Why the Regie’s response is great news for SA motorists
Renault South Africa has completely re-imagined its Duster to not just make it more South Africa friendly, but it is now also priced to take its Chinese rivals by the throat. Now starting at R150,000 less than before, this new pricing strategy will literally make your eyes water.
Yet the reimagined SUV remains true to its legacy brand and adventurous spirit as it introducing an fresh look, tech, comfort and safety, too. Built on Renault Group’s new Indian-built modular CMF-B platform optimised for emerging and right hand drive markets, versus the similar, previous European specification car, new Duster makes a serious claim as most compelling SUV in its South African segment.
New Duster comes with an even more powerful stance with distinctive, muscular looks, while the revised, cabin brings a more modern and premium driver centric cockpit. Featuring Auto, CarPlay and Bluetooth OpenR Link infotainment and an elevated centre console, options include ventilated power seats, a panoramic sunroof, auto dual-zone climate , ambient lighting and a power tailgate for the larger 518 to 1789 litre boot.
New Duster even better suited to South Africa
There are some compromises. Now only available in petrol powered front wheel drive, new Duster is all-new under the bonnet. Starting with a 74kW litre turbo triple with a six-speed manual, there’s also a more robust 116 kW 260 Nm 1.3-litre turbo with six-speed manual or e-shifter EDC automatic with paddle shifters on selected models.
With 212mm ground clearance and suspension engineered for comfort and durability, the new Duster is now even more suited to South African road conditions. Safety and assistance features include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring and a rear-view camera. Up-spec models offer up to 17 ADAS assistance, warning and safety systems.
New Duster of course wades into a hugely competitive marketplace. But as noted, it certainly takes the Chinese onslaught by the throat. Chery and Haval had dominated the sub-R400k segment with the likes of leatherette seats, dual screens, and sunroofs at cut-throat prices.
Superior dynamics, real-world economy
The new Duster counters that with superior chassis dynamics, real-world fuel economy, and 212 mm of ground clearance to easily handle Africa’s rougher or gravel roads. Less fragility than its urban-biased Chinese competitors, the punchy Duster 1.3T also impressively out-muscles the Chery 1.5T in mid-range torque.
New Duster also significantly undercuts its German and Korean rivals. The 1.3T EDC for instance sits in the low R400k bracket where VW only offers an entry-level T-Cross.1.0 TSI manual. And while the Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser may match it on price and reliability, the powerful turbo Renault has their 77 kW naturally aspirated 1.5-litre covered. Especially when they are caught breathless at Highveld altitudes.
New Duster’s bigger 518 litre boot is also well ahead of the class norm. Including the 337 litre Haval Jolion, 310 litre Grand Vitara and 385 litre T-Cross. A vital consideration in any family, rental, uber or rep’s car purchase.
“The new Duster represents a significant step forward for our SUV portfolio,” Renault SA CEO Shumani Tshifularo concludes. “Duster remains true to its authentic spirit while delivering the technology, comfort, safety and design expected by today’s discerning customers.”
Significantly, however, the new Renault Duster also represents another traditional carmaker shift to counter the Chinese attack. It offers a compelling new player that not just takes the upstarts on in price, but also in areas that matter more to South African owners that just glitzy gizmos and contrived and often woefully under-developed technology. Let the games begin! – Michele Lupini
New Renault Duster Pricing
Evolution 1.0 Turbo 6MT R339K
Evolution 1.3 Turbo 6MT R379K
Techno 1.3 Turbo EDC R399K
Techno+ 1.3 Turbo EDC R439K
Iconic 1.3 Turbo EDC R499K
Your Renault Duster is covered by 5-year/150,000 km mechanical warranty, 3-year/45,000 km service plan and 24-hour roadside assistance.