Renault Duster AMT vs Rivals: Specification Comparison

Renault India recently launched the much awaited Duster facelift in India equipped with an AMT gearbox. The SUV was showcased earlier this year at the Auto Expo 2016 and adds a bit of freshness to the popular yet aging compact SUV from the French carmaker. Despite of the fact the Duster AMT brings a lot of new features to the Renault family that fact remains that it is not the only automatic diesel SUV in its segment, in fact it's essentially the last one to get and automatic gearbox. Currently the Duster facelift faces challenge from the Hyundai Creta, Mahindra Scorpio and even the XUV500. Let's see how all four SUVs fair against each other on paper.

Dimensions

Mahindra XUV500 AT

When we talk about dimensions one cannot deny the fact that Mahindra has always taken the lead in this area. In this case too, the Mahindra XUV500 is the largest amongst all four SUVs with an overall length of 4585 mm, width if 1890 mm and a height of 1785 mm. On the other hand the Scorpio might be a little smaller at 4456mm in length and 1820mm in width, it is the tallest SUV with a height of 1,995mm. At the same time from the compact SUVs we have the Renault Duster automatic at the lead with 4315mm of length, 1822mm of width and 1695mm of height, while the Hyundai Creta is the smallest of the lot with a length of 4270mm, width of 1780mm and a height of 1630mm.

Even when it comes to cabin space the Mahindra XUV500 automatic takes the lead with class leading wheelbase of 2700mm but has a limited ground clearance of 200mm. It is followed by the Scorpio with a wheelbase of 2680mm and the highest ground clearance of 210mm. The Renault Duster automatic is just behind the Scorpio with a wheelbase of 2673mm and a ground clearance of 205mm, while the Hyundai Creta has a wheelbase that measures 2590mm and the lowest ground clearance of 183mm.

Renault Duster AMT

Features

The XUV500 automatic variant comes with features like electric sunroof, logo projection lamp on ORVMs, 6 way power adjustable driver seat, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, premium black/beige interiors, and fully automatic climate control with dual HVAC, and All Wheel Drive (AWD). Safety equipment include 6 airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), hill hold and hill decent control, and reverse parking camera with dynamic assist. The Renault Duster facelift on the other hand comes with 32 new smart features like electronically adjustable ORVMs, gum metal finish alloy wheels, Integrated 2 din audio system with Mp3, USB, AUX-IN, Bluetooth and telephone control with 4 speakers, eco mode, and Crimson black interior. Safety features include ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill start assist, airbags, and remote central locking among others.

In terms of features and equipment the Hyundai Creta offers a infotainment system, leather wrapped 3-spoke multi-functional steering and gear knobs, keyless entry, start/stop button, fully-automated air conditioner, driver-side adjustable seats, reverse camera, rear AC vents, auto folding mirrors and more. Taking about the safety, the vehicle comes with 6-airbags, Anti-Lock Braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Start Assist control and rear parking camera.

Mahindra Scorpio AT

The Mahindra Scorpio offers features like cornering headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, micro-hybrid technology, steering mounted controls, touch-screen multimedia system with Bluetooth connectivity, voice enabled navigation system, and tire temperature and pressure indicator. On safety front the vehicle gets dual-front airbags, Anti-Lock braking system (ABS), speed alert, and rear parking sensors with voice feature.

Engine & Transmission

In the engine department, the Mahindra Scorpio is the most powerful among all four SUVs with a maximum power output 140bhp and a peak torque of 330Nm. The Hyundai Creta AT gets a 1.6-litre CRDi VGT diesel motor comes out on top as it develops 126bhp and has a maximum torque figure of 260Nm. The Mahindra Scorpio AT is next in line with its 2.2-litre mHawk diesel unit capable of generating 120bhp and 280Nm of torque. The new Renault Duster AMT will feature the same 108bhp 1.5-litre diesel unit found on the old Duster with 245Nm of torque that comes mated to a new 6-speed EasyR Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) box.

Also Read: Comparison Review: Maruti Vitara Brezza vs Ford EcoSport vs Hyundai Creta

Price

In terms of pricing, all four automatic SUVs pretty much fall in the same bracket of around Rs. 13 lakh to Rs. 18 Lakh. The Renault Duster AMT is the cheapest automatic SUV in the lot priced from Rs. 11.67 lakh to Rs. 12.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The 2WD Mahindra Scorpio AT is priced at Rs. 13.13 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), whereas the Hyundai Creta AT costs Rs. 13.57 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The most expensive is of course the Mahindra XUV500 priced from Rs. 15.52 lakh to Rs. 17.36 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi / Pre-Budget).