Built to beat them, Duster is a real answer to the Chinese
Having suffered its recent global challenges, if this reimagined new Duster is anything to go by, then Renault is without doubt right back on track in South Africa. Completely re-imagined to not just make it more South Africa friendly, this spunky little SUV is now also priced to take its Chinese rivals by the throat.
Starting at R150,000 less than before, Duster is also a hell of a lot of very good car. Best of all, it comes without any of the worries of those new brand rivals’ issues spares availability and parts backup, resale value and so many other little foibles that make them so worth their discount. No such worries with this traditional model. Especially now that it’s now priced to match those newfangled rivals, too.
Built on the Renault Group's new modular Indian CMF-B platform and optimised for emerging and right hand drive markets, versus the previous European specification car, new Duster makes a most compelling claim to be the most SUV in its South African segment filled with, well cheap copies. Being a Renault it also remains true to its legacy brand.
Duster has improved massively over time
The Renault Duster has always offered an adventurous spirit. But like its Chinese rivals today, it too was once compromised on quality, ergonomics and other aspects versus its more traditional rivals of the day. Fifteen years anon, however, not only does this latest Indian Duster bristle with fresh looks, latest tech, comfort and safety, but it does so with je ne sais quoi enough to make its yellow rivals run and hide.
That powerful stance and distinctive, muscular looks open up to a surprisingly cool, composed and impressive cabin. Utterly modern and shockingly premium, its built around the driver but does not fail to caress everyone aboard.
Its Stylishly cobbled together, quality is good and the cabin is better thought out and designed than anything we’ve seen out of China. It rather rivals some more premium recent European and Japanese solutions. Some may say materials are not best, but that’s probably a touch harsh at this price point.
You need not be a Martian to work it
Duster possesses all the necessary Auto, CarPlay and Bluetooth compatibility in its OpenR Link infotainment. Not only is it all modern and contemporary, with a bright theme that changes with the weather and the days, but it’s also easy to understand. Some may call it laggy, but it has buttons and knobs, so any old fool can use it.
We liked the bright cabin finishes on this flagship, the elevated centre console and our options. Those included ventilated power seats, panoramic sunroof, auto dual-zone climate, ambient lighting and a power tailgate for the larger 518 to 1789 litre boot.
There are 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 and up to this, more robust 116 kW 260 Nm 1.3-litre turbo. It has either six-speed manual or EDC automatic with paddle shifters.
Duster performs briskly
Performance is brisk at this price point, as our Auto figures attest. Economy is not bad either. Although the critics are quick to point out that the old turbodiesel was even more frugal. Which is something current diesel prices probably negate, anyway.
Boasting impressively tall 212 mm ground clearance, suspension is engineered for comfort and durability. Or as they say, new Duster is now even more suited to South African road conditions. Plush on the road, some would construe it as being a little hard. But it drives, rides, handles and holds the road well. Not that every buyer wants to safari to Timbuktu, but there’s no more an all-wheel drive Duster, either.
Safety and assistance includes six airbags, electronic stability control, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring and a rear-view camera. This up-spec model offers seventeen ADAS assistance, warning and safety systems. Happily, those that you don’t want, stay off. Which is far more than we can say for far too many of this car’s alleged rivals. Otherwise save sixty grand and buy a model down to lose it all, if you also think that's all superfluous.
Duster is simply built to beat the Chinese
New Duster of course wades into a hugely competitive marketplace. As noted, it takes the Chinese onslaught by the throat. Chery and Haval have found success with perceived glitz, glamour dual screens, and sunroofs at cut-throat prices in this segment. Duster counters that with superior chassis dynamics and real-world fuel economy.
Duster also significantly undercuts its German and Korean rivals, while its bigger 518 litre boot is well ahead of the class norm. A vital consideration in any family man, rental, uber or rep’s car purchase.
Significantly, however, this car represents another major traditional carmaker’s countermeasures to the Chinese attack. Specifically designed, engineered and built to take those upstarts on price, this compelling newcomer also thrashes them in areas that matter far more to South African owners.
Which to us, makes this Renault Duster a win-win, all the way to the bank – Michele Lupini
Images & testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Renault Duster Iconic 1.3 Turbo EDC
Engine: 116 kW 260 Nm 1.3-litre turbo petrol I4
Drive: 6-speed automatic FWD
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 4.56 sec
0-100 km/h: 9.68 sec
0-120 km/h: 12.85 sec
0-160 km/h: 23.88 sec
400m: 16.8 sec @ 138 km/h
80-120 km/h: 6.11 sec
120-160 km/h: 11.03 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 200 km/h
Fuel: 5.4 l/100 km
CO2: 128 g/km
Range: 925 km
Warranty/Service: 5y 150K/3y 45K km
LIST PRICE: R499K
How does it compare? Check with Auto's Test Data right here
