Renault Launches Duster With A Multimedia Device

Renault India has introduced multimedia device with infotainment and communication features in its new best seller Duster SUV. Called Media NAV, the system includes an 18cm touch-sensitive display, radio, telephony, satellite navigation as well as multimedia connection functions and will be incorporated in the Duster's dashboard, the company said in a statement.

"With the introduction of the Media NAV system, the Duster now offers enhanced convenience and a more enjoyable drive, all at the customers' fingertips," said Sumit Sawhney, executive director, marketing and sales, Renault India. The Media NAV's main menu permits easy access to essential functions such as radio, media, telephone, satellite navigation and settings.
The system's Bluetooth technology also enables drivers to make hands-free telephone calls as well as synchronize their contact book and peruse their call history. Duster customers can also connect their iPod or smartphone through a USB or jack sockets located on the dash panel. The Media NAV can be operated through either the touch-sensitive display or steering wheel-mounted controls, while the navigation system operates with 2D, 3D as well as bird view graphics. 

The Media NAV's information and entertainment package is available as an option in the 85 PS RxL and the 110 PS RxZ variants available at Rs 10,79,000 and Rs 11,99,000  respectively.

Duster production hits the 4,00,000 mark

The Renault Duster rolled out it’s 4,00,000 unit from the Mioveni factory in Romania. Thanks to its competitive pricing and value for money proposition, the Nissan B0 platform based Duster has been doing extremely well around the globe (including India) and has taken numerous COTY (car of the year) awards including our very own Motoroids car of the year poll.

The Duster was also seen kicking up dirt at the 2013 Dakar Rally but on a completely different setup. Though not considered as a hardcore offroader, the Duster has won admirations of various auto-journalists the world over for its off-road credentials. With such a well graded report card, success is but obvious to Renault’s VFM trump card.

Updated Renault Fluence coming soon.

Renault’s first product for India, the Fluence, didn’t quite set the cash registers ringing for the French carmaker. Boosted by the enthusiastic response for its Duster SUV, however, Renault has the opportunity to address the saloon’s fortunes and simultaneously strengthen the brand image with the facelifted Fluence. 

It’s immediately evident that the Renault’s new identity gives the updated Fluence a contemporary and distinctive look. The majority of the changes are neatly housed in the big, one-piece bumper that also includes the grille. The bigger and bolder Renault lozenge is placed on a glossy black strip that connects both headlamps. Lower down, the air dam section is split into three parts, lending the Fluence a very sporty look. New LED daytime running lights are visible above the fog lamps. Apart from the new 10-spoke alloy wheels, the Fluence looks the same and has no change in sheet metal.

On the inside, the Fluence’s equipment list sees new entrants. An LCD display for the driver will now be standard across the 2013 range. Then there’s front and rear parking sensors, an automatic parking brake as well as better USB, Bluetooth and auxiliary input connectivity. Renault has also unveiled new upholstery options for the Fluence.

The biggest and most important change, however, lies under the hood. At the launch of the Fluence, Renault didn’t read the market quite right, and it was customer feedback that spurred the introduction of the more premium E4 variant of the diesel Fluence. However, the demand for a diesel engine and automatic transmission combination remained unfulfilled. Renault is working to remedy that with an Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) gearbox for the diesel variant. This six-speed twin-clutch gearbox is rated for 24.4kgm of torque and is already offered in other markets. The EDC-equipped Fluence can crack the 100kph mark from standstill in a claimed 11.9 seconds, has a top speed of 185kph and fuel efficiency is only slightly lower than the manual version.

Internationally, Renault has also introduced the hi-tech 1.6-litre dCI 130 motor to the Fluence line-up. Stop-start and energy recovery have been added too. Don’t expect this motor to join the India line-up just yet. Renault’s updated Fluence will go on sale in Turkey in January 2013 and it is expected to arrive in India in the first quarter of 2013.