Fuel economy and practicality have always been the hallmark of the Renault Duster that debuted on local shores as a rebadged Dacia back in 2013.
During the years that passed, the Duster has been updated and tweaked but, unlike many other models in this SUV segment has not simply grown in size or moved up a class, with Renault staying true to the formula that has made it a popular figure on our roads – and seen 23 000 sold since first launch.
Styling
In its latest iteration, the visuals have changed with the vehicle getting more horizontal lines, a wide rear, new design 17-inch Diamond Cut wheels and a range of new colours including Iron Blue, Brown Vision, Fusion Red and Arizona Orange among them.
Its SUV credentials are reinforced by the ground clearance of 210 mm and approach and departure angles of 30 degrees and 34 degrees respectively.
Creature Comforts
The fabric upholstery inside the cabin features a high-quality finish and long-haul comfort is improved with newly designed front headrests.
The modular interior layout easily adapts to needs, with the rear bench seat featuring a 1/3 – 2/3 split-fold function, while the boot boasts a loading capacity of up to 478 litres.
Standard tech includes on-board GPS navigation within the semi-flush 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone replication with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Automatic Climate Control, Speed Limiter and Cruise Control functions.
Passenger safety is taken care of via anti-lock braking with EBD in conjunction with EBA [Emergency Brake Assist], making it possible to maintain control over the trajectory in the event of heavy braking.
Rear Park Distance Control enables easier parking manoeuvres by warning the driver of obstacles situated behind the vehicle, while Hill Start Assist takes over the vehicle by holding it steady for two seconds, allowing the driver to accelerate normally without stalling or rolling back.
The Drive
The 1,5-litre dCi turbo-diesel engine has been retained and out test unit came with the 6-speed dual-clutch EDC automatic gearbox. The 4x2 EDC outputs of 80 kW and 250 Nm and our overall fuel consumption on the test route came in at 5,0 l/100 km – a shade over the manufacturer-claimed 4,8 l/100 km.
In its price bracket (R421 999) the Duster comes up against the BAIC Beijing X55 1.5T Dynamic (R420 900), Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI 70kW Comfortline R-Line R421 200) and Haval Jolion 1.5T Luxury auto at R423 250.
Perhaps the Duster’s biggest loss in this is the fact it has only four crash bags whereas the others all offer six, it does not have rain sensor windscreen wipers and only a front USB port.
For the average car buyer none of these would be deal breakers and certainly do not detract from what the Duster does, and always has, best in providing a relatively inexpensive and comfortable ride backed by impressive overall fuel economy – both the BAIC and Haval with manufacturer consumption claims above the 7,0 l/100 km mark.
Admittedly, both of those are 1,5-litre petrol engine vehicles but, in a cash-strapped economy, the numbers do make a difference.
The Duster is an easy drive and that, perhaps is one of its finest features. It fits five adults quite comfortably, has good all-around vision from the raised seating position, has front corners that are not hidden by a raked bonnet and is just the right size for just about any parking lot.
On the road it is mild and placid but more than capable of getting up a decent head of steam and handling is generally quite benign, unless ambition starts exceeding talent – but then, it was never designed or intended as a pocket rocket.
Even in 4x2 guise, the ground clearance means it can be used to lesser-known unsurfaced roads and it handles the dirt efficiently and gracefully.
Warranty
As is standard across Renault’s entire product range, the Duster comes standard with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000 km intervals, and a standard 3-year/45 000km service plan applies.
Colin Windell – proudly CHANGECARS
(Images may show different specification to the vehicle tested)
