Kia India has reopened bookings for the popular premium electric vehicle, the Kia EV6, and is offering some exciting benefits to the first 200 buyers. The company’s Chief Sales and Business Officer (CSBO), Myung-sik Sohn, announced that the bookings for the EV6 have started for 2023, and the company has expanded its EV dealership footprint to 60 outlets across 44 cities in India. With these developments, Kia India has moved closer to its customers, making it easier for them to access the new performance-driven drive experience of the EV6.
1. A Glimpse into the Bigster-Inspired Design
The eagerly anticipated Duster inherits design elements from the Bigster concept SUV, creating an aesthetic that captivates. While unveiling in Portugal tomorrow, this midsize SUV, known as the Dacia Duster in select international markets, mirrors the robust and rugged appeal of its predecessor.
2. Powering Ahead: Potential 170hp Turbo-Petrol Engine
Speculations abound regarding the powerhouse beneath the hood of the India-bound Duster, with whispers suggesting a robust 170hp turbo-petrol engine. This not only marks a significant leap in power but also promises a thrilling driving experience for enthusiasts.
3. Expansion Plans: Seven-Seat Marvel in the Pipeline
Hold your breath for the revelation of a seven-seat version, adding an extra dimension to the Duster lineup. While details are scant, the anticipation builds for a later unveiling, promising enhanced versatility for families and larger groups.
Rediscovering the Design Marvels
Delve into the captivating design of the new Renault Duster, where the echoes of the Bigster concept are evident but finely tuned for practicality. The exterior, larger than its Indian predecessor, maintains the signature rugged charm. Notable features include Y-shaped LED Daytime Running Lamps, a distinctive chrome-accented grille, and vertical air vents framing circular fog lights. The flattened bull-bar-shaped lower grille adds an element of sophistication, ensuring a head-turning presence on the road.
Retaining its squared-off wheel arches, roof rails, and spoiler from the Bigster, the new Duster pays homage to its roots. Yet, a nod to its past is evident in the tapering rear quarter glass, creating a seamless link with its predecessor. Profile enhancements include a blacked-out vertical ‘shadow line’ beneath the mirrors, exclusive blacked-out alloy wheels on premium variants, and a unique cladding kink below the rear doors. The V-shaped tail-lights define the rear, with a subtle toning down of the previous Duster’s prominent rear haunches.
Unveiling the Power Within
The heartbeat of the new Duster lies in its powertrain options. Globally, it offers three engine choices: a 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol; a 140hp, 1.2-litre petrol hybrid; and the pièce de résistance – a 170hp, 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, flex-fuel compliant in higher trims. This formidable power output positions the new Duster as the pinnacle of power in its production history.
For the Indian market, Renault explores hybrid options, promising strong hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions to deliver diesel-like efficiency, filling the void left by the absence of a diesel powertrain.
The Countdown to Diwali 2025
Mark your calendars for Diwali 2025 as Renault prepares to reintroduce the Duster to the Indian midsize SUV arena. In a landscape dominated by stalwarts like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, the new Duster emerges as a formidable contender. With Nissan also set to unveil its Duster variant, the midsize SUV segment is gearing up for a paradigm shift.
As the countdown begins, anticipation builds for the revival of the Duster legacy and the emergence of a seven-seat marvel, possibly named the Bigster, promising an exciting chapter in Renault’s SUV saga.
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