Ground clearance stays at 210 mm, and Renault claim that the Duster AWD can wade through 400-mm deep water. The new rear independent multi-link suspension is a gem – the car rides even better than the already excellent 2WD variant
On the road, the Duster AWD offers a great ride, and, barring major obstructions, most ruts and imperfections are dispatched with aplomb. The addition of all-wheel-drive improves the grip even more, and winding roads or long corners are now a piece of cake. Slight body-roll becomes perceptible at high speeds round bends, but nothing that is even remotely a cause for worry.
The gear ratios have been slightly shortened in the interest of off-road driving, and crawling down steep slopes is much easier now. The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Anti Skid Resistance (ASR) play their part in aiding the grip provided by the MRF Wanderer tyres, and the slippery surfaces of Lavasa with a mix of grass, water and slush did not faze the Duster AWD.
The Duster was always special, and the new Duster AWD takes it closer to becoming the ideal SUV. All that remains is the addition of automatic transmission – a boon in city driving – and the Duster would appeal to on-road and off-road driving enthusiasts who must also battle crawling city traffic. Pricing could be a concern, as the 2WD Duster retails for nearly Rs 15 lakh (OTR, Pune) and AWD could push it to Rs 16 lakh, which is quite steep. We shall know more when the Duster AWD is launched – company officials expect this to happen before the festive season, most likely in September 2014. Till then, hold your breath.
