The Alliance is all set to roll out two new products in the burgeoning Indian market. After exploring the possibilities of expansion in the Indian market, Renault Nissan have already set their sights high for the coming years. The duo have chalked out plans to launch global products in India in order to profit from the expanding Indian car market. Renault have achieved some success in the domestic market with the Logan and now the French manufacturer is all set to introduce a new crossover, known as the Duster, by the end of this year.
The Duster and Juke crossovers are based on the B-platform and will feature the same 1.5-litre dCi diesel unit, albeit in different states of tune.
The Duster is sold as Dacia in Europe, which is an inexpensive Renault brand. Alliance partner Nissan have also decided to launch a new crossover, called the Juke, which will be in the market by early 2011. Both the vehicles are based on the B platform developed by Nissan for their small car operations. However, the Duster is based on the B0 platform, which is basically the B platform with a longer wheelbase. This is also the same platform used in the Logan.
Both the crossovers also share the same engine, albeit tuned differently. The engine that will make it to India is the 1.5-litre dCi diesel unit, which is also currently doing duty in the Logan. The Duster’s version will produce 86 PS and the Juke’s 111 PS. (Using this motor makes a lot of sense for Renault, since it will lead to consolidation and a huge cost advantage in the long term, considering that it will also power the forthcoming Fluence saloon.)
Both the Duster and the Juke will be available in the front-wheel drive configuration with an optional 4X4 setup. The styling of both vehicles is radically different. The Duster features a subtle design that will appeal to the mature audience, with hard-wearing material. The Juke has a funkier design, making it an interesting buy for the younger crowd, since it will be targeted at a more urbane audience.
Pricing is going to be a crucial factor for both the crossovers. Both the vehicles will be assembled from completely knocked down (CKD) kits at Renault Nissan’s Chennai plant. Expect the price range for the Duster to start at Rs 8 lakh and that for the Juke at Rs 10 lakh approximately.
The Duster has no real competition with the exception, maybe, of the upcoming five-seater version of the Mahindra Xylo. However, the Juke may have to take on Skoda’s forthcoming baby SUV, the Yeti, later.
