The Renault Duster Thread

I'm disappointed that the media releases don't say that SA will "switch back" to India sourcing. The first few years of first generation Dusters sold in SA came from India.

It will be interesting to see if we get price cuts. While those are very rare in the SA car market, Renault did it lately with the Kwid.
 
cr@zydude said:
I'm disappointed that the media releases don't say that SA will "switch back" to India sourcing. The first few years of first generation Dusters sold in SA came from India.

It will be interesting to see if we get price cuts. While those are very rare in the SA car market, Renault did it lately with the Kwid.
Click to expand...
Ah yes, those famous Indian build ones, the ones that turned into a pile of rust here in Durban as soon as you drove it out of the showroom
 
Binary_Bark said:
Ah yes, those famous Indian build ones, the ones that turned into a pile of rust here in Durban as soon as you drove it out of the showroom
Click to expand...

I didn't know about that, but thought that SA previously receiving Dusters from India was worth including in the press releases.

I seem to remember the India sourced Ford Eco Sports having paint and or rust issues.
 
5 most affordable AWD SUVs in South Africa (2026)

Keen on a high-riding vehicle with 4 driven wheels? These are the 5 most affordable AWD SUVs on the market in South Africa right now…

While most relatively budget friendly SUVs and crossovers feature front-wheel drive, there are a few available that offer the option of all-wheel drive (AWD). We’ve rummaged around South Africa’s new-vehicle market to identify the 5 most affordable AWD SUVs (pricing correct as of February 2026).

For the record, the Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip would previously have made this list, but the Japanese firm’s local division quietly axed this derivative late in 2025. Similarly, BAIC has seemingly discontinued the more affordable versions of its B40 Plus, leaving only the high-spec Honor Edition (which is too pricey to make this list).

While there’s some debate around the precise definitions of terms like “AWD”, “4×4” and “4-wheel drive”, for the purposes of this list, we’ve considered any SUV or crossover on the local new-vehicle market able to deliver drive to all 4 wheels. These, then, are SA’s 5 most affordable AWD SUVs.

1. Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip 3-Door – R436 900

2. Renault Duster 1.2 TCe 130 MHEV Zen 4WD – R549 999

3. Haval H6 2.0T Luxury 4WD – R574 500

4. Mahindra Scorpio-N 2.2D Z8 4XPlor – R587 999

5. Jetour T1 2.0T Xplora XWD – R594 900

 
Buying Used: Renault Duster (2018-2024)

Which one to get

For the best all-around experience, the 1.5 dCi 80 kW Prestige (or Intens) EDC is the pick of the range. The high-output diesel engine matches the Duster’s chassis perfectly, and it provides effortless torque for overtaking and keeping the driver fresh on long drives. The dual-clutch transmission is a significant upgrade for daily South African traffic compared to the manual alternatives. However, if you are a weekend adventurer, the 1.5 dCi 4×4 manual is the only logical choice. It is a rare find in the used market but offers mechanical simplicity and genuine off-road prowess that puts many larger, more expensive SUVs to shame. Regardless of the trim, the 1.5 dCi engine is the heart of the Duster’s appeal. It was the reason the Duster sold so well, and it is the reason now why these vehicles hold their value on the used market.

 
Full-hybrid 4x4 variants of Dacia Duster and Bigster coming to UK

More powerful Hybrid 150 4x4 powertrain adds an electric motor to the rear axle

Dacia has confirmed it will launch a new full-hybrid all-wheel-drive version of the Duster and Bigster in the UK, and the set-up features an electrified back axle.

The new Hybrid 150 4x4 powertrain joins the 130 4x4 in the Duster line-up but replaces the 130 4x4 in the Bigster range. It combines a 138bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine that drives the front wheels with a 31bhp electric motor that turns the rears.

Compared with the 130, the new 150 offers a 23bhp boost to 152bhp. It also swaps the six-speed manual for an equivalent automatic gearbox – and the motor gets its own two-speed ’box (for better torque distribution on and off road) that can also disengage the rear axle.

A tiny, 0.84kWh lithium ion battery means the Hybrid 150 4x4 can also switch off the engine for periods of electric-only driving. While no EV-only range have been given, Dacia says the system will drive in EV mode 60% of the time in normal driving conditions. In mainland Europe, it is also sold as an LPG-fuelled model under the Hybrid-G 150 4x4 badge.

The set-up will be offered in the UK later this year. Dacia said more information on timings and pricing will be confirmed “in the coming months”.

www.autocar.co.uk

New 4x4 variants of the Dacia Duster and Bigster are coming to the UK this year | Autocar

More powerful Hybrid 150 4x4 powertrain adds an electric motor to the rear axle
www.autocar.co.uk www.autocar.co.uk
 
Dacia is introducing a new 4x4 powertrain to its Duster and Bigster SUVs

Complete with trickledown tech from its Dakar Rally success? We can but hope

Good news! Dacia has announced it is introducing a new hybrid 4x4 powertrain to its Duster and Bigster SUVs, fresh off the back of its Dakar Rally success. If it’s good enough to win in the desert, then it should handle a spot of green laning no bother.

Mind, it’s not quite the same setup as that of its rallyfied Sandrider. Called the hybrid 150 4x4, it combines a 1.2-litre engine sending 148bhp and 170lb ft to the front wheels with a 31bhp/64lb ft electric motor powering the rears.

Power is delivered through a six-speed dual clutch gearbox, though paddles behind the steering wheel will allow for manual override when traversing the Alps – other mountain ranges are also available – or towing a caravan to, er, wherever people tow caravans.

Information is otherwise limited, though Dacia has recently announced a new hybrid-G 150 4x4 for our European friends which sounds like a similar setup. That gets dual fuel tanks and a clever twin-speed gearbox coupled to the electric motor and 0.84kWh battery.

 
Renault Duster to gain new 4×4 hybrid powertrain

Renault has announced its plans of introducing a new 4×4 hybrid powertrain to the Duster and and its larger sibling, the Bigster.

In a bid to “make everyday adventure even more accessible”, Renault has announced a new drivetrain for the Duster and its larger sibling, the Bigster. As a reminder, the updated Duster, which will be built in India, was revealed towards the end of January 2026, with Renault confirming the revised model for our market.

The new powertrain features a 48 V mild-hybrid internal combustion engine producing 110 kW and 230 N.m of torque – the latter delivered to a four-wheel drivetrain via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Paddle shifters will also be present to allow manual override. The setup is supported by an additional 87 N.m sourced from an electric motor. The hybrid 150 4×4 powertrain also offers electric-only driving.

 

All-new Renault Duster launched at Rs 10.49 lakh - Team-BHP​

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Renault has announced the launch of the all-new Duster. The third-generation Duster is available in five trims: Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+ and Iconic, with prices starting at Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The carmaker claims that 91% of the pre-bookings are for the turbo-petrol variants.

A hybrid version will be introduced later this year, but its production is already sold out.

The new Duster is based on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP). The SUV rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and offers a ground clearance of 212 mm.

The Duster carries forward the rugged design of its predecessor. It has muscular wheel arches with plastic cladding all around and comes with LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs, a chunky front bumper with a silver insert, and a grille with the "Duster" lettering. In the rear, it has triangular-shaped LED taillights connected by an LED light bar and a roof spoiler.

Inside, the Duster offers dual screens, with a large digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen. The SUV gets a 3-spoke steering wheel, 6-way power-adjustable and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, an electronic parking brake, and Level 2 ADAS with safety aids like Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and more.

The Duster is available with three engine options. The entry-level variants get a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 99 BHP and 160 Nm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The mid-spec trims get a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol unit that makes 161 BHP and 280 Nm and is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Renault also plans to introduce a strong-hybrid powertrain option later this year. It uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, a starter generator and a 1.4 kWh battery. It has a combined output of 158 BHP and 172 Nm and is offered with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.

2026 Renault Duster ex-showroom prices:​

1.0L Turbo Petrol
  • Authentic – Rs 10.49 lakh
  • Evolution – Rs 11.69 lakh
  • Techno – Rs 13.49 lakh
1.3L Turbo Petrol MT
  • Evolution – Rs 12.99 lakh
  • Techno – Rs 14.49 lakh
  • Techno+ - Rs 15.29 lakh
  • Iconic – Rs 16.99 lakh
1.3L Turbo Petrol DCT
  • Evolution – Rs 14.49 lakh
  • Techno – Rs 15.89 lakh
  • Techno+ - Rs 16.69 lakh
  • Iconic – Rs 18.49 lakh
Click to expand...
 

2026 Renault Duster Review - Team-BHP​

Renault Duster Pros​

• Handsome styling that’s not overdone. Conservative yet butch design is universally appealing
• Solid build quality & construction. It’s a brand new package, but still carries the robust ethos of the old car
• 161 BHP, 1.3-litre turbo-petrol offers strong and enjoyable performance. 280 Nm torque rating is the highest in the segment
• Abuse-friendly suspension with sorted dynamics makes it a very fun car to drive. 212 mm ground clearance is a bonus
• Well laid-out cabin that offers good space and comfort. Massive upgrade from the previous generation and matches today’s competition
• For what the Duster offers, we think it’s well-priced. The variants have been spaced out well, so there’s something for everyone
• A healthy features list with panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, powered front seats, Google integrated infotainment, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, air purifier and more
• Massive 518 litre boot (till parcel shelf) is one of the biggest in the segment. Layout is practical
• Safety features include ADAS, 6 airbags, hill descent control, ESP, 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, etc.

Renault Duster Cons​

• No diesel in a car that urges you to travel long distances. Tourers will miss the Duster AWD
• 1.3-litre turbo petrol has some lag and is easy to stall. Takes some time getting used to, especially in traffic
• While the interiors are nicely done, the cabin doesn’t feel as plush and premium as the 2026 Kia Seltos
• 6-speaker audio system falls behind the competition, with no subwoofer either
• Misses out on some features that the rivals offer, like a spare wheel (!!!), memory function for driver’s seat, rear sun blinds, reclining rear seat, rear Radar-based ADAS features and all-wheel disc brakes for MT
• 1st gen Duster owners will miss the magic carpet ride of the older car. This 2026 Duster rides well, although a tradeoff has been made for better all round dynamics
• The turbo-petrol is available with a DCT. Dual-clutch ATs have a weak reliability record in India
• Renault's after-sales service quality can be inconsistent

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The 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo-petrol unit makes 161 BHP and 280 Nm. This engine was jointly developed by Renault and Daimler, and is used in a variety of Renault, Nissan & Mercedes cars. The power and torque figures are among the best in the segment.

Full detailed review with MANY more exterior & interior pics at the link below:

 
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