Avinash Parwani

@parrysingh @volklub @MotorBeam Very true but sad part is car manufacturers have to offer this from mid variants onwards seeing the competition And some customers have to get that variant for other features with sunroof being forced increasing costs too

A car sunroof is like a gym membership - used enthusiastically for a week, then ignored for life.

@FasBeam Only the base variant is worth buying seeing the competition Rightly said instead of Alloys would have given proper 10 inch system 7 inch looks so outdated & pathetic

Skoda has loaded base variant of Kushaq with a lot of features which is amazing but instead of alloy wheels, a better infotainment system would be nice! The Kushaq facelift drives as good as ever & added features makes it a better package, price - Rs. 12.66 - 22.47 lakhs (OTR)!

@volklub Thats great to hear However they have missed offering a proper Gray color paji Usually all brands in every model offer a Grey color

@AwsumAvinash Shifting definitely is very smooth Wet thing helps in thermal efficiency in traffic conditions & overall reliability in the long run

This is exactly what I felt after driving the Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo AT for around 30–35 km uphill. Shot this just in time before it started pouring heavily. Raw, honest impressions, no notes, no script, no template. Just pure emotions that were there as I was excited for this car since 26th Jan.

@JayPrashanth Can the idle stop not be disabled? Aren't paddle shifters available on techno variant?

Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo Manual and Automatic: Long read. The Duster 1.3 is the new 'Driver's SUV' in the mid-size segment, nosing ahead of the VWs and Skodas. But very few buy a mid-size SUV only for driving pleasure. So, read on. 250 kms of mostly twisted roads is usually the most fun someone like me can have in a day. Renault gave me just that, with both the 6 speed dual clutch automatic and manual trims of the Duster for company. We started off from Taj Mussoorie at 7ish, hit plenty of morning school traffic, and even a traffic jam as we made our way towards Rishikesh, the Rajaji national park, hill roads and then Tehri lake. Looks: Similar to the Jeep Compass from the front. Nice, chunky bumpers at the front and rear. No piano black nonsense for the cladding: Nice. Lots of street presence thanks to straight lines, slab sides and the super sculpted high set bonnet. The functional roof rails give it plenty of height. Overall, a pleasant, butch looker. Stepping inside, you get a fair sense of the build. The doors have a heft - somewhere between the Koreans/Japanese and the Germans. Surfaces feel hard wearing and built to last. The contrast stitch gives the cabin a sporty feel. I like the black/green interiors. Lots of layering on the dashboard. The hexagonal steering felt too big initially, but I got used to it. AC is a chiller, even has turbo boost mode (100 % blast). What I didn't like? Some plastic parts feel low rent: the cover for the center console glovebox was shaky. Good bits: Cooled glove box. Driver focused ergos, lumbar adjust for the front seats, ventilation. This cabin, while being a huge upgrade over the 1st gen Duster, is not as plush as the Koreans. But it feels a step up over the Germans in terms of surface feel. I particularly liked the clear demarcation between driver and front passenger on the automatic trim. This bit makes it feel like a car from two segments above. Screen quality: Driver TFT nice and sharp. Even the Google profiles for infotainment are very useful. However, music playing on Android Auto wasn't audible a couple of times. I had to switch the car off and on, and then reconnect. Maybe WIP. Sound quality: Good. Rear seat: Very comfortable for two. Third adult won't like longer trips. It's not about the space per se but the tall transmission tunnel in the middle. Now, for the drive! Turbo DCT first. Smooth, silent idle and the DCT surges ahead smoothly. There's a steady surge of torque. It does NOT lurch ahead like the VW 1.5 TSI but keeps building very strong momentum, right up to the redline. There's a surge everywhere. Wet clutch automatic: Should last in tropical Indian conditions. You have the 7 year/150,000 Km warranty too! Locomotive like pull that's very enjoyable and reminiscent of some diesel engines. And across the range, it's very smooth and you also hear a very nice engine note that's got a mild turbo whine. Don't take the blow off valve noise that you hear on Duster reels seriously. That's cos the reels have the mics under the bonnet. In cabin engine note is a sporty one but never intrusive or loud. Between the 1.5 TSI and the 1.3 TCE, I found the Duster's engine note a lot more enjoyable. And it doesn't get boomy even in the higher reaches of the rev band. Good! You can see the sculpted bonnet from the driver's seat. Most commanding driving position this side of the Scorpios and Thars! It helps that the touchscreen doesn't get into the way but instead sits flush with the top of the dashboard. One gripe: A-Pillar very thick, and this produces a big blind spot. Have to be careful. Rear visibility: No problem. Wing mirrors are nice and large, and helpfully convex at the edges. Win! Rear camera and 360 camera: Works well but quality so-so. Not as sharp as the Koreans! Ride quality in the city with expansion joints, manhole covers, rumbler strips and the occasional pothole/speed breaker: Very good. You will be very comfortable but this is NOT the old Duster. The new Duster's suspension comes into its own on broken roads with potholes here and there, and sudden patches of no roads. You'll slow down in most other cars but simply power through in the Duster. Same scene with two wheels on the roads, and two wheels off it. The Duster gives you confidence to go hard and fast. But the ride quality is not the 'magic carpet' that the old Duster was known for. This one is a great mix or ride and handling. You can drive this a lot faster than the old Duster, and you get lots of lots of confidence to push this car hard thanks to this balanced ride and handling set up. But is it as pliant as the Mahindra DaVinci? No. But does the Duster feel much more sportier to hustle? Yes! And this is what makes it a 'driver's SUV'. While the old Duster/Terrano had a vague-ish steering at some points and also a violent steering kickback on bad roads, this one has no such issues. The steering is quite light in eco and normal modes, but assistance can be decreased and steering can be made nice and sporty in the custom mode. Making it heavier makes the car a LOT of fun in the twisties. There's plenty of 'feel'. But there's no sport mode here. Only steering weight can be changed. Even the DCT gearbox and engine response have eco and normal modes! Getting to them needs fiddling with the touchscreen. Paddles come standard on the top-end Iconic trim. And they're very responsive, and a pleasure to use. The wet clutch, dual clutch gearbox is not the fastest around. VW DSG still the king when it comes to snappiness/responsiveness. It's easy to bog the Duster Turbo down while climbing steep inclines as the gearbox takes its time to respond/finds itself in a higher gear, but this is where paddles come in. Taking manual control is not just fun but also necessary to make the best of the 1.3 liter turbo petrol engine. Don't buy the Duster 1.3 without paddles! No such issues on the manual version but it has a few challenges of its own. Later! Climbing up and down steep hills, the Duster came into its element. The combination of great steering feel, sorted suspension, super torquey engine and the paddle shifter equipped responsive gearbox makes the Duster a pleasure across all kinds of terrain. By the end of the trip, I was pushing the Duster harder and faster into each corner and not bothering about bad roads at all. But when the roads get rocky, you want to slow down. Very confidence inspiring. After having a LOT of fun on the automatic Duster Turbo, I wanted to sample the manual. Clutch is between heavy and light, and has a long travel with the bite point somewhere in the middle! The gear throws are long-ish. And this is where the cookie crumbles! The Duster DCT is far more involving to drive as you can simulate the manual's behaviour through the paddles (which keeps rpms up to 6k rpm). On the manual, it's possible to drive like an automatic on hill roads by slotting it into 2nd gear, which is good from 10 Kph all the way to 88 Kph. The first tops out at 50 Kph. So, slot it into second and have a lot of fun. But still, if and when it comes to shifting gears, the manual's long clutch and gear throws take away the sporty edge of the Duster's other bits. On the highway, it may be fine but on twisty roads, the automatic is far more enjoyable. I was surprised as I expected the manual to be more fun. In terms of outright handling though, the manual feels a little lighter and wants to turn in quicker. It feels a little more playful than the automatic. Ride quality: The automatic was a little more composed. To sum it up, I'd pick the automatic over the manual simply because the automatic allows sportier driving, with more or less the same level of transmission control. In terms of interiors too, the automatic feels more upmarket. The manual doesn't have the raised center console, and the brushed satin trims. So, the automatic is also the nicer place to be! Small but significant bits: One touch up-down operation for all 4 windows: Awesome. One touch ADAS on and off. Very nice. Hydraulic bonnet struts. Massive 700 liter boot. Spare wheel? Surprisingly absent. Idle stop: Irritating. Physical controls on the center console for AC etc: Good. Lumbar adjustment: Very good. Seats: Nice and ventilated. Cooled glove box: Deep and useful. Center console also flexible: Cup holders/Storage. Maps on the driver TFT: Good. USB type Cs all around: At least one type A should be there. Panoramic sunroof: Large. Coat hooks on B-Pillars: Useful. Renault has priced the new Duster very well, and if one wants driving pleasure, there's a new champ in town. It's called the Duster. Any automatic trim with paddles is what I'd personally pick! Go take a test drive anyway. And drive it HARD.

@Parth_Go What about Wet Clutch DCT parth, how different is that from dry clutch? What about low speeds turbo lag? Some are saying there is too too much lag

Loved every bit of the new Renault Duster. Totally worth the long wait. What’s good and what’s not - - Old Duster was known for its driving dynamics. This one takes it a notch ahead. Really sorted driving feel - Suspension little firm at low speeds but eats potholes for breakfast otherwise. No need to slow down anywhere. Pax feel very comfy - Steering offers good feel. Very confidence inspiring. Even the composure at high speeds and while cornering is impressive - Missed a bump and flew over it at 60 km/hr on the ghats. Was pleasantly shocked by the stability. If it was some other car, who knows… - 1.3 Turbo packs enough punch to keep you entertained. DCT masks the turbo lag very well. Engine is noisy but never feels low on power - Driving position is good. Seats are comfy as well - Noticed a lot of blind spots though - Interior is done up very nicely. Very consistent quality throughout and most features covered well - Found the touchscreen to be very good but speakers okayish - Rear seat experience is good. Spacious. No sunblinds though - Fuel efficiency? Around 9-10 when driven hard and around 14-15 when easy on throttle - If you are an enthusiast you will love driving the Duster. One of the best cars in the segment by a mile Verdict - Renault has priced it well and the 1.3 Turbo is the one to buy. Couldn’t drive the 1.0 Turbo. The Duster exceeds most expectations and is a product that will keep you very happy!

@volklub @RenaultIndia Yes very much, BTW I didn't understand the point on Aircon cooling, is it very good or average

@AwsumAvinash @RenaultIndia Thanks Parwani Ji, jo acha hai woh khul ke bataya hai, credit diya hai, jahaan kuch chotta motta reh gya jo mehsoos hua woh bhi batana farz hai.

Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo - First Quick Impressions After driving it for ~80 km across hills, plains and highways Positives ✅ Looks near perfect. A great mix of present, timeless and futuristic design. The cladding around number plate looks slightly odd but still – 9/10 ✅ Ride & handling is exactly what the brand promised – 10/10. Sharp cornering control and comfort over bad roads felt very mature, almost like a luxury car. Still fresh in my mind. ✅ Engine & gearbox – The 1.3 Turbo (163 PS, 280 Nm) is a match made in heaven. Linear, powerful, butter-smooth transmission. Strong grunt, pulls beautifully, never feels out of breath on highways or inclines. Haven’t tested 0–100, but should be around ~11 sec, which is impressive for its shape. At ₹12.99 lakh (MT), this engine is a gem. ✅ Drive impressions – Glass area is decent, bonnet visibility is excellent. Creep function feels diesel-like. Auto hold is very useful. Digital cockpit and screen brightness are very good. AC goes down to LO below 19°C. Seats are large, supportive and comfortable. 360° camera clarity is average but usable. Integrated offline Google Maps are genuinely helpful. NVH levels are good and the cabin feels polished. Interiors should age well and complement the exterior design nicely. ✅ I deeply admire the presence of physical buttons across the cabin. I got used to everything within minutes, even on my first drive. One touch up down all windows and that too anti-pinch, excellent thought process. Cabin is user friendly. While driving, I genuinely felt this is a car I’d be proud to have in my garage. ✅ Build, paint and overall cabin quality – 8.5/10 Areas of Improvement ⚠️ Slight noise from doors while opening/closing in my car. 360° camera had minor glitches a couple of times. ⚠️ Apart from ride quality being a clear 10/10, the overall package (build, quality, practicality, performance) sits around 8.5/10. Sales teams should pitch it as a complete package, not just highlight one strength. ⚠️ Second-row space, thigh support and headroom are above average but not class-leading. Some competitors still offer better practicality. ⚠️ Surprising miss – no spare wheel provided. This decision should be reconsidered. ⚠️ If buying the 1.3 Turbo, strongly consider upgrading to premium tyres (Michelin / Continental / Yokohama / Bridgestone / Vredestein). Stock tyres struggled with grip under load; slight wheelspin observed. Better tyres will unlock the car’s full potential. Final Thought Duster is an extremely important project for Renault, and the effort is clearly visible. This car genuinely deserves strong success. If you test drive it and understand the overall package, it becomes very hard to choose something else.

@ashishmasih1 Only this variant is vfm

Rs 12.69 lakh ex showroom is very decent value for what it offers

@volklub Yes paji only Classic variant is worth buying Next variant is 3 lacs costly which is expensive, & you get better optio s from Rivals

Rs 12.69 Lakh for Automatic (Torque Converter) Skoda Kushaq I can’t express in words how value for money this variant is, for what you are getting for 60:40 and 50:50 needs with a turbo engine and AT made for performance and comfort ✅ Reliable and Smooth Automatic with a car that is above 4m, offers excellent legroom and bootspace. Perfect for 4+1 ✅ Tested & Proven Safety, Excellent Build & Paint ✅ Neat Design, Driving Dynamics, Supremacy at 3 digit speed, Handling, Firm and Comfortable seats. Much advantage over any other 4m cars in this segment ✅ All practical, cosmetic & safety features like 6 Airbags, Sunroof, Alloys, Auto IRVM, Rear Wiper, Info Screen, Brake Assist etc

@SomChaterji Except for base variant the pricing is quite high

New Kushaq 1.5 TSI is damn good value, 1.0 AT also well priced.

@volklub Ohh ok but Paji the confusion is now finally between new Duster DCT & New Kushaq 8 speed AT No creta no seltos no other option Between these two tough to decide if guess

@AwsumAvinash Please don't. These things can be easily fixed with one update. This car is segment best as a package.

Oops moment from yesterday :( Started working again after some time.

@SomChaterji Rite now the confusion is between New Duster DCT & New Kushaq 8 speed What you suggest

Which compact SUV to buy? My mind wanders with probably around a dozen out there and this one also joins in.

@SomChaterji 1 thing on dislike is low speeds ride quality Could have been better

New Skoda Kushaq 1.0 8 speed AT review What I like Smooth 8 speed is much better than the older 6 speed. More effortless driving experience. Less lag now and much more relaxed than the earlier AT. Much better fuel efficiency at 12-13 kmpl real world More refinement Looks much more premium and not flashy in my opinion Lovely ride and handling with the typical European firm edge but it's a lovely drivers car Much needed features added now and yes, rear massager works! What I don't like No 360 degree camera and rear camera isn't high quality in display No powered handbrake or ADAS too Engine still slightly noisy when pushed hard Overall 8 speed automatic is clearly a step ahead and makes it a more effortless driving experience but it's also a better all rounder now

@jassneetsingha @volklub @RenaultIndia Exactly, looks are subjective How does it drive compared to new Kushaq 8 speed

@volklub @RenaultIndia classy … pls compare it to Skoda Kushaq as well.

Drove 40 km so far with this Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo AT (280 nm) through the beautiful landscapes of Dehradun 👌 Please let me know how it looks in white.

@Parth_Go Sir eagerly waiting to know is 1.3 turbo dct on Duster better than rivals especially against Kushaq 1.0 8 speed AT

Drove the new Renault Duster to my heart’s content. Will be patient and wait for the embargo to lift before sharing my detailed views on this very important product for India. Until then, feel free to ask whatever questions you have and will do my best to answer everything on 21st March.

@SomChaterji Which one did you enjoy driving more New Duster or Kushaq 1.0 After embargo let us know

Early morning and this beautiful weather plus the new Duster. Cant ask more..😁

@abhysin @Xroaders_001 @SkodaIndia Yes, Skoda must surely be revising the prices after Duster launch Let's see especially for 1 litre new 8 speed AT

@Xroaders_001 Price will be the key factor for @SkodaIndia Kushaq success. We will get clear picture on 21st March.

✅ Renault Duster has completely over shadowed Skoda Kushaq Facelift !! ✅ The line up is damm impressive the Europeans have to get their task cut out now. Let’s c what pricing Kushaq-FL lands up ,followed by Taigun FL !! The Tale of 4 (SUV) will be : 👉 Renault Duster 👉 Skoda Kushaq 👉 VW Taigun 👉 Nissan Tekton.

@UpdatesChennai @kgbias Chennai city infrastructure itself is the worst day by day Look at the roads condition

Chennai Auto guys are the worst in all of India. They deserve zero mercy 😤. Praying their lobby is completely taken over in few years by all super public infrastructure under construction...