Renault Indian has begun testing the Duster 4WD (All Wheel Drive) variant on the Indian soil. The Duster launched in India in June 2012 has been a runaway success from day one. The Duster All wheel drive was spotted by Bijoy B S in Trivandrum, Kerala which seemed production ready.
The variant spotted was the RxZ which could indicate the availability only in top end version. The Duster4WD is already made in India for the export markets and comes with 3-mode 4×4 system which is developed using Nissan’s experience and expertise in 4×4 technologies. The 3-mode 4×4 system enables Duster to adapt to changing driving conditions, making safer, more confident progress much easier.
The Duster 4×4 could give the established SUV’s like the Safari Storme and the Mahindra XUV5OO severe competition. On the pricing front, Renault will certainly charge a premium over the 2WD version and we can expect the price difference to be between Rs. 80K-1 lakh.
3-mode 4×4 system Explained
2WD Mode:
- Operation: Engine torque distributed to the front wheel
- Conditions: Road surfaces with good grip and motorways
- Advantage: Best possible fuel consumption
Automatic Mode:
- Operation: Automatic distribution of engine torque to all four wheels to give best available grip
- Conditions: All types of surface in all grip conditions, but particularly in slippery conditions (rain, snow, ice, mud)
- Advantage: Best balance between roadholding and traction, in all grip conditions, for maximum safety
Lock Mode:
- Operation: Engine torque directed to all four wheels. Engine control and braking optimized for off-road usage
- Conditions: Rough terrain and off-road tracks at low speed (< 50 mph)
- Advantage: Maximum off-road capability
Image Source: TeamBHP
