Renault is leaving no stone unturned with the new Duster, ensuring the world gets to know what it’s made of, and for that, we were invited to Chennai for a closer look at the platform Renault hopes will transform the French carmaker in India. To begin with, the new platform is, as the name suggests, modular, and Renault can configure it to make a sub-four-metre vehicle and even an almost five-metre vehicle. The platform’s versatility doesn’t stop there; it can also accommodate an array of powertrain options, including ICEs, Hybrid electric, Full electric, CNG, and even flex fuel. This means that we may see Renault cars with the aforementioned drivetrain options at various points in the future. This platform can also offer AWD or 4WD, and Renault says that if demand is high enough for an AWD or 4WD version, they will make it. The Renault Group’s Modular Platform can be used to make a hatchback, sedan, a range of SUVs, an MPV and even coupe SUV.
The Renault Group Modular Platform uses 57 percent high-strength steel throughout its construction, which Renault says provides a good balance between rigidity and flexibility and helps absorb high-impact energy. In fact, Renault claims the platform is ready for a five-star NCAP rating; however, they haven’t really revealed the state of the safety assessment the Duster has undergone or is yet to undergo. Another special and crucial update Renault gave us about the platform was the suspension. At the front, the new Duster will get the traditional MacPherson struts; however, the Anti-Roll Bar has been beefed up to provide better stability and a more composed ride. At the rear, the new Duster will get a twist beam suspension. However, the French carmaker has incorporated a clever trick by placing a stabiliser bar in the twist beam, which not only aids stability but also ride quality, handling, and overall driving dynamics of the Duster. For the brakes, Renault has opted to equip the Duster with 280mm rear disc brakes, the largest diameter in the segment. Not only that, but Renault has also tuned the suspension and brakes specifically for Indian driving conditions and the way Indian drivers drive, making it a very familiar and friendly experience. The Duster will be out very soon, and we will bring you how these changes perform in the real world when we drive the new Duster. So stay tuned to TURBOCHARGED for more.
