Renault has made an interesting move into the SUV and 4×4 segments with the Duster, a car born of the Nissan alliance and currently selling incredibly well in important emerging markets such as India and Brazil. Built to compete principally on price, the Duster offers surprising levels of refinement, comfort and on road ability.
The Duster Range in South Africa
At launch, two engines will be available, a 1.6 non-turbo petrol and a 1.5 turbo diesel. Ive been driving the diesel more on that a little later.
There are two trim levels, Expression starting at R194 900 going up to the Dynamique 4×4 at R239 900. The only engine available in the Expression spec is the petrol, while the lowest price diesel comes in at R219 900. The Dynamique comes well specced with a touch screen media and satnav system borrowed from the new Clio.
What I like
At this price, this is a lot of car. And it feels like a 4×4 you would actually take off road into the tough stuff, instead of spending a million rand on a Range Rover and never doing anything more than climbing pavements.
I was driving the Range Rover Evoque at the same time as the Duster, and I couldnt believe the Rangie was nearly three times the price as the base Duster. It seems a bit absurd really. Of course the Range Rover is lovely. But I would never have the heart to take it offroad, whereas the Duster feels like its rough and ready.
Ride and handling
Ride comfort is very decent at high way speeds. Smooth and quiet for a vehicle in this class. Sure, its no Range Rover, but then its not trying to be. While the Evoque might be better at 200km/h, I cant see the point of owning a proper 4×4 that can do that. You do have to treat the Duster a bit like a bakkie in terms of handling, but thats the price you pay for a high ride height and tall sidewall tyres.
Duster Diesel Engine
Ive been driving the diesel. Around town, the diesel takes some getting used to. Its like taking an overweight dog for a walk its not very enthusiastic. You have to adapt your driving style completely. Its not that there is a shortage of power, with 80kW and 240Nm, it certainly feels like theres enough oomph, but its available for such a short time in the rev range, that you really have to work the gearbox to make the best of the engine.
I would imagine that the alternative petrol version is better if you drive mostly urban routes, with lots of stop-starting. For longer trips, the diesel actually has a chance of paying itself off, with very decent consumption indeed.
It is very light on fuel. Renault claim 5.5 litres/100km, which you should get quite close to, especially if you take longer trips.
Equipment and safety
The standard equipment list is long, ranging from power windows all round, full media integration and front and side airbags.
This Dynamique spec gets more kit with a standard touch screen media and satnav unit; its very decent kit indeed at this price point. The fascia could have been better designed ergonomically, the screen almost faces downward, but other than that, it is simple and easy to use. I doubt youll need your kids to show you how it all works.
Bear in mind though that metallic paint is an extra at R2500, but options like park distance control are standard.
Interestingly no automatic box is available.
4×4 ability
I must apologise, I am such a city slicker and I havent taken the duster offroad. What I can tell you, and you might be glad to know, is that all the offroad bits and pieces come from Nissan, so these are tried and tested drivetrains. Nothing new here, with you being the first person to break it. I think thats a smart move from Renault.
In the absence of a low range transfer case, the 4×4 is features a shorter first gear that allows it to crawl at under 6km/h at 1000rpm. There is a downside to this on the road though, as you quickly have to catch 2nd gear when in traffic.
Ground clearance is very decent at 205mm in the 4×2 and 210mm in the 4×4, with healthy approach and departure angles. Again, it just feels like the kind of car you can get very dirty indeed.
Service and warranty
As is the case across Renaults entire product range, the New Renault Duster comes standard with a 5-year/150 000km warranty. Also, all New Renault Duster variants come standard with a 3-year / 45,000km Service plan.
Summary
As mentioned, I had this on test at the same time as the Range Rover Evoque, which costs nearly R600 000. And yes, the Evoque is very nice. It looks very nice. Its very comfortable. It has lots of leather lined everything and it will impress your friends.
But, if you need a 4×4 with space for 5, you could save nearly R400 000 and buy this. And then go on holiday. Or buy a holiday house. Or buy two of these and still have R100 000 in change.
The Duster is very, very good value for money, and with a facelift already available in Europe, this could be a second hand bargain in a year or twos time. Although, at under R200 000, its already well worth it.
Renault Duster Pricing in South Africa
There are four models in the range at launch, two trim levels, one petrol engine and one diesel:
– 1.6 Expression 4×2 R194 900
– 1.6 Dynamique 4×2 R204 900
– 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×2 R219 900
– 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×4 R239 900
Renault Duster 4×4 Quick Specs
Price in South Africa: R239 900
Engine: 1.5 dCi turbo diesel
Fuel consumption: 5.5 litres/100km (claimed)
Power: 80kW
Torque: 240Nm at 1750rpm (4×4 model)
Fuel capacity: 50 litres
