Driving the Duster powered by Renault’s 163PS, 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the Himalayan foothills had me convinced about the manufacturer having retained the SUV’s sporty DNA. But the experience also made me wonder as to how good would the same SUV feel with the smaller and less powerful, 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine it’s also on offer with! And finally, I have answers.
The three-cylinder, 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit also performs duty in the Kiger, but Renault has made some changes to it that help the engine offer a higher, 166Nm, along with 100PS. The engine is also mated to a new six-speed gearbox now instead of a five-speed one, though intriguingly, Renault is not offering an automatic version for now. Renault is not offering the 1.0-litre engine in the top two trims of the Duster either, which are reserved for the 1.3-litre engine powered version.
The exterior design hasn’t changed and the SUV looks as good, ensuring the Duster TCe 100 is one of the best-looking 1.0-litre-engined midsize SUVs, given its sculpted hood, sleek headlamps and the Duster name etched across the grille. Interiors look pleasing and premium too, with the same 10.1-inch touchscreen, angled towards the driver, though the upholstery and surface finishes differ. You get a two-tone brown and black finish here, while front seats sport white piping. Equipment levels are commendable too as rear occupants get dedicated AC vents, Type-C USB ports and a foldable armrest with cup holders. Front occupants get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the driver display is a smaller, 7.0-inch one. Front seats are not ventilated either, and the TCe 100 also misses out on 360-degree view, ADAS, ambient lighting, front parking sensors and a few more features.
There’s a bit of turbo lag but cross 2,000rpm and the engine feels peppy, pulling cleanly to its redline, and the Duster really tries to convince you that a three-pot, 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine in a midsize SUV is not a bad idea! The engine also feels refined, and throttle responses are smooth and progressive too. Clutch action is light and throws for the gear lever are short, but slotting the gears calls a bit of effort. Claimed efficiency is an impressive 19.41kmpl, but hot summers will have the AC work hard, affecting the 1.0-litre engine’s efficiency. The SUV also retains its affable ride and handling, and dynamics are impressive overall, ensuring the Duster TCe 100 will delight enthusiasts too. Prices start from ₹10.49 lakh ex-showroom which is very attractive, especially given the SUV’s design, build quality, performance and dynamics.
Words Abhay Verma
Photography Saidatta Naik
