The Renault Duster Thread

Please Renault put 4 more airbags in this car.
 
I'd like to take one on a 4x4 course..... Karee krans or Piesangkloof.
 
Renault Duster 4x4 (2019) Launch Review

The Duster regains one of its USPs with the introduction of the 4x4 derivative of the thoroughly-revised range.

Renault launched the "new" Duster in October 2018 as a 4x2 model only. It promised a 4x4 version would be added early in 2019 and here it is: the newcomer adds some proper off-road cred to the compact family car segment.

Where does it fit in?

The Duster cuts a unique hole for itself as a capable 4x4 in a segment full of road-biased SUVs.

The Duster offers a rough and tumble, value for money set of wheels in quite a chic and design conscious segment. Most of its competitors focus on design and modern infotainment systems or a practical car to ferry the kids around in with just enough ground clearance to skim a curb at the local flea market parking lot.

Renault’s Duster is more off-road biased with an adventurous spirit for the type of owner that wants to explore a bit further than a dirt parking lot.

Can the 4x4 go 4x4ing?

It’s a capable off-roader with a few modern gizmos to keep traction on slippery terrain and decent approach (30 degrees) and departure (34 degrees) angles to tackle tougher terrain. The drive mode selector behind the gear lever allows you to select between 4x2, which operates the front wheels, Auto, that apportions torque to the rear wheels when required and then Locked, which keeps it in a 50/50 4-wheel-drive setup.

Fitted with hill-descent control and 210 mm of ground clearance, it can handle a bit of hard work.

A small, impromptu off-road course was laid out for us to test this system along with the Hill Descent Control. Small it may have been but it highlighted the traction control’s ability to apportion drive adequately and keep the Duster moving forward when things get steep or one or more wheels end up in the air.

The Duster 4x4 is only available as a manual, so your 4x4 game has to be quite sharp as you work the left hand and left leg to keep the small diesel on the boil.

The Duster has a softer ride than its competitors and as a result, rides much better on the rough stuff. There’s a fair amount of roll in the corners but after a solid 50 km of dirt tracking around Hartebeestpoort, the extra cushioning was most welcome. It feels stable through the steering too when hitting 60-100 kph on gravel, and would take some wild steering swinging to unsettle it.

Manual only?

The 4x4 is currently only available in manual and Dynamique trim.

Yes, the choice is an interesting one considering that Renault has sold more new Dusters with an auto (EDC) ‘box than a manual so far. The choice was made as it gave Renault a keener price to enter the market at and it is able to use the higher powered diesel engine. The 1.5-litre turbodiesel is good for 80 kW and 260 Nm of torque, 14 kW and 50 Nm more than the 2WD manual model.

I would say there’s just enough power and torque there to suffice. It’s not going to get you through deep Kalahari sand with its 80 kW but it's light and the short wheelbase bobs and rocks its way over tricky obstacles.

Any other changes?

Renault SA has sneakily introduced Apple Carplay and Android Auto to its infotainment system. Apparently, it was introduced in the Duster during December 2018 and is standard fitment across the range now. Unfortunately, cars sold before December aren’t afforded the kit and can’t even have it retro-fitted at a dealership.

What are its rivals?

The Duster feels ready for an adventure.

There aren’t many pukka off-roaders at this price point; the Suzuki Jimny offers more in terms of off-roading kit (it has a low-range transfer case), but then again it could probably fit in the Duster's load bay. The rest of the competition is limited to 4x2 models with raised ride heights. At R330k, you could look at the Ford Ecosport or push up to something like a Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Creta/Kona or a Nissan Qashqai.

Summary

The 4x4 model adds that much-needed versatility to the Duster range. The car makes more sense as an off-roader than a 2-wheel-drive city slicker. Its suspension is more in tune with a gravel road too. While the manual only option baffles a little, it probably won’t deter the intrepid explorer looking for adequate off-roading credentials in a package that’s not too nice that you fear to get it scratched or muddy at every opportunity.

Pricing

As mentioned earlier, Renault has tried to make the 4x4 option an enticing offer so it hits the market at R327 900. It sold with a 3yr/45 000 km service plan and a 5-yr/150 000 km warranty.

1.6 Expression 4X2 R255 900

1.5 dCi Dynamique 4x2 R288 900

1.5 dCi Dynamique EDC 4x2 R322 900

1.5 dCi Dynamique 4x4 R327 900

1.5dCi Prestige EDC 4x2 R340 900

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/renault-duster-4x4-2019-launch-review/46343/
 
DRIVEN: Renault Duster 1,5 dCi Dynamique 4x4

Summary

Priced at R327 900, the 4x4 variant is actually some R13 000 cheaper than the front-wheel-drive, dual-clutch-equipped Prestige derivative and R39 000 more expensive than the front-driven Dynamique (in manual, that is). At this price, it represents strong value, particularly for buyers who might not be hardcore 4x4 enthusiasts but like to occasionally venture off the beaten path.

That said, the Duster will probably surprise you with its off-road ability once you spend some time behind the wheel. After all, we enjoyed 20 000 km with the previous generation model and learned all about its abilities (watch the video here).

FAST FACTS:

Model: Renault Duster 1,5 dCi Dynamique 4x4
Price: R327 900
Engine: 1,5-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel
Power: 80 kW @ 4 000 r/min
Torque: 260 N.m @ 1 750 r/min
0-100 km/h: 12,5 sec
Top Speed: 168 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 5,2 L/100 km
CO2: 138 g/km
Transmission: six-speed manual
Maintenance Plan: Three-year/45 000 km service plan

https://www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/driving-impressions/driven-renault-duster/
 
Still waiting for Rustenburg branch to get a Duster 4x4 to test drive.
 
DRIVEN: Renault Duster 1,5 dCi Dynamique 4WD (on sand)

Conclusion

What I've left out until now is the price. The Duster offers amazing value at R327 900, considering it can play the role of family SUV during the week and capable off-roader over the weekend. There is nothing in our market that can compare. The capable Suzuki Jimny is too impractical for family use and the Mahindra Thar too utilitarian for most. In my opinion, Renault has a winner on its hands and it fully deserves all the accolades it receives.

I am sure the officer at the gate of Atlantis dunes agreed when we left with big smiles on our faces...

FAST FACTS
Model: Renault Duster 1,5 dCi Dynamique 4WD
Price: R327 900
Engine: 1,5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel
Power: 80 kW
Torque: 240 N.m
0-100 km/h: 12,5 seconds
Top Speed: 168 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 5,2 L/100 km
CO2: 138 g/km
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Service Plan: 3-year/45 000 km

https://www.carmag.co.za/car-review...-renault-duster-15-dci-dynamique-4wd-on-sand/
 
https://m.indianautosblog.com/renault-india-cancels-second-gen-duster-launch-third-gen-model-p317033

Renault India cancels second-gen Duster, to launch third-gen model directly

Underpinned by an updated version of the nearly 15-year-old B0 platform, the second generation Duster broke cover in 2017, and it has come to light only now that Renault has decided to skip it for India.

With emission norms expected to become even more stringent and demand intensified electrification across line-up in Europe next decade, it may not be possible to price the third-gen Duster as economically as the first two. So, the focus will be higher on emerging markets and Groupe Renault will design and engineer it in India.
 
Renault Duster 1.5dCi Dynamique 4WD (2019) Review

Fast Facts

Price: R327 900 (April 2019, without options)
Engine: 1.5-litre inline-4 turbodiesel
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Fuel economy: 5.2 L/100 km (claimed)
Power/Torque: 80 kW/260 Nm

Price and after-sales support

The Renault Duster model range comes standard with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services are required at 15 000-km intervals, and a standard 3-year/45 000 km service plan applies. Prices for the range start at R255 900 and go up to R340 900, with this new 4x4 derivative listed at R327 900. Metallic paint and leather seats are available for an extra R2 522 and R10 088 respectively.

Verdict

The Renault Duster has always been marketed as a budget-oriented (read: cheap and cheerful) offering in the compact family car segment, but this new version represents a big step up in terms of quality and features. The cabin feels a bit more upmarket and looks modern. We're glad to see the infotainment screen has been repositioned – previously it sat quite low down and was awkward to use. There's still a slight "built-to-a-cost" air about the Duster, but at this price point (well under R350k), we're prepared "to cut (the 4WD) some slack" as it more than makes up for it in other areas.

Should you buy the 4x4 version of the 2nd-generation Duster, however? This is the question we find ourselves asking and we have to suggest that unless you're dead-set on regularly heading off on gravel adventures, then it's unlikely that is the ideal Duster for you. If you're reading this and not bothered by the 4x4 capabilities, then we think the 4x2 EDC (auto) is a more refined option for a bit less money. Plus, it still retains that good ground clearance, so you can still venture off the beaten track... to some extent. However, given South Africa's love for the great outdoors and road trips, there will be many customers who will be interested in whether the 4WD can handle the rough stuff and the answer is yes, it most certainly can!

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/renault-duster-15dci-dynamique-4wd-2019-review/46575/

Duster 1.JPGDuster 2.JPGDuster 3.JPGDuster 4.JPGDuster 5.JPGDuster 6.JPG
 
DRIVEN: Renault Duster 4x2 definitely has added value

In today’s times most of us don’t have the luxury to lose money and be okay with it.

The economy is in dire straits, the price of fuel affects us negatively, and purchasing decisions need to be as sound as the tar Noah wrapped the ark in. So the new vehicle purchase you make has to cover various aspects and see to even more needs.

The Renault Duster Prestige auto is one such vehicle that sees to various needs without breaking the bank. At R340 900 it's competitively priced, it's multi-functional, and has a properly good drivetrain you can write home about.

The segment it competes in is one of the most hotly contested in all of the motoring world and each SUV must bring something unique to the table.

https://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/driven-renault-duster-4x2-definitely-has-added-value-20190628
 
So Renault...... I've read and spoken to Renault owners complaining about repairs - where they have to wait a month or more for spares from the dealer/garage.
 
https://www.motorbeam.com/renault-duster-third-gen-to-get-only-petrol-engine-options/

Renault won’t offer diesel engine options with the third generation Duster, launch in 2023.

India will lead the development of the third generation Renault Duster. It is expected to make its global debut in 2023. Renault will be offering only petrol engine options with the upcoming Duster. They plan to discontinue diesel powered cars post 2020.
 
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