Planning to buy the most affordable Renault Duster? Find out what you get at Rs 10.49 lakh

We take a closer look at the base variant of the new Renault Duster. (Representative image)

• Renault Duster base variant priced at Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
• Pre-bookings at Rs 10.29 lakh (ex-showroom) until March 31 with R-Pass.
• Authentic variant includes LED lights, 6 airbags, and 7-inch driver display.

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The Renault Duster is back. However, it is not pioneering the mid-size SUV segment this time, as it did in 2012. There are a lot of worthy contenders now in this space, each one with its own set of unique selling points. Even the new Duster stands out with the most powerful turbo petrol engine in the class and a hybrid powertrain.

Renault is yet to announce the Duster hybrid price. For the remaining variants, all having a turbo-petrol engine, the price has been announced, with the entry-level trim available for Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom). For the customers who have already pre-booked the Duster or will pre-book the SUV till March 31, there is a special introductory price of Rs 10.29 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant.

For reference, the Duster is available across five variants -- Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+ and Iconic. The base variant we are talking about is Authentic.

The Duster has two turbo-petrol engine options -- 1.0-litre Turbo TCe 100 (100PS and 160Nm) and 1.3-litre Turbo TCe 160 (163PS and 280Nm). While the Turbo TCe 100 gets only a 6-speed MT, the Turbo TCe 160 can be paired either with a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed DCT. You also have the Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 (160PS and 172Nm) on offer.

The Authentic variant only gets the Turbo TCe 100 engine with a 6-speed MT. If you want the Turbo TCe 160 either with 6-speed MT or 6-speed DCT, you will have to go one higher at the Evolution variant.

Now, what all features are offered with the Authentic variant? Although it is the base variant, it does not disappoint in any manner whatsoever. It is decently loaded when it comes to features.

You get LED headlamps and taillamps, the signature grille with 'DUSTER' emblem, skid plates, LED turn indicators on ORVMs, 7-inch TFT driver display, all power windows with auto up/down, central console with sliding armrest, auto headlamp, one-touch LED room lights, rear AC vents and remote keyless entry. You also get 35 safety features as standard, including six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill start assist and electronic stability control.

Renault Duster base variant price vs rivals