Jul 06, 2014 10:35 PM
221715 Views
I bought my Duster 85PS RXL Diesel in SEP 2012 when it was launched I guess. I thought of writing this useful review for those planning to buy one so that, they can take a informed decision. I guess I am eligible enough to provide a decent review as I have completed 60, 000 Kms on my duster till date. I had a LANCER earlier post which I bought Duster. Two extremes.
Good:
Great ground clearance - Don't have to worry about bad roads. Even if you dont have a road, you need not worry.
Large Boot space - You will love it when you go on long trips. I love it when it can accommodate my full size cycle when rear seats are folded.
Comfortable Seats - Suits well for long journeys and no back pain.
Reliable Engine - Till date no problem.
Great Highway Manners - I drive 50% on highways. Steady on road without jitters even at TOP Speed(Mine) - 160Kmh. My personal finding, you will enjoy the high way if the car is fully loaded with 5 people.
Majestic Looks
Great Suspension. Point to be noted is that, due to wide tyres, you will not be disturbed by small pot holes in the road.
Great mileage for a SUV of this size. I get not less than 16 kmpl when I drive crazy and 17 kmpl if I ride peacefully irrespective of whether it is inside city or highways.
Not so expensive service Cost. Usually it would be 7 to 8k per 10000kms.
10 . Wide rear seats which can accommodate three persons of even large size with ease and comfort. Decent leg room for rear seats.
Rear parking sensor has been always accurate.
Large fuel tank capacity. I always put full tank and forget it for almost 700 - 750Kms.
The MRF Wanderer tyre was great and still can cover 2000kms beyond 60, 000Kms whithin which I have planned to replace the all 5 Tyres. Point to be noted is that, You have to regularly check wheel Alignment and I rotate all 5 tyres.
I have not bothered to open my bonnet so far for any problem other than filling wiper cleaning liquid.
I like the dashboard design with useful space for everything like sunglass to whatever.
BAD:
AC is POOR in Duster. In peak summer, I found it very difficult. Rear seat AC cooling is poor in 85PS model where you dont have a rear blower in 85PS. But the rear blower is a headache in 110PS model where the middle person cant place their legs freely.
When elderly person frequently travels in duster find it very difficult for getting in and getting out due to high seats. I am 5"7 height. I rarely sometimes find it difficult on days I take frequent stops in a day.
No bottle holders on the door pocket. Doors have good pockets useful for keeping CDs and cloths. The space under the handbrake and below the gear leave could have been designed even better for practicality like keeping Mobile phones.
Bluetooth fails to connect to the mobile 3 out of ten times. Cant help it.Have to live with it. Poor voice clarity to the other party is always a compliant.
I feel steering wheel is a light tight.
UGLY:
The CLUTCH is f@*&%$g HARD. I am frustrated in bumper to bumper traffics.
Parking is pain in the A$ in the tight city traffic roads. Have to park somewhere and walk to the desired place which eats the time.
The wheel arches are always to be watched and need special skills to ZAP in city traffics.
View is greatly blocked on the right side due to the pillar. Dangerous at nights. I myself had closely missed a walking person which never came to my vision while taking a right turn. To be always cautious while taking a right turn.
My Verdict:
It is a great car if you travel mostly on highways. If you are in the city, you should have a driver, I would love to. I weigh practicality more than Mileage. Hence, I booked my second car Maruti Celerio AMT. You can have duster with a other small car for city use.
Hope my review is useful.
