Renault Duster 2012 launched in UAE & GCC
Renault has officially unveiled their new sub-compact SUV, the Duster, in the Middle East. It made its first appearance on GCC soil at the 2011 Dubai International Auto Show.
The 2012 Renault Duster is essentially a rebadged Dacia and is based on a stretched Nissan Tiida “B0” platform. Nevertheless, the SUV offers higher ground clearance and a sizeable wheelbase. Renault also claims to have carried out a month of rigorous testing in GCC conditions prior to launch in the region, to make sure the a/c and cooling system can cope.
The Romanian-built Duster will be powered by a 2.0-litre engine producing 135 hp and 195 Nm of torque. Customers will also have a choice of 4-speed automatic “4×2” front-wheel-drive model, or a 6-speed manual “4×4” four-wheel-drive model. Since the UAE hates manuals, the 4WD manual will only be available on special-order, while the 2WD automatic will be readily available in three different trim levels.
The basic “PE” version comes with two-wheel-drive, 4-speed automatic, cloth upholstery, CD/MP3 stereo with USB port and Bluetooth with buttons behind steering wheel, unpainted bumpers, 16-inch steel wheels, front power windows, keyless entry, folding rear bench seat, power steering and manual a/c. The higher-spec “SE” can be had in 2WD automatic or special-order 4WD manual drivetrains, and adds standard fog lamps, trip computer, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist, extra front-passenger airbag, rear power windows, electric mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, painted bumpers, leatherette steering wheel and extra chrome trim. The “SE” version can be further upgraded with a ‘Leather Safety Pack’ which adds leather seats with additional pyrotechnic pre-tensioners on the front seatbelts as well as side airbags.
The exterior package on the “SE” version also adds stadard chrome door mirrors, longitudinal roof rails, front/rear skid plates and side-skirt covers. Extra tinted rear windows, rear quarter glass and rear windscreen round up the list, as is a split-folding rear seat, height adjustable driver’s seat and height-adjustable steering wheel.
A comprehensive range of accessories,including wind reflectors, side steps, wheel arch mouldings, chrome exhaust trim and mudflaps, is also available.
The Renault Duster is already available for purchase across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and the rest of the GCC. As their ad campaign goes, the “shockingly affordable” standard 4×2 variant has a base UAE price of Dhs 48,600 for the PE, Dhs 56,000 for the SE, Dhs 62,000 for the SE+ with leather, and topping out at Dhs 64,500 for the 4×4 SE model in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah showrooms.
Keep track of specs and prices in the Renault Duster buyer guide.
Comments
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Interestingly, after the small media launch event at the showroom, they sent us home with a base model for two days, so we are testing it right now.
Faisal Khatib
No wonder the showroom was packed with them 2 days back. The front/side profile is interesting. The rear is just ugly…
John
i like this trending of lowering the prices just like Kia-Hyundai did. What will the Koreans think of next? And the japs?
Rahul Jones
I saw it too in the showroom. It looks weird.
Mohammad Nasr
I’m looking for an second hand car,but in a good condition.Maybe from one of the stuff…
Vivek Menon
prices?
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Read the full article, you Payero.
vivek
hehe.
Ciprian
Ew!
Pienkie
I just came back from the showroom and test drive. Bought one….. As did Military cornel, Capt from Emirates, and crown prince from next door Emirates. Waited 1hr in q to get to 1. . We must be all stupid …..
hot rod
nice! can wait to see it in person!
asad
looks like suzuki mehran
alvin
from which angle???
Nabeal
HaHa SUV Mehran!!!!
Peter pan
This car is so cheap that i am thinking of getting one as a spare for when i take my car for service
Ironman
I see what u did there
Rhymes
@ asad bro.. I know its ugly, But it wud be unfair if u compare it with suzuki mehran in pak, Because mehran is more ugly than Anything :(…
And I am not sure about the current model of Mehran as i didnt see mehran in Pakistan this time.
Shahzad Haider
Don’t worry mehran/maruti 800 are still ugly and worst cars made by Suzuki. Even it costs @450,000/- plus PKR.
@Asad: you made a good contribution otherwise at drive arabia nobody ever try to discuss mehran/maruti 800.
Faisal
Good Deal… can’t think of anything this size with these options at that price…
tony
5th gear liked it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODfuWcvbwKU&feature=related
vivek
So what can the Duster do off-road??
check out -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvLQNdB3-Kw
and this is Duster off-roading in some desert in some place alongwith a Patrol and Prado -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-8AMrbtAlI