Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Indeed, although it is very handy to clean my car before I drive to work.
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Question of the Day: If you were buying a TV today, which brand would you choose?
Indeed, although it is very handy to clean my car before I drive to work.
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Indeed, although it is very handy to clean my car before I drive to work.
TheChamp
Honorary Master
2018 Dacia Duster Illustrates the "Don't Fix It If It Ain't Broken" Saying
Renault cars weren't selling too well in Germany, and given the national pride that resides in the people living in most European countries, that wasn't exactly such a big surprise. Besides, the Germans had their own similarly priced cars, and the general consensus was that they were better, so there was no need to go looking for alternatives from their neighbors to the southwest. When Renault bought Romanian brand Dacia, all that went down the drain.
Europe did not have a truly accessible car with a decent build quality for a while, and that was because none of the major manufacturers thought they could make it work. But with some clever cost cutting and the more affordable workforce at the Mioveni plant in Romania (not to mention the one in Marrakech, in northern Africa), Renault finally pulled it off.
And Europe could not get enough of it. James May is probably the most high-profile fan of the brand, but he's definitely not alone. And after the Logan sedan and Sandero Hatchback, Dacia went one step further with the Duster SUV.
With a starting price of around €11,000 (approximately $12,000), buyers got a roomy, robust, no-nonsense off-roader (FWD for the base versions), with a surprisingly pleasant design and very good rough-terrain abilities (when equipped with a 4WD system).
Seven years on, the Duster is now up for a replacement, and we've got the testing car on camera as it drives down some winding roads in Spain. Dacia appears to play the conservative card and change as little as possible about the SUV, while making sure there's plenty of novelty to separate it from the current model.
The test vehicle has plenty of added cladding over its doors and hood, but we'd be surprised if there were any major changes. Cost efficiency is best achieved in the manufacturing process, so changing as little as possible on the assembly line is what keeps the Duster's price down.
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2018-dacia-duster-illustrates-the-don-t-fix-it-if-it-ain-t-broken-saying-118720.html#
Renault cars weren't selling too well in Germany, and given the national pride that resides in the people living in most European countries, that wasn't exactly such a big surprise. Besides, the Germans had their own similarly priced cars, and the general consensus was that they were better, so there was no need to go looking for alternatives from their neighbors to the southwest. When Renault bought Romanian brand Dacia, all that went down the drain.
Europe did not have a truly accessible car with a decent build quality for a while, and that was because none of the major manufacturers thought they could make it work. But with some clever cost cutting and the more affordable workforce at the Mioveni plant in Romania (not to mention the one in Marrakech, in northern Africa), Renault finally pulled it off.
And Europe could not get enough of it. James May is probably the most high-profile fan of the brand, but he's definitely not alone. And after the Logan sedan and Sandero Hatchback, Dacia went one step further with the Duster SUV.
With a starting price of around €11,000 (approximately $12,000), buyers got a roomy, robust, no-nonsense off-roader (FWD for the base versions), with a surprisingly pleasant design and very good rough-terrain abilities (when equipped with a 4WD system).
Seven years on, the Duster is now up for a replacement, and we've got the testing car on camera as it drives down some winding roads in Spain. Dacia appears to play the conservative card and change as little as possible about the SUV, while making sure there's plenty of novelty to separate it from the current model.
The test vehicle has plenty of added cladding over its doors and hood, but we'd be surprised if there were any major changes. Cost efficiency is best achieved in the manufacturing process, so changing as little as possible on the assembly line is what keeps the Duster's price down.
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2018-dacia-duster-illustrates-the-don-t-fix-it-if-it-ain-t-broken-saying-118720.html#
TheChamp
Honorary Master
I hope they improve the engine, the current 77kw petrol is just not up to the task.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Tested: Renault Duster well-suited to auto 'box
Renault's Duster might pitch itself as a lower-priced SUV for those who consider themselves a bit too Bear Grylls for all the frills, but with today’s queue after queue of congested, frustrated and horn-honking traffic in the urban jungle where most of us reside, an automatic gearbox is becoming a temptation that fewer buyers are willing to resist.
And so Renault is following the auto-shifting migration with this new addition to the Duster range. But rather than opting for a conventional automatic, Renault is offering its six-speed EDC dual-clutch automated transmission, although it’s only available in diesel front-wheel drive format.
Renault’s EDC gearbox has taken some flak in the past for its relative lack of overall polish, but in this application I can say that it’s actually quite a happy camper.
Here’s the thing. The EDC gearbox might not be up to the task of swopping cogs swiftly at full tilt, but in this diesel-powered SUV it does as good a job as you could ever expect. The auto gear changes are smooth, comfortable and they happen when you want them to, neither too soon nor too late.
The 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine produces 80kW and 240Nm, and it’s rather economical, with our unit sipping 6.4 litres per 100km in a combination of city and freeway driving. The engine performs capably in town and on the open road, and there’s loads of low-down torque for easy cruising. It’s not fast, but one gets the feeling that there’s just enough engine for the quantity of car that needs to be lugged around.
And the Duster is quite comfortably sized. It’s bigger than the B-segment crossovers that it competes with in size, but it’s still somewhat smaller than a Rav4 or a Kuga. It’s quite close in size to the Nissan Qashqai, in fact, except that its more upright C-pillar makes for a bigger boot, which, measuring 475 litres with the seats in place, is actually quite large by segment standards.
Cabin space is also ample, and large teens as well as adults won’t feel squashed in the back.
So there’s a lot of space for the money, which is R299 900, as well as a very pleasing engine and gearbox combination, but keep in mind that the Duster lacks the overall sophistication of many modern crossovers.
It’s noisier for starters, while the ride is not quite as refined as we’d like it to be. It is comfortable, but just a tad on the firm side.
The cabin looks quite plasticky by today’s standards and the ergonomics are decidedly last-decade. The steering has no reach adjustment, for instance, although you can alter the height. Also, most of the controls are placed rather low on the dashboard, but Renault has at least installed its MediaNav touch-screen infotainment system with satnav as standard, which is rare at the price. Sure, the graphics look a little dated, but hey ... this is no Audi, and on the upside the system is quite simple and easy to operate.
The MediaNav also includes a reverse camera; other notable standard amenities in the EDC Dynamique include cruise control and a multi-function steering wheel. Safety kit comprises ESP stability control as well as front and side (head/thorax) airbags.
VERDICT
Renault’s Duster is in some ways a little rougher around the edges than other modern crossovers, but its combination of rugged styling, practicality, economy and easy-cruising ability will no doubt prove attractive to many buyers at the price. We’d happily live with this one, although Mr Grylls would probably go for the 4x4 manual.
Renault Duster Dynamique AT
Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Power: 80kW @ 4000rpm
Torque: 240Nm @ 1750rpm
0-100km/h (claimed): 11.9 seconds
Top speed (claimed): 169km/h
Price: R299 900
Warranty: 5-year/150 000km
Service plan: 3-year/45 000km
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/tested-renault-duster-well-suited-to-auto-box-11066727
Renault's Duster might pitch itself as a lower-priced SUV for those who consider themselves a bit too Bear Grylls for all the frills, but with today’s queue after queue of congested, frustrated and horn-honking traffic in the urban jungle where most of us reside, an automatic gearbox is becoming a temptation that fewer buyers are willing to resist.
And so Renault is following the auto-shifting migration with this new addition to the Duster range. But rather than opting for a conventional automatic, Renault is offering its six-speed EDC dual-clutch automated transmission, although it’s only available in diesel front-wheel drive format.
Renault’s EDC gearbox has taken some flak in the past for its relative lack of overall polish, but in this application I can say that it’s actually quite a happy camper.
Here’s the thing. The EDC gearbox might not be up to the task of swopping cogs swiftly at full tilt, but in this diesel-powered SUV it does as good a job as you could ever expect. The auto gear changes are smooth, comfortable and they happen when you want them to, neither too soon nor too late.
The 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine produces 80kW and 240Nm, and it’s rather economical, with our unit sipping 6.4 litres per 100km in a combination of city and freeway driving. The engine performs capably in town and on the open road, and there’s loads of low-down torque for easy cruising. It’s not fast, but one gets the feeling that there’s just enough engine for the quantity of car that needs to be lugged around.
And the Duster is quite comfortably sized. It’s bigger than the B-segment crossovers that it competes with in size, but it’s still somewhat smaller than a Rav4 or a Kuga. It’s quite close in size to the Nissan Qashqai, in fact, except that its more upright C-pillar makes for a bigger boot, which, measuring 475 litres with the seats in place, is actually quite large by segment standards.
Cabin space is also ample, and large teens as well as adults won’t feel squashed in the back.
So there’s a lot of space for the money, which is R299 900, as well as a very pleasing engine and gearbox combination, but keep in mind that the Duster lacks the overall sophistication of many modern crossovers.
It’s noisier for starters, while the ride is not quite as refined as we’d like it to be. It is comfortable, but just a tad on the firm side.
The cabin looks quite plasticky by today’s standards and the ergonomics are decidedly last-decade. The steering has no reach adjustment, for instance, although you can alter the height. Also, most of the controls are placed rather low on the dashboard, but Renault has at least installed its MediaNav touch-screen infotainment system with satnav as standard, which is rare at the price. Sure, the graphics look a little dated, but hey ... this is no Audi, and on the upside the system is quite simple and easy to operate.
The MediaNav also includes a reverse camera; other notable standard amenities in the EDC Dynamique include cruise control and a multi-function steering wheel. Safety kit comprises ESP stability control as well as front and side (head/thorax) airbags.
VERDICT
Renault’s Duster is in some ways a little rougher around the edges than other modern crossovers, but its combination of rugged styling, practicality, economy and easy-cruising ability will no doubt prove attractive to many buyers at the price. We’d happily live with this one, although Mr Grylls would probably go for the 4x4 manual.
Renault Duster Dynamique AT
Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Power: 80kW @ 4000rpm
Torque: 240Nm @ 1750rpm
0-100km/h (claimed): 11.9 seconds
Top speed (claimed): 169km/h
Price: R299 900
Warranty: 5-year/150 000km
Service plan: 3-year/45 000km
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/tested-renault-duster-well-suited-to-auto-box-11066727
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
DRIVEN: Renault Duster 1,5dCI Dynamique 4WD
R300 000 is your budget for a family SUV. As if this were not limiting enough in our market of sky-rocketing vehicle prices, you have several additional requirements. The vehicle needs to be able to carry the family (and luggage), have genuine off-road ability (since you enjoy the remote outdoors) and be frugal on fuel, too. Impossible? Well, let me re-introduce you to the Renault Duster.
The concept
Launched back in 2013, this Renault immediately made an impact on the sales charts. The main reason for this was its no-frills and value-for-money approach. It offered space, decent ground clearance and was suited to both the school-run duties and exploring the bundu.
To date, more than 13 000 Dusters have been sold locally (with the 4×4 version making up 24% of that figure). I was lucky enough to test an early version for a year (see the wrap-up video here) and was surprised by how well it coped with everything I threw at it. This included caravan towing, dune-driving and covering 5 000 km in a round trip from Cape Town to Tzaneen.
What’s new?
In comparison to the original model, which was already relatively well specced with a standard touchscreen infotainment system (including sat-nav), Renault has quietly added cruise control, a reversing camera and parking sensors to the latest version. Styling wise, the Duster still takes on a chunky, square form, but splashes of chrome, a new wheel design and an updated grille keep things fresh on the outside – even the bonnet now opens with a gas strut. However, take note that a new model is due to arrive in South Africa next year.
The interior gains a slightly new facia design and refreshed instrument cluster, while an updated steering wheel with cruise control buttons greets the driver. The air-conditioning system is still manual, with the controls mounted slightly a little too low.
The Clarens adventure
Renault invited us to experience the 4×4 version during an adventure to Clarens in the Free State. This meant driving the Duster from Johannesburg to this quaint town on roads less travelled, with stops in Lindley and Constantia cherry farm.
The proven 1,5 turbodiesel engine provided enough punch (80 kW and 240 N.m) to easily stick to motorway speeds, while consuming diesel at a rate below 7,0 L/100 km (the claimed figure is 5,2 L/100 km). The suspension set-up is forgiving, which results in a comfortable ride, but care should be taken when bends approach as this is not its forte.
The six-speed manual transmission (the dual-clutch transmission is available only on the front-wheel-drive version) is easy to use, with the first gear ratio low for off-road work. It is thus possible to pull away in second gear on flat terrain.
Quite a bit of road and wind noise enters the cabin at speed, but this isn’t really a deal-breaker as the Duster’s real talents start to show when the paved roads end. I was impressed with its dirt-road ability and the way it soaked up ruts and bumps. Since the vehicle has plump tyres and good ground clearance, there are no worries when the track becomes a little more challenging.
This was exactly what happened the next day, when we ventured into the mountains outside Clarens for a proper off-road excursion. With the all-wheel-drive system set to 4×4 mode (locking the centre multi-plate clutch) and traction control switched off, the Duster was ready. Whereas most other “soft-roaders” with all-wheel drive are intended to tackle nothing more serious than a dirt road, the Duster is actually rather handy in the rough stuff.
Because of the Duster’s light mass, low first gear ratio and impressive approach and departure angles (30 and 35 degrees, respectively), its driver can be confident when the terrain gets tougher. Crawling up rocky slopes is possible and there always seems to be enough traction, even without diff-lock. The harde baarde in their modified bakkies with low-range (and diff-lock) may sneer at this small French SUV scurrying around the place, but it has a big heart and will surprise.
Once we reached the top, we enjoyed a splendid view of Lesotho while sipping on something cold – adventure at its best.
Conclusion
The Duster is a honest offering: what you see is what you get. It’s not the most luxurious or modern offering, but there is no other product that can compete on the combination of size, capability and price. And that gives cash-strapped South Africans the option of driving a cheaper alternative, making more money available to treat the family once you arrive at the destination.
In short, the Duster has a certain charm that is hard to ignore and it deserves to continue selling well. Now we just need the double-cab bakkie version (dubbed Oroch) to come to South Africa!
FAST FACTS
Model: Renault Duster 1,5dCi Dynamique 4WD
Price: R304 900
Engine: 1,5-litre, inline four, turbodiesel
Power: 80 kW at 4 000 r/min
Torque: 240 N.m at 1 750 r/min
0-100 km/h: 12,8 seconds
Top Speed: 168 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 5,2 L/100 km
CO2: 135 g/km
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Maintenance Plan: S3/45 000 km
http://www.carmag.co.za/driving_impression/driven-renault-duster-15dci-dynamique-4wd/
R300 000 is your budget for a family SUV. As if this were not limiting enough in our market of sky-rocketing vehicle prices, you have several additional requirements. The vehicle needs to be able to carry the family (and luggage), have genuine off-road ability (since you enjoy the remote outdoors) and be frugal on fuel, too. Impossible? Well, let me re-introduce you to the Renault Duster.
The concept
Launched back in 2013, this Renault immediately made an impact on the sales charts. The main reason for this was its no-frills and value-for-money approach. It offered space, decent ground clearance and was suited to both the school-run duties and exploring the bundu.
To date, more than 13 000 Dusters have been sold locally (with the 4×4 version making up 24% of that figure). I was lucky enough to test an early version for a year (see the wrap-up video here) and was surprised by how well it coped with everything I threw at it. This included caravan towing, dune-driving and covering 5 000 km in a round trip from Cape Town to Tzaneen.
What’s new?
In comparison to the original model, which was already relatively well specced with a standard touchscreen infotainment system (including sat-nav), Renault has quietly added cruise control, a reversing camera and parking sensors to the latest version. Styling wise, the Duster still takes on a chunky, square form, but splashes of chrome, a new wheel design and an updated grille keep things fresh on the outside – even the bonnet now opens with a gas strut. However, take note that a new model is due to arrive in South Africa next year.
The interior gains a slightly new facia design and refreshed instrument cluster, while an updated steering wheel with cruise control buttons greets the driver. The air-conditioning system is still manual, with the controls mounted slightly a little too low.
The Clarens adventure
Renault invited us to experience the 4×4 version during an adventure to Clarens in the Free State. This meant driving the Duster from Johannesburg to this quaint town on roads less travelled, with stops in Lindley and Constantia cherry farm.
The proven 1,5 turbodiesel engine provided enough punch (80 kW and 240 N.m) to easily stick to motorway speeds, while consuming diesel at a rate below 7,0 L/100 km (the claimed figure is 5,2 L/100 km). The suspension set-up is forgiving, which results in a comfortable ride, but care should be taken when bends approach as this is not its forte.
The six-speed manual transmission (the dual-clutch transmission is available only on the front-wheel-drive version) is easy to use, with the first gear ratio low for off-road work. It is thus possible to pull away in second gear on flat terrain.
Quite a bit of road and wind noise enters the cabin at speed, but this isn’t really a deal-breaker as the Duster’s real talents start to show when the paved roads end. I was impressed with its dirt-road ability and the way it soaked up ruts and bumps. Since the vehicle has plump tyres and good ground clearance, there are no worries when the track becomes a little more challenging.
This was exactly what happened the next day, when we ventured into the mountains outside Clarens for a proper off-road excursion. With the all-wheel-drive system set to 4×4 mode (locking the centre multi-plate clutch) and traction control switched off, the Duster was ready. Whereas most other “soft-roaders” with all-wheel drive are intended to tackle nothing more serious than a dirt road, the Duster is actually rather handy in the rough stuff.
Because of the Duster’s light mass, low first gear ratio and impressive approach and departure angles (30 and 35 degrees, respectively), its driver can be confident when the terrain gets tougher. Crawling up rocky slopes is possible and there always seems to be enough traction, even without diff-lock. The harde baarde in their modified bakkies with low-range (and diff-lock) may sneer at this small French SUV scurrying around the place, but it has a big heart and will surprise.
Once we reached the top, we enjoyed a splendid view of Lesotho while sipping on something cold – adventure at its best.
Conclusion
The Duster is a honest offering: what you see is what you get. It’s not the most luxurious or modern offering, but there is no other product that can compete on the combination of size, capability and price. And that gives cash-strapped South Africans the option of driving a cheaper alternative, making more money available to treat the family once you arrive at the destination.
In short, the Duster has a certain charm that is hard to ignore and it deserves to continue selling well. Now we just need the double-cab bakkie version (dubbed Oroch) to come to South Africa!
FAST FACTS
Model: Renault Duster 1,5dCi Dynamique 4WD
Price: R304 900
Engine: 1,5-litre, inline four, turbodiesel
Power: 80 kW at 4 000 r/min
Torque: 240 N.m at 1 750 r/min
0-100 km/h: 12,8 seconds
Top Speed: 168 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 5,2 L/100 km
CO2: 135 g/km
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Maintenance Plan: S3/45 000 km
http://www.carmag.co.za/driving_impression/driven-renault-duster-15dci-dynamique-4wd/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Renault Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique EDC (2017) Quick Review
Facts & Figures
Price: R299 900 (November 2017)
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch
Power: 80 kW
Torque: 250 Nm
Fuel consumption: 4.8 L/100 km (claimed)
0-100 kph: 11.9 sec
Top speed: 169 kph
Price and after-sales support
The Renault Duster costs R299 900 and it comes with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty, a 3-year/45 000km service plan (with service intervals at 15 000km intervals) and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. The only two options available are metallic paint (R2 500) and leather seats (R10 000).
Verdict
Finally, the Duster range (a fixture of the South African market since 2013) is complete... it only needed an automatic model and Renault has closed the loop. To use that awful cliche (if you absolutely must – ed), there is now a Duster for everyone. We were impressed with the powertrain, despite the minor roughness in bumper-to-bumper traffic. It still rides and drives like a Duster, and space abounds in both the luggage bay and cabin. The engine may be getting on a bit, but it's still a capable motor. It's only when you're really pressing on that the rough turbodiesel clatter overwhelms the cabin. As for the ride quality, the Renault Duster is fairly refined (at the price point) and the car feels as well-sorted as a product of its age should.
With Dynamique spec, you get more than a fair number of mod cons and safety features for your money. The Duster has not lost any of its easy-to-live-with charm. As of now (November 2017) this derivative represents the best Duster in the range; consider the 4x4 only if you're looking to venture off the beaten track, but we warned: you're bound to miss the auto!
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/renault-duster-15-dci-dynamique-edc-2017-quick-review/44266/
Facts & Figures
Price: R299 900 (November 2017)
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch
Power: 80 kW
Torque: 250 Nm
Fuel consumption: 4.8 L/100 km (claimed)
0-100 kph: 11.9 sec
Top speed: 169 kph
Price and after-sales support
The Renault Duster costs R299 900 and it comes with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty, a 3-year/45 000km service plan (with service intervals at 15 000km intervals) and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. The only two options available are metallic paint (R2 500) and leather seats (R10 000).
Verdict
Finally, the Duster range (a fixture of the South African market since 2013) is complete... it only needed an automatic model and Renault has closed the loop. To use that awful cliche (if you absolutely must – ed), there is now a Duster for everyone. We were impressed with the powertrain, despite the minor roughness in bumper-to-bumper traffic. It still rides and drives like a Duster, and space abounds in both the luggage bay and cabin. The engine may be getting on a bit, but it's still a capable motor. It's only when you're really pressing on that the rough turbodiesel clatter overwhelms the cabin. As for the ride quality, the Renault Duster is fairly refined (at the price point) and the car feels as well-sorted as a product of its age should.
With Dynamique spec, you get more than a fair number of mod cons and safety features for your money. The Duster has not lost any of its easy-to-live-with charm. As of now (November 2017) this derivative represents the best Duster in the range; consider the 4x4 only if you're looking to venture off the beaten track, but we warned: you're bound to miss the auto!
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/renault-duster-15-dci-dynamique-edc-2017-quick-review/44266/
crackersa
Honorary Master
interesting, this article made me realize I haven't seen one Renault in the US.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Zero French brands exists in the US of A.
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
PSA is planning to re-enter the US.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
True, but planning & actually re-entering is a different thing.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
AutoTrader SA review
[video=youtube_share;QqmBDYTfPTE]https://youtu.be/QqmBDYTfPTE[/video]
[video=youtube_share;QqmBDYTfPTE]https://youtu.be/QqmBDYTfPTE[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
MotorMatters review of the Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4WD
[video=youtube;gRlt6CuWOPY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRlt6CuWOPY&t=0s[/video]
[video=youtube;gRlt6CuWOPY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRlt6CuWOPY&t=0s[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Got me the facelifted 9.6v Dust Buster instead.
How has the performance been so far?
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Actually pretty good, I was hoping for a 14.4v but the 9.6v is good. I can vacuum both my cars with it before it needs a charge. It sucks in a good way 
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Juliet drives the Duster 1.5 dCI 4WD
[video=youtube_share;OeGhDP4kxOA]https://youtu.be/OeGhDP4kxOA[/video]
[video=youtube_share;OeGhDP4kxOA]https://youtu.be/OeGhDP4kxOA[/video]