Driven: Renault Duster, Zen 6MT 4WD Mild Hybrid
After 2 successful generations of Renault’s compact SUV, Renault SA launched the third generation of the popular Duster this week.
We attended the launch in sunny Cape Town and got to put the vehicle through its paces.
Personally, I enjoyed the second-generation Duster, especially because it was equipped with a diesel-powered engine. I remember how frugal that vehicle was. I drove down to Durban from Pretoria, having driven almost 650km and used just over half a fuel tank. Yes, it was that light on fuel!
The Duster was a good, affordable offering for any consumers who wanted a vehicle that was easy to drive around town and economical, but who also wanted a vehicle that could take them off the beaten path and get them to a particular campsite, fishing spot or hiking destination. The Duster was seen as a gateway car into the world of 4x4 travel and adventure. Affordable, economical and capable enough for a family that requires a compact SUV capable of some gravel travel.
Fast forward a few years and there may not be a diesel variant of the new Renault Duster available anymore but the addition of a new mild hybrid technology is welcomed. A system that works well both on and off the road.
Styling.
Following the same shape as their previous generations, the new Renault Duster gets a modern, retro makeover that looks more stylish and masculine yet still pays homage to the generations that came before it.
At first glance, the striking new front end sports large “Renault” lettering as opposed to the standard diamond logo that appeared on previous generations. Flanking the logo on either side - the new signature Y-shaped LED headlights. The new Duster also gets flared wheel arches with chunky cladding, a large grill, flush-mounted rear door handles, a functionally redesigned front and rear bumper and my favourite, modular roof bars. Not only do they look great, but they have a load capacity of up to 70kgs. Converting the roof rails to a roof rack is a simple process that takes less than five minutes.
The Duster benefits from a higher ground clearance, which makes it more capable off-road. It is available in seven stunning hues, Cedar Green being my colour of choice. On the outside, Renault has paid special attention to using recycled materials. Twenty percent of all the plastic cladding and mouldings are made from this recycled plastic. Renault has found a way to lessen the impact on the environment, but also give these otherwise boring parts a unique design with subtle dots infused in the plastic.
Interior.
The new Duster features a completely redesigned interior with more space for passengers and belongings. Seating is comfortable and everything is where you would expect it to be. It's clear that the driver was the main focus when the interior was designed. The centre console and controls are slanted towards the driver, making it easy to operate. The Y-shaped design elements are seen in the interior as well, with the moulded air vents.
The boot has grown, and on certain models, we see the addition of Renault's YOU-Clip system. This smart offering from Renault allows you to affix various accessories to mounting points across the vehicle. Accessories like smartphone holders, chargers, flashlights and bag holders can be purchased from Renault dealerships.
The dash and trim are made up of mostly plastic bits and while it was probably meant to feel utilitarian, it does feel a little cheap and uncomfortable. At least having the Renault logo and two-tone seats breaks up the monotony of all the dark shades and bland materials used within the rest of the cabin.
With all that said, keeping the interior clean should be pretty easy. Some soft touch materials lining the door rests would have been a welcomed addition. My elbow told a tale after I was thrashed around the cabin as a passenger during our time on the dunes.
Aside from that, drivers of the new Duster also get better seating setups with height-adjustable seats and steering columns. The additional legroom and headroom are also very noticeable. An adult can be seated in the rear in relative comfort and while the Duster does not have the most exciting, plush or luxurious interior, it is practical and functional.
Safety & Tech
The new Duster now comes with a digital instrument cluster that displays all the relevant information and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. The screen's resolution and clarity deserve a mention. Wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto also come standard ensuring users seamless connectivity and convenience.
There are 2 USB-C charging ports located at the front of the vehicle. Other standard safety features include: A multi-view camera with 360 sensors, a tyre pressure detector, blind spot detection and 6 airbags. A slightly disappointing feature was the sound system, a feature that's used daily. A premium sound system should have been available, even if it was offered as an optional extra.
The Drive.
The new Duster’s off-road capabilities are unmatched in its segment, giving users the freedom to venture off the beaten path in search of their next adventure. The 4WD version offers terrain control with five driving modes: Auto, Snow, Mud/Snow, Off-Road and Eco. A ground clearance of 217mm with optimised approach and departure angles ensures exceptional off-road performance.
The mild hybrid powertrain combines a new-generation, 1.2 litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine with a 48V battery and an electric motor. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and produces 96kW of power.
The gearing feels natural but the gear changes felt a little sticky at times. On the open road, the engine happily sips fuel at less than 5l/100km yet still provides enough grunt to overtake slower-moving traffic. An impressive quality of the Renault Duster is its low-end torque. Acceleration feels spirited as does the raspy tone of its 3-cylinder engine.
Verdict.
The Renault Duster returns with an impressive offering. Class-leading off-road capabilities, impressive fuel consumption, good on-road manners, spacious cabin and muscular looks make the Duster a viable option for anyone looking for a practical, compact SUV that's ready to take on every adventure you throw at it.
For me, stand-out qualities have got to be the new design, great power delivery from the Mild Hybrid system and performance and comfort on gravel roads. One can easily get carried away when travelling on gravel, it is that smooth. This vehicle may be in my running for "Best car for a South African road trip".
Mechanical warranty: 5 years / 150 000km
Service plan: 3 years/ 45 000km
Anti-corrosion warranty: 6 year
Pricing: R549 999 (as tested)
Jameel Ismail
proudly ALL THINGS MOTORING
