A QUICK car count on the roads anywhere in South Africa will show at least one Duster among 10 passing sport utility vehicles, and for good reason — the Duster is very good value for money.
This is why Renault sold 15 000 units of the previous generation Duster in South Africa to date and why the second generation, which can be recognised from behind by its square brake lights, has also sold to over 200 new proud Duster drivers every month since its launch.
The Duster goes by several names — the Dacia Duster in Europe, the Duster Oroch in South America, and even re-badged as the Nissan Terrano in Russia. But as the bard wrote, whatever name a rose gets, it would smell as sweet.
During my test drive of this SUV, I paused to take in the views on Botha’s Hill before driving down the rutted farm roads around Assagay to test the 210 mm ride height and dirt handling.
The Duster rides on big wheels — 16 or 17 inches depending on the model — with enough sidewall height to handle our potholes. And it feels very planted thanks to superbly sorted suspension that soaks up corrugations on dirt and hugs corners on the highway.
Apple and Android phones pair in three clicks, and the climate control copes with KZN’s humidity.
The best feature, however, is the automatic door lock that activates when you stand next to the door, and locks when the key moves away.
With the start button, this means no digging for keys. a luxury feature parents who have arrived at the car with full hands and crying toddlers really appreciate.
A giant boot swallows 478 litres with the rear seats up, which basically means you can shove the baby stroller in there as well as the groceries and the school bags, and there will still be space.
Under the hood
Renault sells the Duster locally with either a 1.6-litre 16V and two versions of the 1.5 dCi turbo engine, which also does service in the Merc Vito.
For the 4x2s, this butter-smooth diesel is mapped to make 66 kW and 210 Nm, while the 4x2 EDC (for efficient dual clutch) and the 4x4 Manual versions makes quite a bit more — 80 kW and 250 Nm.
I had the EDC and made good use the clever cogs in the six gear ratios to match Renault’s claimed consumption of only 4,8L/100km.
This is the same mileage I get out of my old Fiat Multipla 1,9 turbo diesel, but it does require a very light right foot and an eye on the rev needle.
The dual clutch keeps the revs admirably low and while upshifting is smooth, I took to manual downshifting when I needed the engine’s compression to stay within speed limits. Driven thus, one can easily stretch the 50 litres in the Duster’s tank to give 1 000 km.
Competitors
When it launched, the Duster ruled the affordability roost and the standard features in the 2019 Duster build on this reputation alongside all the latest in active and passive safety features.
One could quibble that the five-year or 150 000 km mechanical warranty is shorter than what Hyundai or Toyota offer, and that Renault’s 15 000 km service intervals does not allow a lot of space for resale value in the three-year or 45 000km service plan, but these numbers are on par with industry averages.
The Duster however faces serious competition from India and China.
Mahindra’s TUV300 1,5 CRDe makes a little less power (74kW and 240 Nm) but then it currently also retails for some R40 k less at R239 000.
Haval, China’s new premium brand, also equals or betters the Duster’s offer, but the H2 only comes with a 1,5 petrol, and heavy SUVs need a diesel’s torque.
New Duster prices
1.6 Expression 4X2
R249 900
1.5 dCi Dynamique 4x2
R282 900
1.5 dCi Dynamique EDC 4x2
R316 900
1.5 dCi Dynamique 4x4
R321 900
1.5 dCi Prestige EDC 4x2
R334 900
