The New Renault Duster on sale in GCC

The New Renault Duster, a strong and reliable SUV with genuine off-road ability, was officially unveiled at the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show by Mr. Mark Webber, Red Bull Racing Renault Formula One driver and Mr. Mustansir Lakdawala, Managing Director of Renault GCC.

The New Renault Duster is a particularly versatile 4x2 and 4x4 vehicle, which combines a spacious interior with saloon-car comfort, while its compact footprint and high ground clearance ensure that it is at home in and about town as it is on country roads or off the beaten track.

The New Renault Duster will be available across the GCC from the 7^th of May 2012 in 4x2 4-speed AT and 4x4 6-speed MT versions powered by a 2.0 16V (135 hp) engine, especially tested in the GCC.

                        NEW RENAULT DUSTER, RENAULT QUALITY MADE

To confirm the New Renault Duster's strength and reliability, the new vehicle covered the equivalent of four million kilometers in a wide range of climates and in particularly punishing conditions. One month of rigorous testing in GCC conditions prior to launch was carried out few months ago to make sure all standards of Renault quality will be met and the vehicle conforms to GCC specifications and requirements

Mustansir Lakdawala, Managing Director of Renault GCC said, “We took into consideration the needs of customers aiming to own a modern car as a badge of social progress, but what they want most of all is a robust, reliable and versatile SUV vehicle they can afford. We had to take GCC extreme climate factors into account, as well as driving conditions that could be rough and varied (long distances, jammed roads)..,so we took on the challenge of offering an all-terrain vehicle that was less complex but still reliable and affordable, that combined the design of a real 4×4 with the comfort of a saloon, it’s a very popular concept specially following the world economic crisis, which hit household budgets hard and made many people think twice before buying a new car”

Benoit Turibe, Marketing Director of Renault GCC, added,  “Duster is enjoying great success everywhere, since it has gone on sale it achieved more than 280,000 units worldwide, it’s present in Europe, Africa, India, South and Latin America. Duster has received more than ten awards from the international trade press. These include the “2011 4×4 of the Year” prizes in France and Argentina, “2011 Car of the Year” in Croatia and Russia, the “Autobest 2011″ prize in Germany and the “Golden Steering Wheel” award in Romania. We took our time to test the New Renault Duster under GCC conditions in order to offer our customer the best level of quality. With its shockingly affordable price tag and its inner qualities, we expect the New Renault Duster to have the same success in this region as it has every where else. ”

NEW RENAULT DUSTER, A VERSATILE AND STYLISH VEHICLE

The New Renault Duster was designed to be versatile and to provide the driver and occupants with the same reassuring ride when it is driven in and about town, on trunk roads and motorways, or when taken off-road.

The New Renault Duster also boasts a spacious, comfortable interior and a high standard of safety.

Roomy, safe and stylish SUV…

Today’s all-terrain vehicles are often synonymous with bulk, but the New Renault Duster is an antidote to that idea. With a length of 4.31 metres and a width of 1.82 metres, the New Renault Duster is very compact but roomy.

The New Renault Duster offers an unmistakably 4x4 plus a 4x2 version. 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 emphasise the 4x4 DNA of the New Renault Duster. Seen from the side, the high ground clearance, clearly defined wheel-arches and protective mouldings encourage the driver to tackle even the toughest roads and tracks.

Cabin space worthy of a family saloon Despite its compact footprint, the New Renault Duster is a very spacious car, with five people able to travel in total comfort. Rear passenger headroom (seat cushion to roof) is 895mm, knee room is 183mm and elbow room amounts to 1,438mm, enabling it to comfortably seat three adults at the rear, where there is also ample space to fit child seats.

Depending on version, the New Renault Duster benefits from up to 475dm³ VDA of boot space, which is also very competitive. The practical, modular interior includes a folding rear bench seat, with a 60/40-split function available on certain versions. With the rear bench seat fully folded, carrying capacity is extended to up to 1,636dm³ VDA (depending on version).

There are several pack options available on the New Renault Duster,” The Modularity Pack” on the PE version is meant to enhance the driver’s comfort, as it contains 1/3 - 2/3 split folding rear bench seat, height adjustable driver's seat, height adjustable (tilt) steering wheel and height adjustment on front seatbelts.

“The Safety Pack” on the PE version is made to keep every Renault Duster passenger safe as it has ABS with Emergency Brake Assist, front passenger airbag (deactivatable), front side airbags and unlock alarm (visual and audible) on front passenger seatbelt.

And for an enhanced appearance the New Renault Duster offers the “Exterior Look Pack” on the SE version; it has  satin chrome door mirrors, satin chrome longitudinal roof rails, front/ rear skid plate add-ons with satin chrome appearance paint, side skirt cover with satin chrome appearance paint, extra tinted rear windows, rear quarter glass and rear windscreen. 

SE version comes with “Safety Pack” and has front side airbags and pyrotechnic pretensioners on the front seatbelts. It also has a “Leather Safety Pack” with dark leather seats with front side airbags and pyrotechnic pretensioners on the front seatbelts.

A comprehensive range of accessories (including wing extenders, broad side protectors for doors, lateral bars…) will complete this selection of packs.

Inside, the PE trim level is clad with Grey Carbon fabric upholstery, with Dark Carbon trim on the steering wheel, gear knob insert and handbrake console. The central front panel, air vent surrounds and front door handles are in Star Grey tone.

The SE trim level fabric upholstery is Shiny Brown with Shiny Brown accents on the steering wheel, handbrake console, central front panel, air vent surrounds and front door handles. There are Shiny Brown decorative strips on the front door panels. The gear knob insert on the SE is in satin chrome finish.

The New Renault Duster’s dashboard is modern, uncluttered and functional. Particular attention has been paid to its ergonomics to ensure that the controls are conveniently positioned and that driving data is easy to read.

… With genuine go-anywhere ability

The New Renault Duster was designed to cope with all types of road and track, all over the world. In order to meet these wide-ranging needs, The New Renault Duster will be available in both 4x4 6-speed MT and 4x2 4-speed AT versions. The 4x2 4-speed AT 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.

The strengthened underside of the New Renault Duster is suitable for loose-surfaces and all-terrain use thanks to:

- High ground clearance of 205mm for the 4x2 4-speed AT version in the urban environment and an equally useful 210mm for the 4x4 6-speed MT version,

- Short overhangs (822mm at the front, 820mm at the rear),

- Best in class clearance angles (30 degrees for approach angle; 24 degrees ramp break over angle for  the 4x2 4-speed AT version and 22 degrees for the 4x4 6-speed MT version;  36 degrees departure angle for the 4x2 4-speed AT version and 35 degrees for the 4x4 6-speed MT version).

The New Renault Duster is a vehicle that is easy to use. Combined with compact dimensions, this ensures that the New Renault Duster is particularly agile.

The New Renault Duster is built on the B0 platform which is widely acclaimed for its strength, reliability and durability.

At the front, the suspension is MacPherson-type with rectangular lower arm and anti-roll bar.

At the rear, the suspension on the 4x4 6-speed MT version  is  MacPherson-type with multi-link, while  the rear suspension on the 4x2  4-speed AT  version comprises of a  flexible H-beam with spiral springs it’s strong and permits a large boot, which is a key consideration for our customers.

Both solutions deliver a comfortable ride and allow high ground clearance.

The New Renault Duster 4x4 6-speed MT version is equipped with a new six-speed gearbox with a short first ratio (5.79kph per 1,000 rpm) which 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.

This simple, efficient and economical solution was favoured in order to meet the needs of Renault Duster customers.

The TL8 gearbox offers:

- optimized output thanks to a single gearbox and module architecture which limits the number of gears engaged, and thanks to the use of a low-viscosity lubricant;

- compactness: gearbox and gearshift module are positioned alongside each other with a view to freeing up cabin space and keeping interior roominess;

- controlled mass: on the TL8 gearbox, the short first gear, instead of a transfer box, optimizes the number of gears engaged (and thus the mass) for a maximum level of performance;

- a solution to keep the cost down : the TL8 gearbox is derived from the TL4 gearbox which is produced in high volume within the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

The 4x4 control located on the lower part of the centre console allows drivers of the New Renault Duster 4x4 to easily adapt the vehicle’s configuration to their needs.

This control permits three modes:

- In AUTO mode, the front/rear torque split is calculated automatically as a function of available grip. This mode has been developed to provide the best compromise between road holding and traction, no matter what the level of grip may be. In normal conditions, the torque is transmitted through the front wheels only. If traction is lost, or when grip is at a premium, some of the torque is transferred to the rear wheels. This split is performed by an electromagnetic torque converter supplied by Nissan.

- In LOCK mode, the driver electronically locks the transmission in 4x4 mode. In this mode, throttle control and braking are also adapted for 4x4 use. This mode is recommended when grip is low (snow, mud, dirt, sand) and at low speed.

- In 2WD mode, the transmission is locked into two-wheel drive. This mode is suited to driving on good roads and reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

NEW RENAULT DUSTER, SUV STYLE AND ABILITIES WITH SALOON COMFORT

The New Renault Duster's occupants will appreciate the high standard of travelling comfort it provides, whatever the type of road or terrain, thanks to its high ride-height (205mm in 4x2 4-speed AT version and 210mm in 4x4 6-speed MT version) and specific work on its suspension (damper travel, springs and calibration). Comfort is further enhanced by the New Renault Duster's long wheelbase (2.67m) and big 16-inch wheels, alloy wheels are available.

Drivers enjoy a reassuring, high-up seating position which gives them better visibility of potential hazardous situations, while all versions are equipped with safe, precise power steering that delivers a good standard of driving pleasure. Depending on trim level, the driver's seat comes with height adjustability to help find the ideal driving position. Drivers are also pampered by the height-adjustable steering wheel (Depending on trim level) and user-friendly steering wheel-mounted controls.

Thermal comfort has been engineered to meet the challenge of the GCC punishing climate. Particular care has been taken with the routing of ducts to ensure fast cooling after starting in extreme heat.

NEW RENAULT DUSTER: ECONOMICAL AND RELIABLE

Reliable, fuel-efficient engines

The 4x2 4-speed AT and 4x4 6-speed MT versions of The New Renault Duster can be ordered with a 2.0 16V Petrol 135 hp petrol engine, which has already proven itself under the bonnets of numerous other models produced by the Renault group.

This engine delivers less than 200g/ Km of CO2 emission it has low running costs, strength and easy maintenance that Renault customers seek.

The 4x2 4-speed AT version is available in two trim levels, the entry PE and the upper SE. The 4x4 6-speed MT version is available in the upper SE trim level to enhance the off-road versatile driving experience for keen customers.

Reliability and strength in the conception

Like all the vehicles based on the B0 platform, the New Renault Duster has been engineered to deliver the Renault Brand's hallmark strength and reliability.

Particular attention has been paid to anti-corrosion protection thanks to several measures:

- wax-injected underbody and opening panel hollow sections,

- mastic sealing of exterior joints,

- additional wax treatment of underbody mechanical components,

- stone chip protection for underbody, sills and wheel arches.

The 4x4 running gear uses tried and tested components, sourced from the Renault- Nissan Alliance (Nissan rear axle and coupling, new six-speed TL8 gearbox derived from the TL4 gearbox that has been well-proven in the Renault and Nissan ranges).

In order to underline its high build quality, new Renault Duster is backed up by a standard manufacturer’s warranty of up to three years or 100,000km, whichever comes first across the GCC.

 

The New Renault Duster’s price is THE very catchy selling point all over the region. As an example, the price in Dubai starts from AED 48,600 for the entry level model.

How to Buy Tyres

 Before you buy new tires

First, experts say you must understand the kind of tire you need. Regular and high-performance all-season tires will satisfy the largest percentage of consumers, but models for SUVs and other trucks are different than those for cars and minivans. Ultra-high-performance summer tires are appropriate only if you're willing to sacrifice all-weather versatility, tread life and price to improve your car's acceleration and handling.

Choose a tire type and size to suit your vehicle and driving conditions:

    Standard all-season tires are best for most drivers. These tires offer overall good traction (especially in dry conditions), long tread wear and a comfortable ride at a reasonable price. They lack the precise handling and grip of performance all-season tires. Tread wear is between 40,000 and 100,000 miles, and wheel sizes generally range from 14 to 18 inches, with T and H speed ratings.

    High-performance all-season tires are best for those who want better handling and grip without giving up too much comfort and wear. Tread wear is 40,000 to 70,000 miles, and these tires are appropriate for wheel sizes from 15 to 20 inches. They carry speed ratings of H and V.

    Ultra-high-performance tires are for those who want the best wet and dry braking and handling at the expense of tread life. Summer tires are not appropriate for snow or ice. Most models have no tread-wear warranty at all, although our Best Reviewed Michelin Pilot Super Sport (*Est. $195) is covered for 30,000 miles. Wheel sizes range from 15 to 22 inches, with W, Y and Z speed ratings.

    Match new tire specifications to those of your existing tire. You'll need a tire that fits your existing wheels and has an adequate load rating for your vehicle. You'll find these specifications on your existing original tires or in your vehicle's manual.

    Proper inflation is critical. No tire will perform up to its capabilities if the proper level of inflation isn't maintained. To be sure that your tires are inflated to the correct levels, check your tire pressure monthly. Doing so will not only help ensure that your car performs properly, it will also help you achieve the best possible fuel economy. We discuss the benefits of monthly tire pressure checks in a blog post on how to choose the best tire gauge.

Understanding tire sizes and speed ratings

Tire sizes are represented by a ratio followed by a whole number. The ratio comprises the width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall and the percentage of that width that makes up the profile (the distance between the rim and the outer edge of the tire); the whole number is the rim diameter in inches. A tire with a size of 215/60-16 is 215 mm wide, 129 mm (60 percent of 215) from the ground to the rim and is intended for a 16-inch wheel.

Tire manufacturers use letters to represent the maximum speed at which a tire should be driven. There are about 20 different speed ratings, but the most common are Q (up to 99 mph), S (up to 112 mph), T (up to 118 mph), H (up to 130 mph), V (up to 149 mph) and Z (149 mph and above). Some Z-rated tires have an extra rating to show that they can handle even faster speeds: W (up to 168 mph) or Y (up to 186 mph). Experts say that even if you have no intention of driving at speeds of 130 mph or more, tires with a high speed rating are also better performers at more mundane speeds. While snow tires and most all-season tires perform well with Q, S or T speed ratings, performance tires should have at least an H speed rating.

Be cautious when considering plus-sizing

An ongoing trend for car owners is to plus-size tires and wheels. Drivers buy larger wheels and shorter, wider tires. For example, if your car specifies a wheel size of 16 inches, increasing wheel size by one inch would result in a 17-inch wheel or Plus One for your vehicle. The tire you buy will then need to have a shorter sidewall, and usually a wider tread, to accommodate the same load and tire diameter.

Although many drivers are doing this for cosmetic reasons -- a larger wheel and narrower tire has a sportier look -- some experts say you can gain traction and handling by plus-sizing, because a wider tire can get a better grip. However, ConsumerReports.org says Plus One gains you the most benefit at the lowest price. Increasingly larger Plus Two or Plus Three wheels and wider tires cost exponentially more and offer smaller performance gain over Plus One. They also add some risks, ConsumerReports.org says:

    The wider a tire gets, the more likely it is to float -- not bite -- on wet or snowy roads.

    The shorter the sidewall, the less cushioning between the wheel and the road. In pothole tests, Plus Two and Plus Three tires damaged the wheels on a BMW 5-Series and a Honda Accord.

    Pickups and SUVs are more prone to rollover than other vehicles. "Grippier tires that respond more quickly to the steering wheel may increase the chance of a rollover," ConsumerReports.org says. Editors don't recommend plus-sizing for pickups or SUVs unless it's a factory option.

There are many considerations that will factor into a decision to plus-size. First, your car must be able to accommodate the additional offset of a wider tire. "Be wary of spacers, which retailers often sell as a way to make wheels fit by moving them out from the hub," ConsumerReports.org says. Also, you must be sure that the tire's load rating is at least the same as your factory-specified tire; the tire may require a pressure change to achieve that. The new wheels should be made specifically to fit your vehicle to prevent strain on the lug nuts and bolts. Experts advise buying from a dealer/installer with experience in plus-sizing who can identify the appropriate size options for your car.

Three new big hitters pack a punch as Mer-cedes-AMG Performance Tour goes another round at YAS

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Three thundering new models from Mercedes-Benz’ fierce Affalterbach division stepped into the ring at YAS this week, as the white-knuckle test drive experience that is the annual AMG Performance Tour returns in 2012 for another round. The newly launched trio of the E 63 AMG, SLK 55 AMG and ML 63 AMG packed a mighty punch at the hotly anticipated exclusive event, which for the last five years has invited media and motoring enthusiasts from across the region to live AMG’s brand claim of ‘Driving Performance’.

Capping a fleet that included the C 63 AMG, C 63 AMG Coupé, CLS 63 AMG, SLS AMG, and SLS AMG GT3, the potent new trio of AMG models headlined an impressive act. Taking place under lights, participants had a chance at the wheel whilst being advised by top track experts and racers to command the full power, poise and pace of AMG in an arena of adrenalin fuelled activities.

Fully demonstrating the tremendous capabilities of the new-born beasts, a ‘Performance Parcours’ area provided an opportunity to learn the techniques of handling in extreme conditions. A one-on-one ML 63 AMG drag-race and braking showdown pushed drivers to the limit, whilst SLS AMG GT3 ‘taxi rides’ allowed the brave to suit up in full racing kit for mind-warping hot laps with professional AMG drivers.

Briefing drivers before they put pedals to the metal, Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East & Levant, said: “Featuring not one, not two, but three new models for the Middle East, this year’s AMG Performance Tour is one of the most immersive test drive events we have held for our loyal customers and partners in the region. Now in its fifth year, the 2012 inception of the tour race-starts our Year of the AMG strategy by putting our most valued drivers in the driving seats of these incredible precision machines, that with a roar of the accelerator can transform comfort and luxury to heart-pounding, thrill-seeking joy in an instant.”

The ML 63 AMG

With unparalleled ride comfort, and cavernous, high-quality luxury interiors, the newly launched ML 63 AMG uniquely embodies both Mercedes-Benz Middle East and Levant’s 2012 strategies of ‘The Year of the SUV’ and ‘Year of the AMG’, confidently conveying intent to meet performance with sophistication.

Driven by 525 horses and 700 Nm of torque, the ML 63 AMG 5.5 litre V8 bi-turbo engine, made famous by the award winning CLS 63 AMG, thunders it from 0-100km/h in a sports car beating 4.8 seconds. An optionally available AMG Performance package delivers a further 15hp and 70 Nm, allowing the luxury sports SUV to harness 557hp and 760nm to rocket to a century in a blistering 4.7 seconds.

The SLK 55 AMG

With an AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine developing a peak output of 422 hp, 540 Nm of torque, and accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds with a (electronically limited) top speed of 250 km/h, the SLK 55 AMG outperforms all of its direct competitors and takes its place as the most powerful SLK of all time.

The new top-of-the range AMG’s eye-catching and unmistakable expressive design demonstrates its individuality even at first glance. Distinctive AMG light-alloy wheels, specific AMG bodystyling with AMG spoiler lip and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes at the rear complement the classic roadster proportions, while adding a markedly athletic touch. High levels of driving dynamics are ensured thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system.

The E 63 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG has always been the businessman’s dirty secret. A pinstriped wolf in sheep’s clothing, the thunderous AMG sports saloon masquerades as a refined and palatial vehicle for the corner-office elite. Yet beneath its distinguished exterior lies its true character; a huffing, snorting mechanical beast, ever-ready to devour its more placid contemporaries in the corporate lot with its roaring engine note and unmatched performance.

Packing the earth-shattering AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine, the base level E 63 AMG produces 525 hp and 700Nm of torque which can be called upon across the rev range between 1750 and 5000rpm. Combined with the optional AMG Performance package, these figures increase to 557 hp and 800 Nm, through 2000 to 4500 rpm. The E 63 AMG achieves exceptional performance: acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.3 and 4.2 seconds respectively, with an (electronically limited) top speed of 250 km/h.