see it in real. The hybrid variant, when it arrives, will only broaden the appeal further.
Also read: