THE DUSTER TURBO HAS A LOT OF POWER. SO BE CAREFUL ON THE GO ELSE GET READY FOR SPEEDING TICKETS
a comprehensive redesign which would bring it back into the fight with the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta.
Moving on to the most important change here; the engine. The Duster is now powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The motor churns out a mega 156bhp and 254Nm of torque. All of it is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. Renault claims that the new Duster MT variant offers a fuel efficiency of 16.5kmpl.
Start her up and the Duster Turbo feels rather sprightly. In hooligan mode, the Duster is one impressive SUV. Launch the big Duster and instantly the electronic nannies come into play and cut off the power to restrain the wheel spin. Even when launched at 4,000rpm, the Duster darts towards the horizon rapidly. The surge of power is constant as one goes through the gears. As a result acceleration is rather blistering for an SUV of its size. We just loved the way this new engine has infused so much grunt into the Duster. On regular driving jaunts, the feel of power constantly remains. Even when driving in third or fourth gear, the Duster has enough torque and power to get one out of situations. As a result overtaking is like child’s play. One can literally play around in traffic. The gearbox too is brilliant. It offers short throws and there is a certain notch which we loved. Bottom line is whether you decide to cruise or go fast, the Duster Turbo can do it both.
The ride quality on the other hand continues to be one of the best in business. The suspension irons out literally everything thrown at it. A little bit of noise is only what transmits into the cabin. The Duster also handles well. Sure it exhibits a bit of roll, but it can take on challenges confidently as before. The steering though is slightly on the heavier side. But overall, a word of caution! We loved driving the new Duster but let’s tell you that it has the potential to get you a lot of speeding tickets. So don’t get carried away and keep a tab on that speedo.
India, the land of diversity demands a vehicle that is equally if not more diverse in its capabilities. Whether it is a brief escape from the bedlam of the city or to explore one of the most geographically diverse countries on Earth, this one vehicle must be able to do it all. In either case, an SUV comes to mind, but not just any SUV. Compromise is something that the new generation in India will not do. Practicality must not come at the cost of luxury or features at the
cost of build quality. Volkswagen India understands that, and in response has launched an SUV onslaught in the Indian market as part of their SUVW strategy. The appeal is to customers not willing to make the compromise on any front, the discerning customer who understands that aspirations are just as important as aesthetics. To that end, the company maintains its bullish stance on the SUV body shape, with four new SUVs that we’re earmarked for, starting with the T-Roc, the Tiguan AllSpace, the Taigun and another SUV that is likely to be revealed in 2021.
The SUVW campaign is apt in that sense. It focuses on the fact that Volkswagen SUVs are so much more than run of the mill, buckets of body roll SUVs. The SUVW is built to be the best of both worlds. The comfort, the driving dynamics and the luxury of a
sedan with the ability to take on any terrain or weather and do it all with a boot full of luggage. If only the list of demands ended there! In 2020, it’s not enough if your SUV does all of the above, it must also be a conscientious product with a thought for the environment and not contribute to the continually evolving air pollution. In this sphere too, Volkswagen has done their fair share, their global shift away from diesel has resulted in a new line of eco-friendly TSI turbo petrol motors that not only are engaging to drive but also efficient and clean!
Volkswagen’s present flagship SUV the Tiguan AllSpace is an embodiment of all their tremendously contrasting facets. Right from the time you step into the car and shut the door, the Tiguan stands out. Well, damped hinges, superior build quality and a keen eye
for detail and aesthetics all contribute to ensuring that once inside it’s easy to forget the chaos of the outside world. Once inside you’ll understand why it’s important to not just read features off a paper, but rather experience it. The Tiguan is no stranger to being a class leader and has technology that matches the profile. Be it the digital cockpit in the instrument cluster or the plethora of other features, including 7-airbags with a knee airbag for driver safety, 3-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof that comes as standard.
Under the hood, the Tiguan AllSpace employs the BS6 compliant 2.0-litre TSI, a critically acclaimed motor worldwide. In the Tiguan, the motor is tuned for 190bhp and is paired with VW’s 7-speed DSG with paddle shifters. Whether the demand is efficiency or performance the 2.0-litre is more than happy to comply. Add to this, Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, which allows you to choose from multiple drive modes and gives the Tiguan the right power delivery that you need no matter whether you’re in the city, out in the desert or navigating the icy roads of the Himalayas.
To sum up, the Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace is the culmination of the concept of a one-size-fits-all SUV for a diverse set of people. A luxurious companion to commute to work with, a sporty vehicle when you need performance and all the practicality of three rows of seats to ferry the family on weekend adventures. The Tiguan AllSpace doesn’t just do it all, it does it all with its own signature flair, like only an SUVW can.