With one eye closed and the other one almost shut, I carefully approached this new Renault Duster with the cautious hope that it hasn’t betrayed its roots and turned into the eleven millionth luxury crossover SUV.
You should know: That silly notion is based on my deep respect for the first and preceding series of Renault’s compact softroader, because its Dacia roots blessed it with no-nonsense tech, excellent off-tarmac manners and a family-friendly attitude about features, space, specification levels and pricing.
More info: The old one also looked good. Purposeful, I guess. Well, I’m happy to report that this new one still looks cheerful and chunky, so you won’t lose this very easily in the crowds of trendy SUV’s. Renault SA currently sells three models, a 1.3 Turbo 4×2 “Zen” EDC around R500,000 and its “Intens” equivalent for about 520.
Why you shouldn’t: The only 4WD version is this 1.2L Mild Hybrid 6-speed Manual; at around 550k. Our metallic green press car unfortunately came with quite a few of those irritating new driver aids, which some of us found unbecoming of the simple Duster ethos. That also means you don’t get a simple manual / 4×2 Duster anymore…
What else: However, who are we to stand in the way of progress and a shifting consumer market which (apparently) demands auto-guided streaming cameras in the simplest and cheapest vehicles. Because the public outcry would be much louder than my pity parade if Renault slash Dacia had released a new Duster with below-average specifications…
Why you should: Besides clever clips and ample storage solutions, you’ll also find a fresh touch-screen media system, plus contemporary safety and convenience features fitted as standard. For the record, these modern goodies are fairly easy to control or adjust, plus that tiny turbo engine and mild hybrid system make for a decent drive train.
Conclusion: Power and torque outputs are 96kW or 230Nm (at a fairly high 2,000rpm), with claimed average fuel consumption of 5.7L/100 from the 50L tank. We got 56, presumably out of 100, which was an Eco score provided by the space-age center screen. Each new Duster is sold with a 5yr/150k warranty and 3yr/45,000km service plan.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 1,199cc in-line 4-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid |
| Transmission: | 6-speed Manual, 4WD |
| Max. Power: | 96kW @ 4,500 – 5,500rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 230Nm @ 2,000rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | 56 Eco score (claimed 5.7L/100km) |
| 0-100km/h: | No claim |
| Top Speed: | No claim |
| List Price: | R549,999 |