Autoevolution and Indianautosblog report that Dacia is currently developing double- and single-cab versions of its successful Duster compact SUV/crossover. Why is this important for South Africans? Well, the Duster will arrive in South Africa within the next few months (carrying the Renault badge), and given South Africans’ appetites for double-cabs, an affordable, more compact vehicle such as this could well prove a smash-hit. Furthermore, elsewhere it is speculated that the Duster pick-up will replace the old Logan-based NP200, a vehicle that is still manufactured in South Africa. It remains to be seen, however, whether the arrival of a Duster-based vehicle will impact the manufacture of NP200 in South Africa.
The Duster double-cab is apparently being engineered to offer both 4×4 and 4×2 model derivatives, and 1,6-litre petrol and 1,5-litre turbodiesel engines are likely to make up the powertrain line-up.
With double-cabs getting bigger and more expensive with each passing generation, a vehicle such as this could be an appealing addition to Renault’s (or Nissan’s) local line-up.
