Renault Duster and Bigster: Launch and more details of Renault's comeback cars in India

Renault was the one company that created the mid-size SUV in India with the Renault Duster. While it was a runaway success, the Duster faded out as it never got the upgrade it needed to tackle competition like the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos, among other SUVs. Quite obviously, sales declined, and eventually the Duster went off the showroom floor. Ever since then, the company has been banking on models like the Renault Kwid, Renault Kiger and the Renault Triber. But quite simply, that is not going to be enough for the company. They need a powerhouse product. They need the Duster and more to be back, and that is exactly what the company is all set to do.
Both the Duster and the Bigster will share the same CMF-B platform.
advertisementAt the recent inauguration of their new design studio in Chennai, the company confirmed that alongside the Duster, Renault has ambitious plans to launch five new vehicles in the next two years, including an electric vehicle designed for both Indian and global markets. So the Duster with be the first to be re-launched, and it will be followed by a seven-seater variant of the same in a few months. Something like what Hyundai offers with the Hyundai Creta and the Hyundai Alcazar. But let's delve into the details of these SUVs and see what they promise to offer.Renault Duster: What to expect?
The new Duster features a modern look but still retains the rugged design DNA.
advertisementThe new-generation Duster is an all-new SUV, and as a result, it is based on a new CMF-B platform that will also underpin the larger 7-seat version of the SUV. On the CMF-B platform, the All-New Duster has more space for passengers and luggage than the previous generation, while maintaining the same overall length of 4,340mm. The new Duster features a modern look but still retains the rugged design DNA as seen in the older versions. Inside, the SUV will come with modern touches like a large infotainment system, a digital instrument panel and modern climate control system. Renault will also load the Duster with ADAS among a plethora of other safety features. When it comes to powertrains, the new Duster will come with petrol and diesel engines and CNG and mild-hybrid options are also said to be on cards. The CNG variants could very well be retrofit kits that would be done at dealership level as the company had done some time back with Kwid, Kiger and Triber. As for the specifications, the international model is offered with three engine options. This includes a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol mill, 1.2-litre petrol-hybrid, and a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid.Renault Bigster: Details of the 7-seat variant
While the Bigster is based on the same platform as the Duster, the SUV is longer than the Duster by 227mm.
The Bigster has also been revealed internationally and there are speculations that it will be called the Boreal in India. While the Bigster is based on the same platform as the Duster, the SUV is longer than the Duster by 227mm. The wheelbase of the Bigster stands at 2,702mm which again is longer than the Duster's wheelbase by 45mm. Inside the Bigster will come with three-row seating with the third row being the one that will allow a folding feature.
Boot space of the Bigster is rated at 677 litres.
Boot space of the Bigster is rated at 677 litres as compared to the Duster's 560 litres. Needless to say, both SUVs will allow a folding feature on the rear seats. We believe that the SUVs will share engine and transmission options as well.advertisementRenault Duster and Bigster: When will Renault launch them?
Both the SUVs will likely share engine and transmission options.
Renault is currently completing the acquisition of the alliance plant in Chennai. The company is quite clear that starting the first quarter of next year, it will start launches of new vehicles starting with the Duster. The Bigster will follow in the next couple of months. These SUVs will have to take on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and the Tata Curvv.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine

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