The Renault Duster Thread

i hope we get it soon, because Renault SA is typically lazy. They only just released an Automatic/EDC claiming a "NEW" addition to the range when other countries have had the auto Duster since before we even got this one..

Its like they sit all day in that Renault HO sleeping... and I like Renault as a brand so much.
 
Renault Duster gets dashing new design and classier cabin

With more than one million sales worldwide since its launch seven years ago, the Renault Duster compact SUV has been given a major makeover.

Launched at this week's Frankfurt motor show, the value-for-money adventure vehicle has been freshened-up with new styling, updated equipment and a fully-revised interior.

The external nip 'n tuck sees the Duster looking more assertive and planted-to-the road with its wider-looking new front and rear ends and distinctive new grille, although the size remains unchanged. A raised belt line and new 17-inch wheels give the side profile more visual robustness, while new aluminium roof bars and more prominent front and rear skid plates more prominently advertise the vehicle's adventurer credentials.

To address criticism that the cabin felt somewhat cheap, designers worked from a clean slate to create a completely new interior with a classier look and feel, and more user-friendly ergonomics. There's also increased cabin stowage space including a new 2.7-litre tray under the passenger seat.

A more steeply raked windscreen makes the cabin feel bigger, while its acoustics have been significantly improved to reduce noise from outside the car. New seats have improved comfort and lateral support, and are covered in richer-feeling upholstery.

The fascia accommodates a higher-positioned infotainment display for clear, easy access and new piano key type controls give the cabin a contemporary feel.

Technology- and safety-wise the Duster's caught up to 2017 with new equipment such as blind spot warning, curtain airbags, automatic climate control, keyless entry, and automatic headlight activation.

With its high 210mm ground clearance the Duster has become known for better-than-average offroading skills in the small SUV class, and this is now enhanced by the addition of a multi-view camera which helps with obstacle avoidance in offroad driving; it makes a useful parking aid too.

The revamped Duster comes with a choice of two petrol engines: a normally-aspirated 1.6 with outputs of 84kW and 156Nm and a 1.2 turbo wielding 93kW/205Nm, which both use a manual gearbox.

There are also two 1.5-litre turbo diesel engines in two output grades: 67kW/220Nm (two-wheel drive version) and 82kW/260Nm (4WD version) again both mated to a manual gearbox, although the more powerful derivative can be specified with EDC automatic transmission.

The updated Duster is provisionally planned to arrive in SA late in 2018, with the exact model range and pricing to be confirmed closer to the time.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/renault-duster-gets-dashing-new-design-and-classier-cabin-11196760
 
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No news on a 7 seater version. I had read about that as a possibility for this new generation.
 
Renault Duster gets dashing new design and classier cabin

With more than one million sales worldwide since its launch seven years ago, the Renault Duster compact SUV has been given a major makeover.

Launched at this week's Frankfurt motor show, the value-for-money adventure vehicle has been freshened-up with new styling, updated equipment and a fully-revised interior.

The external nip 'n tuck sees the Duster looking more assertive and planted-to-the road with its wider-looking new front and rear ends and distinctive new grille, although the size remains unchanged. A raised belt line and new 17-inch wheels give the side profile more visual robustness, while new aluminium roof bars and more prominent front and rear skid plates more prominently advertise the vehicle's adventurer credentials.

To address criticism that the cabin felt somewhat cheap, designers worked from a clean slate to create a completely new interior with a classier look and feel, and more user-friendly ergonomics. There's also increased cabin stowage space including a new 2.7-litre tray under the passenger seat.

A more steeply raked windscreen makes the cabin feel bigger, while its acoustics have been significantly improved to reduce noise from outside the car. New seats have improved comfort and lateral support, and are covered in richer-feeling upholstery.

The fascia accommodates a higher-positioned infotainment display for clear, easy access and new piano key type controls give the cabin a contemporary feel.

Technology- and safety-wise the Duster's caught up to 2017 with new equipment such as blind spot warning, curtain airbags, automatic climate control, keyless entry, and automatic headlight activation.

With its high 210mm ground clearance the Duster has become known for better-than-average offroading skills in the small SUV class, and this is now enhanced by the addition of a multi-view camera which helps with obstacle avoidance in offroad driving; it makes a useful parking aid too.

The revamped Duster comes with a choice of two petrol engines: a normally-aspirated 1.6 with outputs of 84kW and 156Nm and a 1.2 turbo wielding 93kW/205Nm, which both use a manual gearbox.

There are also two 1.5-litre turbo diesel engines in two output grades: 67kW/220Nm (two-wheel drive version) and 82kW/260Nm (4WD version) again both mated to a manual gearbox, although the more powerful derivative can be specified with EDC automatic transmission.

The updated Duster is provisionally planned to arrive in SA late in 2018, with the exact model range and pricing to be confirmed closer to the time.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/renault-duster-gets-dashing-new-design-and-classier-cabin-11196760

I wonder why the one 1.5l diesel derivative outputs less power than the current engine? Our 2014 1.5 dCi Duster (pre-facelift) outputs 80kW/240Nm.
 
Dacia uses social media to help develop new Duster

Feedback from its claimed four million Facebook followers enabled Dacia to fast-track development of the Duster

Dacia’s popularity with social media users allowed it to fast-track development plans for the new Duster, according to brand boss Jean-Christophe Kugler.

The company has more than four million followers on Facebook and the enthusiasm of owners has led it to launch numerous Dacia Days around Europe, including in the UK, to nurture loyalty to the brand.

“We have sold 4.5 million Dacias since 2004 and what our owner networks told us was that the Duster was an icon, with very specific areas that could be improved,” said Kugler. “We interacted with them and asked what was essential.”

Feedback identified by Kugler that has been acted on include maintaining the honesty of the exterior styling, improving the electric power steering system for more precision, making the seats more comfortable, reducing cabin noise and repositioning the touchscreen to make it more user-friendly.

“This was an opportunity to change - to improve - while remaining true to our goal of offering value for money,” said Kugler. “Our place in the Renault-Nissan Alliance allows us to introduce new technology at a point that it is cost-effective and proven to be reliable. It’s not about compromise - we are true to our ‘shockingly affordable’ tagline.”

Kugler also highlighted accessories such as hill start and descent control, an all-round camera system and a digital compass as indicators of the Duster’s authentic off-road credentials. “The genetics of the Duster mean we must offer some off-road capability and, at the request of customers, we have been able to extend its capabilities,” he said.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/dacia-uses-social-media-help-develop-new-duster
 
Dacia has no plans to expand model range

Brand boss Jean-Christophe Kugler says Dacia is under no pressure to add to its model line-up

Dacia is under no pressure to expand its car range beyond the core Duster SUV, Logan family hatchback, Lodgy MPV and Sandero supermini, according to brand boss Jean-Christophe Kugler.

The budget brand has racked up 4.5 million sales since launching in 2004, growing to just under 430,000 units last year and setting annual sales records in all but one year. However, there has been speculation that the firm is investigating new segments including a pickup, a city car and potentially a convertible model.

While Kugler refused to be drawn on the possibility of new models, he stressed that he was under no pressure to launch new cars in order to grow the brand.

“We operate in 44 countries and the priority in each of them is to raise the familiarity of our brand,” he said. “We are breaking records most years, despite not being well known enough - I think that clearly tells us where the focus should be. We have more opportunities with the line-up of vehicles we have.”

The Duster, Sandero, Sandero Stepway, Logan MCV estate and Logan MCV Stepway are all sold in the UK.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/dacia-has-no-plans-expand-model-range
 
New Renault Duster Coming in 2018

The popular Renault Duster will be replaced in 2018 with an all-new version which is due to arrive in South Africa in the third quarter of 2018. We saw the new Dacia Duster at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and it provided some clues as to what we can expect from the new Duster when it arrives next year. Take a look!

While these photos (and video) show the Dacia version of the Duster, we bet that the Renault version will be identical. With over a million units sold since its launch, the Renault Duster has proven popular thanks to a combination of value-for-money, capability and practicality.

Shown here in its launch colour, Atacama Orange, the all-new Duster will wear a new grille with LED daytime running lights and revised scratch resistant skid plates. Other key exterior features include new 17-inch alloy wheels, new-look rear lights and a wider rear skid plate which adds to the Duster's rugged appeal. The windscreen has been repositioned and sits 100 mm forward to increase cabin space. Renault has also improved interior material quality and the new Duster will feature a revised dashboard design with additional air vents and updated switchgear. Safety and feature specification will likely be improved too but Renault South Africa has yet to release official information regarding engines and specification for the South African market.

Much of the Duster's success in South Africa can be partly attributed to the fact that the Duster is one of the only compact family cars, apart from the Suzuki Vitara, to be offered in 4-wheel drive guise, making it an ideal vehicle for active families. The Duster also features generous specification and along with competitive pricing, it has managed to do good business on local soil. Renault South Africa will likely adopt the same value-for-money strategy for the new Duster and if the exchange rate complies, the Duster's success is bound to continue for the foreseeable future.

We'll keep you posted if any further updates are released.

http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-renault-duster-coming-in-2018/43882/
 
It's not the most radical departure from the previous design. "All-new" might be a bit of a stretch. Looks like mostly the same body shell with a few tweaks to the rear lights and front grille. But if they've at least upgraded some of the cheap and nasty finishes, especially in the interior, then it's probably a positive evolution.
 
It's not the most radical departure from the previous design. "All-new" might be a bit of a stretch. Looks like mostly the same body shell with a few tweaks to the rear lights and front grille. But if they've at least upgraded some of the cheap and nasty finishes, especially in the interior, then it's probably a positive evolution.

You don't really need to put them side by side to see that it's all new, the new one is so good looking while still managing to look unmistakably Duster.

Renautl-Dusterrear.jpg, daciaduster-135-3.jpg new bonnet, Renautl-Dusterdrive.jpg, images (2).jpg

Can you see how the rear door resembles that of the Captur? All new is definitely not a stretch, I see a whole new, much better looking Duster.
 
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Dacia to sell electric cars when conditions allow

Brand boss says that when customers and legislation demand electric cars, it will respond

Dacia is ready to sell electrified cars as soon as customers and legislation demand them, according to brand boss Jean-Christophe Kugler.

Noting that “the situation is moving fast”, Kugler said Dacia would be able to adapt better than some rivals because of its place in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, which is already launching second-generation electric cars and which has several hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles either on sale or under development.

Although such a move would likely require Dacia to adopt a new platform strategy, Kugler said the firm was able to react to changing requirements relatively nimbly.

“The advantage of being in a big industrial group is that we can move fast, because the technology we require already exists,” he said. “Even in this changing situation, we are able to plan several years ahead - and for some situations we can update our plans even at six to 12 months’ notice.

“As a group, we see this change as a big opportunity, and I don’t think Dacia needs to think any differently to that.”

Kugler also highlighted that diesel sales for the Duster, Lodgy and Logan were still resilient “because owners tend to drive a lot of miles” but acknowledged that Sandero sales were increasingly petrol derivatives.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/dacia-sell-electric-cars-when-conditions-allow
 
10 SA-bound compact SUVs worth waiting for

Renault Duster

Due: Late 2018

First revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September the Dacia Duster, which will come here as a Renault, has been renewed for 2018 with a completely new exterior design and a smarter looking cabin.

Engine choices abroad include the familiar 84kW 1.6, a new 93kW 1.2 turbopetrol and a 1.5 turbodiesel in 67kW (4x2) and 82kW (4x4) guises. New-to-Duster gadgets include blind spot warning, keyless start and a multi-view camera.

According to Renault SA, the Duster is likely to arrive on our shores in late 2018, with the range and specs to be confirmed at launch.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/10-sa-bound-compact-suvs-worth-waiting-for-11876154
 
New, SA-bound Renault Duster finally revealed…

Back in August, the new-generation Dacia Duster was revealed ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. And now the Renault-badged version of the popular SUV has finally been unveiled.

We can expect the new Renault Duster to arrive in South Africa in the third quarter of 2018.

While the two vehicles are of course very closely related, the most obvious difference comes at the front, where the Renault adopts a fresh grille design (falling in line with much of the rest of the French brand’s range) featuring more curves than that used on the Dacia.

The wide, chrome-finished grille, which the Boulogne-Billancourt-based brand says was “inspired by the Alaskan’s design”, runs between the headlamps, with the latter featuring Renault’s latest C-shaped lighting signature.

Renault also promises a “step-up in perceived quality” along with a “totally redesigned interior” for the new model. The central display, for instance, is positioned higher in the facia, while the handbrake has been moved to free up space. The steering wheel can now be adjusted for both rake (40 mm) and reach (50 mm), while the front seats have been completed redesigned.

The new Duster’s boot capacity under the luggage cover is a claimed 478 litres for the front-wheel-drive model and 467 litres for the all-paw version. In addition, the automaker says the four-wheel-drive experience has been “improved”, with the ground clearance coming in at 210 mm (ever-so-slightly higher than the current model).

From what we can tell, the engine options will carry over largely unchanged.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/new-sa-bound-renault-duster-finally-revealed/

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New Duster SUV revealed in Renault form

After pulling the covers off the Dacia-branded version of its new-generation Duster at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in September, parent-company Renault has revealed the version that will wear its own diamond badge.

What you see here is also the version that will be launched in South Africa.

Although exact timing has yet to be confirmed, our local contact told us that it’s likely to arrive towards the end of 2018.

The basic dimensions remain as before, but the Duster's exterior has been completely redesigned, albeit without too much of a departure from its predecessor’s rugged design language.

You’ll notice a bigger design shift on the inside, with a completely new look and, judging by the supplied pictures, smarter-looking textures and materials. Renault says it paid particular attention to improving the ambience of the cabin, through grainy dashboard trim, ‘piano key’ type controls, chrome surrounds for the air vents and improved general fit and finish.

Renault also claims to have improved ergonomics and storage space, while the redesigned seats promise improved comfort and support.

New-to-Duster gadgets include blind spot warning, keyless start and a multi-view camera, bearing in mind that local specs will only be confirmed closer to launch.

Same goes for the engines, but for the record European customers get to choose from 85kW (1.6) and 107kW (2.0) normally aspirated petrol engines as well as a 1.5 turbodiesel in 66kW and 81kW guises.

Depending on the engine selected, buyers can choose between front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive, and various self-shifting gearbox options are available in addition to traditional manual transmission.

With a ground-clearance of 210mm, the Duster is likely to remain among the best off-roaders in the compact class.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/new-duster-suv-revealed-in-renault-form-12006630
 
5 Cool Crossovers Coming to SA in 2018

Take a look at 5 eagerly-awaited crossovers that are bound to shake up the South African new vehicle market in 2018!

The market demand for crossovers has risen substantially in recent years and manufacturers are responding with the rollout of exciting new products that will arrive on local shores in 2018. Consumers shopping in this segment have much to look forward to as a number of attractive crossovers are headed for our market. Here are 5 you should look out for next year.

BMW X2

BMW will introduce the new X2 in March 2018 and given its daring styling and brand appeal, it will likely be well-received by buyers in South Africa. From launch, a choice of 2 derivatives equipped with automatic transmissions will be offered.

A front-wheel drive X2 sDrive20i with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 141 kW / 280 Nm and mated to a 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission will be available. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel in the form of the all-wheel drive X2 xDrive20d will develop 140 kW / 400 Nm and will use a 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

Exact pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.


Jaguar E-Pace

The E-Pace compact crossover/SUV will join the successful F-Pace in Jaguar’s growing SUV stable and can be expected to arrive in the first half of 2018. A range of turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines with varying outputs will be offered along with all-wheel drive capability.

A 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine will develop outputs of 183 kW / 365 Nm and 221 kW / 400 Nm. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel derivatives will offer 110 kW / 380 Nm, 132 kW / 430 Nm and 177 kW / 500 Nm. A 9-speed automatic transmission will be offered on all derivatives.

Exact pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.


Opel Grandland X

Following on from the recent introduction of the Opel Crossland in South Africa, Opel is set to introduce the larger Grandland X to market in the first half of 2018. In terms of engines, the Grandland X is expected to feature the same 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine found in the Peugeot 3008 with 121 kW and 240 Nm of torque as well as the possibility of a 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine (currently powering the new Crossland X) with 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel is also a possibility for our market. A choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission will be offered.

Exact pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.


Renault Duster

A new and improved version of Renault’s popular Duster will make landfall in the third quarter of 2018. The new Duster will continue to offer a combination of value-for-money, capability and practicality which has made it so popular locally.

Engines will likely carry over from the current Duster range, which means you can expect the 77 kW / 148 Nm naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine and the 80 kW / 250 Nm 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine to be offered in both 4x2 and 4x4 guise with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

Exact pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.


Volvo XC40

Volvo’s highly-anticipated XC40 will arrive in South Africa in the second quarter of 2018 and will look to profit from the acclaim of the larger XC90 sibling. Both 2.0-litre diesel and petrol engines will be offered in D5 and T5 guise with expected outputs of 140 kW / 400 Nm and 187 kW / 350 Nm respectively in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The range will be offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. Hybrid and an electric version are also expected at a later stage and Volvo may also introduce a new 3-cylinder petrol engine to the range.

Exact pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/5-cool-crossovers-coming-to-sa-in-2018/44298/
 
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