RENAULT DUSTER DRIVES IN WITH STRONG POINTS

As part of efforts to consolidate on the gains of a major reorganization and repositioning concluded recently, the CFAO Auto Group is introducing some new vehicles which are being ushered into various segments of the Nigerian market through its subsidiaries, notably Alliance Autos Nigeria Limited, the dealership that holds the franchise for Nissan and Renault brands.

Last weekend in Lagos, Alliance Autos officially unveiled to the motoring press a particularly versatile vehicle: Renault Duster (among other Renault new offerings), which combines a spacious interior with sedan comfort. The Duster has to its credit a high ground clearance that ensures it is as at home in and about town, as it is on country roads or off the beaten track.

Under its bonnet is a 1.6 16V 105 petrol engine which has already showcased its qualities in numerous other Renault models. This engine boasts particularly thrifty fuel consumption. The combined cycle fuel consumption of the 4×2 and 4×4 versions of Renault Duster 1.6 16V 105 is 7.5 and 7.9 litres/100km, respectively.

The Duster is unmistakably a unique 4×4, but while those who wish to buy this version may have to wait for a few more weeks, the 4×2, also impressively endowed, has already hit Alliance Autos' showrooms, and was among the new products introduced at the event. From the front, it exudes an impression of toughness: the wide wheel arches, the imposing lines of the chrome grille and the sump guard, clearly emphasize the essence of Renault Duster.

With the Look Pack, owners of Renault Duster can enhance the vehicle's good looks. This pack includes 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels, roof bars, extra-tinted rear glass, and satin-finish chrome exterior mirrors, front and rear skid plates, and sills.

Inside, the dashboard is modern, uncluttered and functional. Its design varies according to version, and several areas can be modified with different colours or surface finishes. The vehicle comes exclusively with a new brown trim, while a leather pack (seats, steering wheel, gear lever knob) is also available. Particular attention has been paid to its ergonomics to ensure that the controls are conveniently positioned and that driving data is easy to read: the well-placed, intuitive 4×4 control button is a perfect example of this.

Introducing the new kid on the block to the journalists just before an exciting test-drive through Lekki expressway to the popular Ereko beach, the Group Marketing Manager, Harpreet Arora, disclosed that Renault Duster was designed to cope with all types of road and track, all over the world, especially in Nigeria. According to him, the 4×2 version has been designed for customers who want good ground clearance and a reassuring elevated driving position, as well as loose-surface ability, but who don't have a real need for all-wheel drive.

It is built on the B0/Logan platform which is widely acclaimed for its strength, reliability and durability. To confirm its strength and reliability, Renault Duster covered the equivalent of four million kilometres in a wide range of climates and in particularly punishing conditions. The new six-speed TL8 gearbox with a short first ratio (5.79kph per 1,000 rpm) allows the vehicle to travel at very slow speed on uneven terrain, and improves performance as you pull away from standstill with heavy loads or on steep slopes.

Particular attention has been paid to anti-corrosion protection thanks to several measures, including wax-injected underbody and opening panel hollow sections, mastic sealing of exterior joints, additional wax treatment of underbody mechanical components, and stone chip protection for underbody, sills and wheel arches.

In order to underline its high build-quality, Arora assured that buyers would enjoy a very reliable after-sales back-up on Duster (and all Renault vehicles) from Alliance Autos and CFAO, which he explained, has been the hallmark of the group's auto business.

Renault Duster is backed up by a warranty of three years or 100,000km in Nigeria.