News / 12 March 2025 / Michael Taylor

New Renault Duster launched in South Africa – Pricing and specifications

The next-generation Renault Duster has finally gone on sale in South Africa after more than a year of waiting.

The compact SUV was first unveiled all the way back in November 2023, and is now available in local showrooms in three specifications with a starting price of R489,999.

Engines

The Duster can be had with one of two different engines, starting with a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol block with 113kW and 250Nm.

This engine is found on the base Zen and the mid-range Intens models, and transmits power to the front wheels via a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.

As a result, the crossover manages an average fuel consumption of 6.5l/100km.

Alternatively, buyers can opt for the top-spec Zen derivative, which is upgraded to a 1.2-litre turbocharged mill with mild-hybrid technology, producing a solid 96kW and 230Nm.

The hybrid components consist of an integrated starter motor and a 0.8kWh battery for better efficiency, as well as a set of regenerative brakes that can recover energy during deceleration.

Importantly, the flagship features a four-wheel-drive (4WD) system in contrast to the other units’ front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup.

The 4WD Duster also boasts a higher ground clearance of 217mm, compared to 209mm for the other models.

Interestingly, the range-topping Renault is the only one to feature a six-speed manual gearbox, and its mild-hybrid underpinnings mean that it ends with an average fuel tab of 5.7l/100km.

All three units are fitted with a 50-litre fuel tank, which gives the crossover a maximum range of between 769km and 877km.

Features

The base Zen comes standard with automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, diamond-cut 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, a full-size steel spare wheel, electric side mirrors, and roof rails that can support up to 70kg.

It also features a leather multifunction steering wheel, black-and-grey fabric seats, manual air conditioning, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital driver display, two front and two rear USB Type C ports, ABS, tyre-pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, cruise control, and a speed limiter.

The Zen 4WD will then add a model-specific bumper, automatic high beams, an electronic hand brake, a wireless charger, keyless entry, a modular set of roof rails, and five driving modes for Eco, Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Off-road.

The Intens has the most equipment of the three models, further encompassing larger 18-inch alloys; auto-folding side mirrors; synthetic leather, suede, and cloth upholstery; six-way manually adjustable front seats with lumbar support; a wireless charger; automatic climate control; paddle shifters; 360-degree cameras; front, back, and side parking sensors; blind-spot monitoring; and a dual-stage boot.

There are seven colours to choose from, including five metallic options for Cedar Green, Mercury Silver, Pearl Black, Sandstone Beige, and Terracotta Brown, as well as two non-metallic finishes namely Dusty Grey and Glacier White.

On top of all of this, customers can install a number of optional accessories such as side steps, mud flaps, front air deflectors that protect occupants from the elements when the windows are down, a skid plate for underbody engine protection, a car cover, a fixed tow bar, and YouClip mounting points in the cabin for things like a smartphone or tablet holder, or a 3-in-1 cupholder, hook and light fixture.