The new Renault Duster has finally touched down in South Africa, available locally with a choice of 2 powertrains (though no turbodiesel). Here’s what this 3rd-gen SUV costs…
The new Renault Duster – which was revealed back in November 2023 and is built by the French firm’s Romanian subsidiary, Dacia – has officially hit the market in South Africa, with the local range comprising a trio of derivatives at launch.
As expected, the 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine – a turbodiesel motor that powered the outgoing generation – has been put out to pasture, with the Boulogne-Billancourt-based automaker instead switching to a pair of new petrol mills (one of which is lightly electrified) for this 3rd iteration of the Duster.
In Mzansi, 2 of the 3 derivatives available at launch are powered by a turbocharged 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (known as the “TCe 150”), which sends 113 kW (from 4 800- to 5 000 rpm) and 250 Nm (at 1 700 rpm) to the front axle via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. Renault SA lists a combined fuel economy figure of 6.5 L/100 km for this powertrain.
Meanwhile, the 4WD version of the P1310-series Duster – which features 217 mm of ground clearance compared with the 4×2 version’s 209 mm – draws its urge from a turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol unit (called “TCe 130 MHEV”) featuring a mild-hybrid system designed to “optimise fuel consumption in the most energy-intensive driving phases”.
Driving all 4 wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox, this lightly electrified engine delivers peak outputs of 96 kW (from 4 500- to 5 500 rpm) and 230 Nm (at 2 000 rpm). According to the French automaker’s local division, the 48-volt powertrain – which features an integrated starter generator pulling from a 0.8 kWh battery pack – can return a combined fuel consumption of 5.7 L/100 km.
So, what about pricing? Well, the Duster 1.3 TCe 150 Zen EDC 4×2 starts at R489 999, while the Duster 1.3 TCe 150 Intens EDC 4×2 is priced at R519 999. Finally, the Duster 1.2 TCe 130 MHEV Zen 4WD comes in at R549 999. For context, the outgoing 2nd-gen line-up featured 4 turbodiesel derivatives, with pricing bookends of R397 999 and R465 999, so the entry point has increased by R92 000.
In terms of specifications, the Duster 1.3 TCe 150 Zen EDC 4×2 ships standard with items such as rear parking sensors, a reverse-view camera, cruise control, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, 17-inch “Tergan” alloy wheels, roof rails, automatic headlamps, front foglamps and rain-sensing wipers.
The Duster 1.2 TCe 130 MHEV Zen 4WD, meanwhile, adds 5 driving modes, an electric parking brake, auto high beams, keyless entry (via a handsfree key card), wireless smartphone charging and a derivative-specific bumper design, while also upgrading to “modular” roof bars.
The Duster 1.3 TCe 150 Intens EDC 4×2 furthermore scores 18-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree multi-view camera system, front parking sensors, blind-spot warning, climate control (rather than manual air conditioning), auto-folding side mirrors, 6-way adjustment for the front seats, synthetic leather/suede-and-cloth upholstery, paddle shifters and a dual-stage boot.
Safety features standard across the range include ABS, electronic stability control, a tyre-pressure detector, ISOfix child-seat anchors and driver-, front passenger-, side- and curtain airbags (for a total of 6).
In South Africa, the new Duster is available in 7 exterior paint colours: Sandstone Beige, Terracotta Brown, Cedar Green, Glacier White, Dusty Grey, Mercury Silver and Pearl Black. Of those, Glacier White and Dusty Grey are non-metallic, with all other hues being metallic and thus attracting a R2 500 further premium over the prices below.
How much does the new Renault Duster cost in SA?
Renault Duster 1.3 TCe 150 Zen EDC 4×2 – R489 999
Renault Duster 1.3 TCe 150 Intens EDC 4×2 – R519 999
Renault Duster 1.2 TCe 130 MHEV Zen 4WD – R549 999
The prices above include a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan (with intervals of 12 months or 15 000 km).
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