Renault Duster SUV lined up for a mid 2012 launch; Showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo!

French automaker Renault will launch the Duster SUV in the middle of 2012. As a preview on what to expect, Renault India showcased the Duster SUV at the ongoing 2012 Indian Auto Expo, and gauging by the interest this model generated, Renault could have a winner on its hands if it manages to price this five seater SUV right. The Renault Duster is a rebadged Dacia Duster, that Renault’s Romanian low cost car subsidiary Dacia, has developed.

2012 Renault Duster SUV at the Auto Expo

The Indian version of the Duster is actually a facelifted variant that gets new front and rear ends. The Duster SUV is available in both two wheel drive and four wheel drive variants in markets abroad but for the Indian market, Renault might opt for a front wheel drive variant. The Duster might be priced at under the 10 lakh rupee price mark although official figures remain unknown at the moment.

The Duster will continue Renault India’s strategy of lavishing more attention on diesel engined models. In line with that, expect the Duster SUV to come with the 1.5 Liter K9K common rail turbodiesel engine. The engine is expected to produce 110 Bhp of peak power and 240 Nm of peak torque. This engine will be mated to a manual 6 speed transmission, the likes of which is also found on the Renault Fluence sedan.

2012 Renault Duster SUV at the Auto Expo

With the Duster, Renault could aim at the upcoming Ford EcoSport Crossover, a car model that was a massive unveil, in terms of consumer interest, just ahead of the Auto Expo. Unlike the Ford EcoSport which is a crossover, the Duster is a proper SUV. The Duster will be the second model that Renault India will launch in 2012. With the Pulse Hatchback seeing a launch at the Auto Expo, the Duster in next in line for a mid 2012 launch.

After the Duster’s launch dust settles down, Renault will also launch a rebadged version of the Nissan Sunny Sedan, as the French firm’s offering for the Indian C-segment sedan market.