The Renault Duster Authentic is now at dealerships at Rs 10.49 lakh, powered by a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox
The base trim offers in exterior design, interior features and where it draws the line compared to higher variants
The all-new Renault Duster is now available in its most accessible form. The Authentic variant, which occupies the base position in a six-trim range that also includes the Evolution, Techno, Techno+, Iconic and Iconic Launch Edition, has begun arriving at showrooms priced at Rs 10.49 lakh. It does not try to be the most lavish option in the segment, but it does try to be the most sensible one, and on that count, it largely delivers.
Exterior Design That Means Business on a Budget
Front and Side Profile That Holds Its Own
From the front, the Authentic variant does not look like a stripped-out entry-level model. It comes with Eco LED headlamps, top-mounted LED DRLs with integrated turn signals, and DUSTER lettering across the grille.
The front skid plate is finished in black, and glossy black detailing around the grille area gives the SUV a genuinely sporty posture. Automatic headlamps and a follow-me-home function are also included. However, front parking sensors and fog lamps are not part of the package at this level.
Along the flanks, the Duster rides on 17-inch steel wheels with a blacked-out finish, shod with 225-section tyres. Flared wheel arches, body cladding and C-pillar mounted rear door handles add to the rugged character.
The electrically adjustable and manually foldable wing mirrors get integrated turn indicators. Roof rails, a sunroof and a shark fin antenna are absent on this variant. Braking is handled by discs up front and drums at the rear, while ground clearance stands at 212 mm, a figure that remains consistent across the entire Duster range.
Rear End and Boot Practicality
At the rear, LED tail lamps, a roof-mounted spoiler and four reverse parking sensors are present. There is no reverse camera, and the connected tail lamp look is purely cosmetic rather than functional.
The Authentic also forgoes a rear washer, wiper and defogger. Without a parcel tray fitted, the boot offers a generous 700 litres of space. With one installed, that figure drops to 518 litres.
A traditional spare wheel is absent, with a tyre puncture repair kit supplied in its place. Colour choices for the base variant include Moonlight Silver, Stealth Black and Pearl White.
Inside the Cabin and Safety Package
A Practical Interior With No Frills and No Complaints
The cabin of the Authentic variant is honest about what it is. Fabric seats, all-four power windows with one-touch operation, a front armrest and a height-adjustable driver's seat set the tone.
The tilt and telescopic steering allows for a comfortable driving position, and manual air conditioning along with a 7-inch TFT driver display round off the key features. The absence of an infotainment system will be the most noticeable omission for daily drivers.
Where Renault has shown real commitment, however, is on the safety front. The Authentic variant comes equipped with six airbags, an electronic stability programme, traction control, cornering stability control and a tyre pressure monitoring system as standard.
The Engine That Powers the Base Trim
A 1.0-Litre Turbo-Petrol Doing the Work
Under the bonnet sits a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 100 PS and 166 Nm of torque. It is paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox and is compliant with E20 fuel standards.
Buyers seeking more performance will need to look at the higher trim levels, where a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 163 PS and 280 Nm becomes available. That larger unit can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DCT with an e-shifter.
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