The engine configurations powering the Duster remain the same: 104-PS 1.6-litre petrol with a five-speed gearbox, and 1.5-litre diesel options in two states of tune mated to five-speed and six-speed gearboxes, yielding 85 PS and 110 PS respectively. The AMT gets the 110 PS at 4,000 RPM, 245 Nm of twist at 1,750 RPM and 1.5-litre dCi engine in confluence with Renault’s Easy-R six-speed AMT ’box. The engine is as sublime as ever and even when you hit higher revs and higher speeds, the cabin remains remarkably insulated from outside noise.
Coming to the meat of the matter – the AMT, it is very clear that the gearbox is set up with fuel efficiency in mind. This is evident by the shifts up and down which are sluggish, and the fact that if all you get when you slam your foot down is an engine revving to 5,000 before shifting up (pointless considering the power peaks at 4,000 RPM and the torque at 1,750 RPM) and a considerable lag between gear shifts as the ’box sorts itself out. Shifting to manual does make things better though, as does throttling progressively.
The AMT does, however, offer the convenience of cruise control and the improved economies of an Eco mode. The ‘box, developed by famed German component manufacturer ZF, also makes traffic-riddled city driving convenient.
The Duster’s ride quality is great, perfectly poised to provide pliancy on rough roads without compromising the car’s handling characteristics on tarmac.
When it comes to handling, the Duster feels planted no matter how hard you hurl it into corners, and the inclusion of ABS with EBD as well as ESP means you have tech constantly working to help you out as well. Speaking of safety tech, the car also comes with dual-front airbags, and the AMT also has hill-start assist.
So, overall, the Duster is a great car, and while the AMT system could have been a little more exciting from the performance aspect, it does provide economy and convenience. The Duster AMT is priced conveniently and economically, too, with the top end RxZ retailing at Rs 15.5 lakh (OTR, Pune), and for that you get good looks, a whole bunch of features, and a frugal, automatic compact SUV.
Need to Know – Renault Duster dCi110 AMT RxZ
Price: 15.49 lakh (OTR, Pune)
Engine: 1,461-cc in-line four turbo-diesel
Max Power: 110 PS at 4,000 RPM
Max Torque: 245 Nm at 1,750 RPM
Transmission: Six-speed automated manual transmission, front-wheel drive
Weight: 1,514 kg
