Renault Duster bookings to open soon

Back in February, we had reported that Renault was unofficially accepting bookings for the Duster, just to gauge the market and the entry-level SUV will be launched in June. We never got any official confirmation from the French carmaker, but now there are even more rumours floating, as June is already here and the Duster launch is just around the corner. 

The word is that Renault will start officially accepting the Duster bookings this month and the launch is expected by end of July. There is a bit of delay in the launch then, but still will be timed quite well – before the start of the festive season and launch of the new Mahindra 5-seater Xylo Mini.

Renault has not tasted much success in India as yet. The Pulse and the Koleos are not doing as well as their competitors in the segment. The Fluence is also just about keeping up with the Skoda Laura and Chevrolet Cruze, but the numbers are still far lower than the D-segment leader, the Toyota Altis. Of course, limited sales and service network is one of the reasons, but then it is also because of equally good options from more established brands.  Renault now has a chance to build itself, by entering the fastest growing Utility Vehicle segment. 

The Duster is a very capable product, plus there are reports that its prices may start as low as Rs 6 lakh for the petrol and Rs 7 lakh for the diesel variants. The Duster will compete with the ageing Mahindra Scorpio, and later with the Ford EcoSport once it is launched in 2013. The Mahindra Xylo Mini will certainly undercut the Duster on prices, but this car will have lot more to offer in terms of space and probably even features. 

Stay tuned to OnCars, as we get you more details about the new SUV, the Duster, from our sources close to Renault.