One of Renault’s best sellers, the Duster, has just launched its third generation, with the compact 4×4 set to be an even more competitive seller thanks to new hybrid additions and competitive pricing.
Renault seems to follow a 7-year cycle with its Romanian-manufactured Duster as the first generation was launched in 2010 (although we only saw it locally much later), with the second generation joining the fray in 2017. Last year, we saw this third generation launched overseas, dressed in its sister company’s branding, Dacia. While the second generation was already a major improvement on its predecessor, we see this latest iteration as the largest update to date.
Since its inception, Renault has sold more than 2.2 million units globally and 26 000 units in Southern Africa; a great testament to its popularity.
Built on the new CMF-B platform, the new Duster is a barely noticeable 2mm longer, yet has much more space for both passengers and luggage (472L). On top of this, the stronger, sharper lines of the Duster’s design also make it more modern and aggressive-looking. Yet, the new design also looks simplistic and minimalist.
Take for instance the rear door handles, which are now positioned on the C-pillar, rather than on the door itself.
Three options on offer
The new Duster has new skid plates, flared wheel arches, and stands higher off the ground (217mm – in 4WD, while the 2WD versions are 209mm from the ground).
Buyers will have the option between three model iterations, with the only 4WD option being sold as a 6-speed Manual; with the addition of a mild hybrid system. Although only being fitted with a 1.2L turbo-petrol (3-cylinder) engine, this model produces 96kW and 230Nm.
The two 4×2 derivatives feature a 1.3L (4-cylinder) engine, capable of 113kW and 250Nm, whilst also being fitted with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
The benefit of the 4WD version is that it has a range of different driving modes, such as AUTO, SNOW, MUD/SAND, OFF-ROAD, and ECO, whilst also being fitted with a 0.8kWh battery pack to be more economical, sipping a claimed 5.7L/100km while the heavier 4-cylinder engine in the 4×2 units should return 6.5L/100km.
The hybrid 4WD system also adopts regenerative braking, which helps to charge the battery through braking.
Safer
All Duster models are also now much safer, thanks to six airbags, ABS, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), tyre pressure sensors, and ISOFIX points.
A load of features
The new Duster will come standard with LED auto headlamps, daytime running lights, automatic wipers, 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, 7-inch digital instrumental cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen (with wireless smartphone charging unit), a reverse camera with parking sensors, an electrical parking brake, and an automatic climate control unit.
The slightly more expensive 4×2 unit (dubbed the Intens EDC) also comes with blind spot warnings, a 360-degree camera, automatic folding mirrors, all-round parking sensors, larger 18-inch diamond cut alloys, hands-free car start, wireless charging, Arkamys 3D sound system, and a modular boot divider.
Conclusion and pricing
While we are yet to formally drive the new Duster, we can say that the pricing is very competitive for such a 4WD SUV. Similarly priced to its Japanese counterparts, the new Duster certainly gives the new Chinese a run for their money.
With a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 3-year/45 000km service plan, the new Duster also adds a 6-year anti corrosion warranty.
Prices are as follows:
- Renault Duster Zen EDC 4×2 – R489 999
- Renault Duster Intens 4×2 – R519 999
- Renault Duster Zen 4WD (Mild Hybrid) – R549 999
