Parys, Free State – The Duster has been a successful product for the Renault brand, with nearly 400 000 sold globally since its debut in 2010. In South Africa, more than 8 000 units have found homes over the past two years. It’s an appealing vehicle thanks to its affordability, rough-road capability and practicality, qualities Renault has sought to enhance with this facelifted version.
Models destined for South Africa will now be sourced from the carmaker’s plant in Pitesti, Romania, as opposed to Chennai in India. Renault says the reason is because it wants to offer buyers a better-quality Duster at a very similar price.
This facelifted version has been given a slight but noticeable cosmetic makeover both inside and out. Engine emissions standards have also shifted from Euro 4 to Euro 5 compliancy, meaning that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are lower.
What’s different?
The most obvious exterior trim changes have been applied to the grille, headlamp clusters and roof racks. A black honeycomb grille is separated by a chrome strip, while the lights have been darkened. Roof racks are now a lot thicker than before and have been imprinted with the Duster logo. Other less noticeable trim changes consist of door mirrors that are no longer colour-coded and a plastic rear name plate as opposed to a chrome one.
On the inside
Apart from the addition of leather seats (that feel very synthetic), revised door trim finish and instrument cluster, not much has changed in the cabin. The focus is still on simplicity and ease of use, signified by the standard-fit touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav and audio controls mounted behind the steering wheel.
There are quality niggles, however. I spotted a visible layer of insulation foam in the handbrake console and a loose steering column cover. That said, the cabin remains a comfortable environment.
The drive
Thankfully, Renault hasn’t tinkered too much with the mechanicals. Traction control would benefit the front-wheel-drive Duster in gravel conditions, but careful throttle management will see it conquer most obstacles. The damping is fairly good in these conditions, and the vehicle remains composed on-road, too (though bigger road scars impact on cabin comfort). Cornering on gravel is also stable, but body roll is very apparent.
In-cabin noise is well controlled especially for a budget diesel crossover with brick-like aerodynamics. But it wasn’t all rosy: after a few hours’ gravel-road driving, there were a few squeaks and rattles in the cabin and dust intruded despite the air vents and windows being closed. When we returned to long stretches of tar, the standard cruise control came in handy.
Euro 5 compliancy
By cleaning up the Duster’s 1,5 dCi engine to Euro 5 level, claimed fuel consumption has dropped to 4,8 L/100 km (down from 5,5). Outputs remain unchanged at 80 kW and 240 Nm of torque.
Summary
As a modern reinterpretation of a rustic small SUV in the vein of the Lada Niva, the Duster has its merits. It’s an honest, capable light SUV that offers great value for money and very respectable fuel economy. It’s nowhere near a premium product, which is exactly what makes it so charming.
Pricing
Duster 1,6 16v Expression 4×2: R215 900
Duster 1,6 Dynamique 4×2: R233 900
Duster 1,5 dCi Dynamique 4×2: R254 900
Duster 1,5 dCi Dynamique 4×4: R269 900
