Although the French giant Renault was a late entrant into the Indian market they quickly made up for lost time by introducing a number of game changer models. Their Fluence or Scala sedans and Pulse hatchback were all good cars but it was their Duster crossover SUV and Kwid mini SUV that quickly caught the buyers attention.

The two-wheel drive Duster, launched in July 2012, may not be a true SUV but it fitted car buyer’s image of what an SUV should look like with its flared wheel arches, short front and rear overhangs and a high 205 mm ground clearance. These gave the Duster a very confident stance and make it look larger than it was. The 1822 mm width not only make it look wide but actually made it very spacious.

Externally it has an uncluttered no nonsense look. The squarish double-barrel headlights and chrome-rich grille are attractive and the scuff plates and plastic cladding on the lower portion of the bumpers suggest that the Duster has off-road capability. The smart running boards, roof rails and the kink in the rear quarter glass make it interesting. Like many SUVs today, the Duster positions its full-size spare tyre under the body rather than on the hatch. This does not interfere with the ground clearance but makes the vehicle more balanced. Its monocoque construction also reduces the overall weight of the vehicle without compromising its rigidity. This also allows it to sit lower than conventional body-on-ladder chassis.

The Duster is powered by three smooth and sophisticated engines. The small 1461 cc 85 HP diesel seems too small for an 1100 KG rough road vehicle until one drives it to be impressed by its smooth power delivery and torque. The bigger 110 HP diesel twin mated to a six-speed manual transmission is however a better though more expensive option. For petrol heads there is also a very capable 1598 cc 104 HP petrol option. As with all French engines the fuel consumption is very frugal.

The front-wheel-drive set up employs MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam axle at the rear. Responding to several competitive models it also offers a four-wheel drive option to cover the spectrum. The top diesel variants get ABS, EBD and brake assist and ventilated front discs and rear drums as standard. The interiors are smart but not outstanding and some cost cutting is evident to keep the Duster price competitive. Nevertheless, the interiors are attractive and the passenger comfort is not compromised.

On the road the Duster makes quite an impressive impression being masculine without being excessively ‘Maccho’. Its rather discrete French styling is pleasing but not dramatic. The ride is very comfortable and the handling capable even if it does not pretend to be a cross country racer. My test drive on the streets of Delhi did not pose any great test to the car but I was impressed by the ease and comfort of the car even on some rough patches of the road.

The Duster has been a great success and has propelled Renault into public reckoning. As a game changer it immediately invited competition from ‘me too’ ‘crossover’ models from Hyundai, Ford and Maruti. New models may keep coming but a pioneer will always remain a pioneer and buyers will be happy to have a comfortable, capable, spacious and classy vehicle.

The author is the region’s most celebrated automobile columnist