Renault All-New Arkana

The Indian Automobile industry is full of cars ranging from hatchbacks to sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and identifying the understated icons can be a daunting task. Even if one had a specific budget in mind, they are spoilt for choices. But fret not as we have compiled a special list of 10 cars that deserve your undivided attention.  Honda City e:HEV Engine 1498 cc hybrid (electric + petrol) Power  97 bhp, 124 bhp (combined) Torque 127 Nm, 253 Nm (combined) Transmission eCVT Mileage 27.1 kmpl (combined) Price (ex-showroom) Rs. 19 lakh - Rs. 20.63 lakh The Honda City e:HEV deserves a huge shoutout for the set of technologies it packs. Its combined mileage of over 27 kilometres a litre besides Honda SENSING advanced driver’s assistance systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety is notable. At a starting price of Rs. 19 lakh, the City e:HEV packs way more than its competitors and is the best affordable hybrid sedan in the current market. If you can, stretch your budget a little to get the fully loaded ZX trim. Honda Amaze Engine 1199 cc Petrol Power  88.7 bhp Torque 110 Nm Transmission 5-speed MT, CVT Mileage 18.6 kmpl (MT), 18.3 kmpl (CVT) Price (ex-showroom) Rs. 7.19 lakh - Rs. 10.01 lakh While the popularity of the Maruti Dzire doesn’t fade, the Honda Amaze is one rival that needs to be talked about more often for a multitude of reasons. One of those reasons is the smooth-shifting CVT gearbox paired with the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated mill. This combination is both refined and efficient at the same time. The other reason has to be its reliability and the less is more approach to the equipment on board. Read Also: Honda Amaze: Everything You Need to Know About Maruti Suzuki Ignis Engine 1197 cc Power  81 bhp Torque 113 Nm Transmission 5-speed MT, AMT Mileage 20.89 kmpl  Price (ex-showroom) Rs. 5.84 lakh - Rs. 8.20 lakh Maruti Suzuki Ignis (sold via Nexa outlets) is actually witnessing a drop in sales as car buyers shift to SUVs. However, its sub-four-metre form factor and tried-and-tested 1.2-litre petrol mill make the car a great all-rounder. In our test, we found the car to be decently equipped with features like steering-mounted controls, automatic AC and a touchscreen infotainment system. Mahindra Marazzo Engine 1497 cc Power  121 bhp Torque 300 Nm Transmission 6-speed MT Mileage 17 kmpl Price (ex-showroom) Rs. 14.59 lakh - Rs. 17 lakh While some news outlets claim the MPV has been discontinued, the Mahindra Marazzo made it to our list as it is still listed on Mahindra’s website. Though it gets a sole diesel engine, it is extremely powerful for everyday and highway usage and returns a company-claimed mileage figure of 17 kilometres per litre. Also special about the vehicle is its 4-star safety rating in the Global National Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP). Considering its competition - Maruti XL6 and Kia Carens - the Mahindra Marazzo still feels a class apart. Renault Kwid Engine 999 cc Power  67 bhp Torque 91 Nm Transmission 5-speed MT Mileage 21.46 kmpl (MT), 22.3 kmpl (AMT)  Price (ex-showroom) Rs. 4.70 lakh - Rs. 6.45 lakh It is safe to say that the Kwid has been a game-changer product for Renault in India after the now-discontinued Duster SUV. Rivalling against the Maruti Alto K10, the Kwid provides SUV-ish looks, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and electrically adjustable outer rear-view mirrors (ORVMs).  Renault Triber Engine 999 cc Power  71 bhp  Torque 91 Nm (MT), 96 Nm (AMT) Transmission 5-speed MT, AMT Mileage 20 kmpl (MT), 18.2 kmpl (AMT) Price (ex-showroom) Rs. 6 lakh - Rs. 10.19 lakh The Renault Triber MPV, in a nutshell, is a car that shouts practicality at an affordable price band of Rs. 6 to 10.19 lakh, ex-showroom. What do you get for that amount of money you ask? Well, the French carmaker has equipped it with 7 seats and over 100 possible seating combinations, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat with armrest, push button start/stop and projector headlamps with LED DRLs. You also get an AMT trim starting at Rs. 8.12 lakh, ex-showroom. Mahindra Bolero Neo Engine 1493 cc Power  100 bhp Torque 260 Nm Transmission 5-speed MT Mileage 17.29 kmpl Price (ex-showroom) Rs. 9.94 lakh - Rs. 12.15 lakh Now with the Mahindra Bolero Neo, off-roading becomes easier because of its 180 mm ground clearance and a manual rear locking differential system on board. You can tackle any challenge with its powerful performance in the comfort of its premium interiors. The Bolero Neo’s price range starts at Rs. 9.94 lakh and goes up to Rs. 12.15 lakh. Read Also: Why is the Mahindra Bolero So Popular? Maruti Suzuki Jimny Engine 1462 cc Power  103 bhp Torque 134.2 Nm Transmission 5-speed MT, torque converter Mileage 16.94 kmpl (MT), 16.39 kmpl (TC) Price (ex-showroom) Rs. 12.74 lakh - Rs. 14.95 lakh A global bestseller, the Maruti Jimny got lost amid Indian icons like Mahindra Thar/ Thar Roxx and Force Gurkha SUVs. But what works its way is the 1,205 kg kerb weight and under four-metre length. This combination makes it perfect for extreme off-roading where some stalwart SUVs might fail. The Japanese carmaker is currently offering massive discounts on the SUV due to dwindling sales. Read Also: Discover the Secrets of Why Is Suzuki Jimny So Popular Honda Elevate Engine 1498 cc Power  119.35 bhp Torque 145 Nm Transmission 6-speed MT, CVT Mileage 15.31 kmpl (MT), 16.92 kmpl (CVT) Price (ex-showroom) Rs. 9.49 lakh - Rs. 15.41 lakh The Honda Elevate, a rather late entrant to the compact SUV party, can be assumed as the SUV version of the City but with all the bells and whistles. The high-revving VTEC motor, plush ride and extremely comfortable seats are all there. Fun fact - Honda has increased the export of made-in-India Elevate to Japan due to high demand. Considering its top model which costs Rs. 15.41 lakh, it comes loaded with active and passive safety features like ADAS and six airbags (standard across all models), respectively. Read Also: Honda Elevate Variants Explained - Which One To Buy Citroen C3 Aircross Engine 1199 cc Power  109 bhp Torque 190 Nm (MT), 205 Nm (TC) Transmission 6-speed MT, torque converter Mileage 18.5 kmpl (MT), 17.6 kmpl (TC) Price (ex-showroom) Rs. 9.99 lakh - Rs. 14.33 lakh Another French product on this list, the Citroen C3 Aircross is not as equipped in terms of features as its rivals but when it comes to ride comfort, there is no one like it. Recently, a couple of features like a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic AC and ORVMs and six airbags were added to the compact SUV, making it more desirable. Read Also: Maruti Vs Hyundai: Which Car Brand is Better?

French automaker Renault has officially introduced the third-generation Duster SUV in select international markets. Renault India has also confirmed that the new Duster will be launched in our market. While the European-spec model will be sold under DACIA nameplate, the India-spec and Brazilian-spec models will go on sale under the Renault nameplate. The new Renault Duster comes with a new design and an all-new interior along with new powertrain options. In this article, we talk about the top 5 things we know about the new-gen Duster lifestyle SUV. New Platform The new Renault Duster will be based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance's CMF-B modular platform, which underpins multiple global products including the Sandero and the Jogger. In fact, Nissan will also have its own version of the SUV based on the same CMF-B modular architecture. This architecture is flexible enough to accommodate different body styles and engine options including petrol, strong hybrid and plug-in hybrid. New Renault Duster - Design & Interior The new Duster comes with an all-new design, which is inspired from the 7-seater Bigster concept. In terms of styling, the new Renault Duster comes with a signature Renault grille and Y-shaped LED DRLs in the headlight. The flattened bull-bar-type lower bumper accommodates large air intake and circular fog light units. There is a prominent skid plate that gives it a rugged look. At the back, the new Duster gets Y-shaped LED tail-lights, a cleaner tailgate design and roof integrated spoiler. Other design highlights include squared-off wheel arches, prominent roof rails, and blacked out body cladding. The rear profile now has Y-shaped LED tail-lights, tapering rear quarter glass, roof integrated spoiler and a much cleaner tailgate design. The SUV has blacked out pillars, rear door handles on the C-pillar, large squared-off wheel arches, prominent roof rails, and blacked out body cladding. Dimensionally, the new Duster is 4.34 meters long, 1.81 meters wide and 1.66 meters tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,657mm. The SUV is claimed to offer a space of up to 472-litres, which is an increase of 6% compared to the 2nd generation Duster. The new Duster is claimed to offer more legroom, headroom and shoulder space in both front and rear occupants. The SUV has an all-new dashboard layout, which is dominated by a large freestanding touchscreen infotainment unit & a digital instrument console. The entry-level variants are most likely to feature a semi-digital driver's display. It will have a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and air con vent grille with a Y-shaped design. Key Features In terms of features, the new Duster gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a 7-inch digital instrument console, cruise control/speed limiter, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic AC, electric parking brake, wireless smartphone charger and a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system. The SUV is also likely to come with an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist and driver attention alert. New Renault Duster Specs - Turbo Petrol Engines It was speculated that the new Duster will come with hybrid powertrains similar to the global-spec model. However, new media reports reveal that the new mid-sized SUV will come with turbo petrol engines. It is likely to get two turbo petrol engines - a 1.0L 3-cylinder turbo and a 1.3L 4-cylinder turbo unit. The 1.0L engine is the same unit that powers the Magnite and the Kiger, while the 156hp, turbo engine is the same unit that powers the previous-gen Duster & Kicks. Launch, Competition, Price Renault has confirmed that the new-gen Duster SUV will be launched sometime in 2025, most probably by mid-next year. The new model will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Maruti Grand Vitara, VW Taigun and Skoda Kushaq. The SUV is expected to be priced somewhere between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 18 lakh. Also Read: New Maruti Suzuki Dzire Launch by Festive Season

A new Renault Duster SUV has been unveiled in South Africa. The Duster's new generation had its first appearance in right-hand drive or RHD, form at this launch in South Africa before its global launch. New RHD versions will be launched in South Africa in March 2025. Design and Features As is the case with the international variant, the RHD Renault Duster retains all the design and features except the position of the steering wheel. A new grille, squaring headlamps with LED DRLs, and chunky plastic cladding all over the body give it a rugged feel. The side profile of the SUV carries its mark with pronounced arches for the wheel, roof rails, and even a new alloy wheel. At the back, the SUV features a set of wraparound taillamps, a roof spoiler, and a shark fin antenna. Launch in India in 2025 The next-generation Renault Duster will also land in the Indian market in 2025. It will be manufactured for India as well as for exports at Renault-Nissan alliance’s Chennai-based plant.  It shall be positioned above the Renault Kiger in the SUV portfolio for India.  It will compete with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara in India. The South African model will be available with basic features, while the India-spec model will get more features and inclusions. Some of these can be a 10.1-inch infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and advanced safety features with an ADAS-Advanced Driver Assistance System. A lot more may include front-ventilated seats, wireless charging, and cruise control.  Engine and Powertrain The details on the India-spec engines of the Duster are not confirmed yet. More likely, though, the SUV will come with petrol engines. In international markets, it is reportedly to be offered in a few different powertrain options, including its mild hybrid, strong hybrid, and LPG variants. The new Duster will have to face great competition from other strong contenders in the market, including Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara. Also Read: New Jeep Compass To Unveil In 2025 - Hybrid Engine, Details Out

The iconic Renault Duster SUV is coming back to India in an all-new avatar next year. While we all have been waiting for its official debut and launch, here are the first images of the RHD (Right-Hand Drive) third-gen Duster painted in a white color scheme. The SUV’s all-new model retains the original design language but looks refreshing with significant cosmetic changes. Up front, it features a newly-designed grille with the ‘RENAULT’ badge, squarish headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, front fenders, massive plastic cladding under the bumper, and a circular fog lamp assembly. What’s interesting here is the 4WD badging on the front fenders, hinting at the possible launch of the Duster 4WD version in India as well. The plastic cladding continues along its side profile, giving it a macho look. The 2025 Renault Duster also has pronounced wheel arch claddings, roof rails, and new alloy wheels. Design elements such as sporty wraparound taillamps, a small roof spoiler, a tailgate, and a shark fin antenna enhance its rear profile. Dimensionally, the new Duster will measure 4,343mm in length, 1,813mm in width, and 1,661mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,657mm. The SUV will have a ground clearance of up to 217mm and a boot space of 472 liters. While the South Africa-spec Renault Duster will have limited features on offer, the India-spec version will surely come with more features onboard. The spotted model includes a 10.1-inch free-standing infotainment system, a 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a 3-spoke steering wheel, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, a circular dial for a 4WD selector, and more. In India, the new Renault Duster will be offered with the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) suite, as one of its test mules was spotted with a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor that creates 3D images of the vehicle’s surroundings using laser pulses. Features such as the Arkamys 3D sound system with six speakers, two USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, cruise control, and ventilated front seats might also be on offer. Engine details of the India-spec 2025 Renault Duster are not available at this point in time. However, the SUV is likely to come with a petrol engine only. Globally, the new Renault SUV will be available with three powertrain options – mild hybrid, strong hybrid, and LPG. The all-new Duster will have multiple competitors within the segment, including the Hyundai Creta (which dominates the segment), Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Also Read: Tata Harrier, Safari Get 2 More ADAS Features