Since introducing the current-generation Renault Duster locally early last year, the French carmaker has swapped Romania for India and is now importing the crossover to South Africa for R150,000 less.
For about half a year, Dacia built the locally sold Duster at its main manufacturing plant in Mioveni, Romania, since the Renault group owns Dacia.
While the factory continues to churn out the crossover, it no longer does so for the South African market and instead badges the Duster as a Dacia for the European market.
When it first arrived on our shores, prices for the Romanian Duster started at R489,999, and it was available in three specifications, including an all-wheel-drive flagship model, which retailed for R549,999.
However, Renault has now opted to import five derivatives of the crossover from its wholly owned subsidiary, Renault India, dropping prices significantly but also shaking up the range and what it offers.
Prices for the new era of Duster start from R339,999, with the top-spec derivative demanding R499,999 – merely R10,000 more than the previous entry-level offering, and R50,000 less than the previous flagship.
The French badge has also updated the styling, trimmed the all-wheel-drive option, and introduced all-new powertrain and transmission options in the new range.
“The new Renault Duster represents a significant step forward for our SUV portfolio,” said Renault South Africa Chief Executive Officer, Shumani Tshifularo.
“It remains true to the authentic spirit that South Africans have come to love, while delivering the technology, comfort, safety and design expected by today’s increasingly discerning customers.”
He added that the Indian-built Renault Duster empowers South African customers to “explore again”, allowing them to explore more confidently and more comfortably than before.
Duster vs Duster
The Romania-sourced Duster arrived with two engine choices, including a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol motor and a 1.2-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid option.
The 1.3-litre option produces 113kW and 250Nm and is fitted to the entry- and mid-spec offerings, and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to drive the front wheels and average 6.5l/100km.
The 1.2-litre mild-hybrid block, which produces 96kW and 230Nm, is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox despite being fitted only to the four-wheel-drive flagship derivative, and averages 5.7l/100km.
By contrast, the new entry-level Duster Evolution is fitted with a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol motor producing 74kW and 160Nm, which is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox which drives the front wheels.
The rest of the line-up features a more potent 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 116kW and 260Nm, which is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed EDC automatic gearbox.
This dual-clutch transmission uses an e-shifter and even includes paddle shifters on the steering wheel for greater control, once again depending on the derivative.
Across the board, the Indian-built Duster range claims to maintain an average fuel consumption of 5.2l/100km to 5.6l/100km, depending on the derivative.
Feature changes
Beyond the pricing and powertrain shake-up, the newly introduced Duster refreshes the range’s looks, both inside and out.
The new models feature a slightly raised suspension and more muscular body proportions. Having adopted Renault’s new design language, the grille also features the DUSTER nameplate instead of RENAULT.
Inside, the updated cabin features a driver-centric cockpit with a dual OpenR Link display, comprising a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
By contrast, the Dacia-derived models were fitted with the same 10.1-inch infotainment screen, but only had a 7-inch digital driver display.
According to Renault, the updated centre console has also been elevated, and the interior uses premium material finishes across the range.
Pricing and line-up changes
Below is the old and new pricing for the locally sold Renault Duster:
| Romanian Renault Duster | Indian Renault Duster |
|---|---|
| Renault Duster Evolution 1.0 Turbo 6MT – R339,999 | |
| Renault Duster Evolution 1.3 Turbo 6MT – R379,999 | |
| Renault Duster 1.3T Zen – R489,999 | Renault Duster Techno 1.3 Turbo EDC – R399,999 |
| Renault Duster 1.3T Intens – R519,999 | Renault Duster Techno+ 1.3 Turbo EDC – R439,999 |
| Renault Duster 1.2T hybrid Zen 4WD – R549,999 | Renault Duster Iconic 1.3 Turbo EDC – R499,999 |
The old and new prices include a 5-year/150,000km warranty with 24-hour roadside assistance and a 3-year/45,000 km service plan.
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