A new double-cab bakkie based on the model we know as the Renault Duster has been revealed, though it’s seemingly limited to Dacia’s domestic market of Romania…
- New Duster converted into double-cab bakkie
- Limited to Dacia’s domestic market of Romania
- Bakkie’s payload listed as fairly modest 430 kg
The new Dacia Duster – which debuted in South Africa in Renault form in March 2025 – has again spawned a bakkie derivative, though this oddly proportioned double-cab model is seemingly exclusive to Dacia’s domestic market of Romania.
Yes, Dacia (which is owned by Renault) has again teamed up with Romanian coachbuilder Romturingia to convert the crossover into a pick-up, just as the companies did with the 2nd-gen Duster (though that 2020 version was a single cab, while the new iteration is a double cab).
This latest Romania-only conversion is dubbed the Duster Pick-Up and sees the rear end of the crossover adapted to accommodate a modestly sized load bay. According to Dacia, the small tray measures 1 050 mm long and 1 000 mm wide, and includes a pair of metal rails with 4 anchoring rings. The listed payload is 430 kg (for context, Nissan’s now-defunct NP200 was rated to carry 800 kg).
The rear bench is thus retained, though the automaker lists the Duster Pick-Up as a 4- rather than 5-seater, with a central armrest added to the 2nd row. In Romania, this converted bakkie is available in front-wheel-drive, 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid guise or all-wheel-drive, 1.2-litre turbopetrol mild-hybrid form.
In that market, the Duster-based bakkie retains the safety features found in the standard model, including all airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-start assist and various driver-assistance features.
Separately, of course, Renault in Latin America still uses the original Duster as a base for the Oroch bakkie. Back in October 2024, the head of Renault South Africa told Cars.co.za he was well aware that the local market still wanted this Oroch half-tonne bakkie, adding that “conversations are still open and we’re looking at it”.
The French firm’s local distributor has been endeavouring to bring the Duster-based Oroch to the Mzansi since at least 2016, with Renault SA having on several occasions said the unibody bakkie was “in the planning” for a local launch. However, the project was then paused due to what the brand termed “unfavourable” market conditions.
Though production of the long-in-the-tooth Oroch continues in Latin America, Renault announced a fresh investment in its Córdoba factory in Argentina in September 2024, confirming that it will produce a new half-tonne bakkie based on the Niagara concept.
Find a used Renault Duster on Cars.co.za!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the new Dacia Duster bakkie available in South Africa?
A: No, the new Duster bakkie, known as the Duster Pick-Up, is exclusive to Dacia’s domestic market of Romania.
Q: What is the payload of the new Dacia Duster bakkie?
A: The listed payload is a fairly modest 430 kg. For comparison, the discontinued Nissan NP200 was rated to carry 800 kg.
Q: Is Renault bringing a half-tonne bakkie to South Africa?
A: Around a year ago, Renault South Africa stated that conversations were still open about bringing a half-tonne bakkie to the local market.
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