Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT Review: All The Duster You Really Need

The Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT is the most affordable version of Renault's all-new midsize SUV. Priced from Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Duster lineup starts of the with Renault's tried and tested three-cylinder turbo-petrol powerplant which is aimed at buyers looking for value without sacrificing practicality.

The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is available exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox and sits below the more powerful 1.3-litre turbo variants. We drove the Renault Duster in the Delhi NCR region to see how the base-spec powerplant behaves on the road...

Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT Review - What's Different?

The Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT is offered in three variants - Authentic, Evolution and Techno - while the higher-spec Techno+ and Iconic trims are currently exclusive to the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol model. Despite not being the range topper, this version of the Duster does not look like a mid-spec afterthought.

It retains the Duster's rugged SUV character with its sculpted bonnet, prominent grille-mounted Duster lettering, chunky front and rear skid plates, extensive body cladding and roof rails.

Renault has also ensured that buyers do not miss out on key exterior highlights. The Duster 1.0-litre MT comes equipped with a full LED lighting package, including automatic LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, LED tail lamps and the signature rear light bar.

The primary difference from the higher trims come in the form of the alloy wheels, which are 17-inch units compared to the 18-inch units found with the 1.3-litre variants. They also have a slightly different design. Apart from that, the overall styling and road presence remain largely identical to the more expensive versions of the Duster.

Inside, the Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT shares the same dashboard layout as the higher-spec variants, although there are a few noticeable changes in materials and trim. The leatherette upholstery available on the range-topping Iconic variant has been replaced by a two-tone brown-and-black fabric finish that still manages to feel premium.

Renault has also carried the brown fabric treatment onto the dashboard and door pads, while the faux carbon-fibre trim seen on higher variants makes way for a contrasting white insert.

Compared to the range-topping Iconic trim, the 1.0-litre MT Techno variant of the DUster misses out on a few premium additions. These include powered and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera system, ADAS functions, ambient lighting, an air purifier, front parking sensors, selectable steering modes and the larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, which has been replaced by a smaller7-inch unit.

However, it does get the same 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system as the higher variants, complete with wireless smartphone connectivity and connected car technology. Other highlights include a wireless phone charger, six-speaker Arkamys audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, push-button start and electrically folding outside rear-view mirrors.

On the safety front, the Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT Techno gets six airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, corner stability control, hill-start assist, a rear parking camera, tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child-seat mounts.

The front seats continue to offer good levels of comfort and support while rear-seat comfort remains one of the Duster's strengths. There is generous knee room and headroom for taller occupants at the back, making it a comfortable SUV for family use. Rear passengers also benefit from dedicated AC vents, USB Type-C charging ports and a fold-down centre armrest with integrated cupholders.

The cabin also features numerous storage spaces and cubby holes, while the 518-litre boot remains among the largest in the segment. One notable omission there though, is the absence of a spare wheel.

Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT Review - Engine And Performance

Powering the Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that is also used in the Kiger. However, Renault has made a few revisions for its midsize SUV application, resulting in an output of 100 hp and 166 Nm of torque.

The torque figure is slightly higher than that of the Kiger, while transmission duties are handled by a six-speed manual gearbox instead of the smaller SUV's five-speed unit. An automatic transmission is not available with this engine, which may limit its appeal among urban buyers.

Like most three-cylinder turbocharged engines, there is a noticeable thrum and some vibrations at idle. Once on the move, however, refinement improves and the engine settles into a smoother rhythm. Turbo lag is present at lower engine speeds, but performance becomes much more responsive beyond 2,000 rpm where peak torque is delivered.

In everyday city driving, the Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT feels adequately responsive and keeps pace with traffic comfortably. Part-throttle responses are respectable, making it easy to drive in congested conditions. On highways and steep inclines, however, drivers will need to downshift more frequently to access the stronger part of the powerband. While outright performance is not particularly exciting, the engine delivers enough punch for the Duster's intended role as a family-oriented midsize SUV.

The clutch is light and progressive, making stop-and-go traffic less tiring. The six-speed manual gearbox offers reasonably precise shifts and complements the engine's characteristics well. That said, the shift action is not particularly light and requires a little more effort when driven enthusiastically.

Ride quality continues to be one of the Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT's defining strengths. The slightly smaller wheels fitted to the Techno variant may contribute to a marginally softer ride, although the difference is difficult to detect in everyday driving. At lower speeds there is a degree of firmness, but it never translates into discomfort.

The suspension absorbs potholes, broken roads and rough surfaces with remarkable composure. Unlike the original Duster, the steering remains free from harsh kickback over poor surfaces, further enhancing comfort. High-speed stability is equally impressive, with the SUV feeling planted and confidence-inspiring on open highways.

The Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT also performs well when the road becomes twisty. Accurate steering and well-controlled body movements allow it to tackle corners with confidence. While it may not be as agile as some of its rivals, the Duster retains an engaging character and offers enough driver involvement to make spirited driving enjoyable.

Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT Review - Mileage Test

Renault claims an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figure of 19.41 km/l for the Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT. To help maximise efficiency, the SUV is equipped with an Eco driving mode and automatic engine start-stop technology.

During a mixed driving route covering approximately 70 km, consisting of both city and highway conditions, the Duster 1.0-litre MT returned a real-world fuel efficiency figure of 18.1 km/l. Given the size and performance of the vehicle, the result is impressively close to the claimed figure.

Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT Review - Verdict

The Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT focuses on the fundamentals that made the original Duster popular. It offers strong ride quality, practical performance, rugged styling and competitive fuel efficiency at a relatively accessible price point. Buyers looking for a comfortable family SUV that can handle poor roads without drama will find plenty to like here.

While the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is not as powerful as the larger 1.3-litre unit, it delivers adequate performance for everyday driving and helps keep purchase and running costs lower. For value-conscious buyers entering the midsize SUV segment, the Renault Duster 1.0-litre MT makes a strong case for itself.