Renault’s new model plans for India; Duster is coming!

The robust Duster is headed to India

Our earlier report on Renault’s plans were on target expect for one model – We are not sure if the next-generation Clio will be based on the V-platform but what is confirmed is that the next-gen Clio is not coming to India. Apparently, the Clio is working out to be too expensive for Indian tastes. Instead, what we will be getting is Renault’s take on the Micra and the upcoming sedan version of the Micra. The Renault versions of the Micra and its sedan sibling are expected to sport French flair and win over more people with its styling than what the Micra could achieve. These Renault versions are only expected in end-2012 to early 2013.

The Fluence will be the first model, coming in mid-2011 followed by the Koleos in the end of 2011. The big surprise here is the news of the Dacia Duster making it to India. The Duster is made on the robust Logan platform which is already localised in India meaning a competitive price is already on cards. Moreover, the Duster is an inexpensive tough off-roader that would find its way to many Indian homes. We feel that the Duster has enough potential to zoom to the top of its segment.

With the main components of the 1.5 dci motor already localised, the prices of Duster and Micra are expected to be kept under control. In fact, every model in the line up is expected to make use of the 1.5 dci motor right from the small hatchback to the Fluence sedan, including the Duster and Renault’s sedan on V-platform. Renault also have the option of importing the tooling of the present Clio and Twingo once they are out of production and sell them in India, on the lines of Figo. This would give them a huge savings and could land Renault in the success zone. So will they do it? Going by the fact that the present generation Twingo and Clio both of which are brilliant, this plan seems very cogent to us.

[Inputs from Autocar India magazine]