The Renault Duster Thread

Renault Duster (2025) Price & Specs

The new Renault Duster has finally touched down in South Africa, available locally with a choice of 2 powertrains (though no turbodiesel). Here’s what this 3rd-gen SUV costs…

The new Renault Duster – which was revealed back in November 2023 and is built by the French firm’s Romanian subsidiary, Dacia – has officially hit the market in South Africa, with the local range comprising a trio of derivatives at launch.

As expected, the 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine – a turbodiesel motor that powered the outgoing generation – has been put out to pasture, with the Boulogne-Billancourt-based automaker instead switching to a pair of new petrol mills (one of which is lightly electrified) for this 3rd iteration of the Duster.

In Mzansi, 2 of the 3 derivatives available at launch are powered by a turbocharged 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (known as the “TCe 150”), which sends 113 kW (from 4 800- to 5 000 rpm) and 250 Nm (at 1 700 rpm) to the front axle via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. Renault SA lists a combined fuel economy figure of 6.5 L/100 km for this powertrain.

Meanwhile, the 4WD version of the P1310-series Duster – which features 217 mm of ground clearance compared with the 4×2 version’s 209 mm – draws its urge from a turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol unit (called “TCe 130 MHEV”) featuring a mild-hybrid system designed to “optimise fuel consumption in the most energy-intensive driving phases”.

Driving all 4 wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox, this lightly electrified engine delivers peak outputs of 96 kW (from 4 500- to 5 500 rpm) and 230 Nm (at 2 000 rpm). According to the French automaker’s local division, the 48-volt powertrain – which features an integrated starter generator pulling from a 0.8 kWh battery pack – can return a combined fuel consumption of 5.7 L/100 km.

So, what about pricing? Well, the Duster 1.3 TCe 150 Zen EDC 4×2 starts at R489 999, while the Duster 1.3 TCe 150 Intens EDC 4×2 is priced at R519 999. Finally, the Duster 1.2 TCe 130 MHEV Zen 4WD comes in at R549 999. For context, the outgoing 2nd-gen line-up featured 4 turbodiesel derivatives, with pricing bookends of R397 999 and R465 999, so the entry point has increased by R92 000.

How much does the new Renault Duster cost in SA?

Renault Duster 1.3 TCe 150 Zen EDC 4×2 – R489 999

Renault Duster 1.3 TCe 150 Intens EDC 4×2 – R519 999

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

The prices above include a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan (with intervals of 12 months or 15 000 km).

 
Looks great but the pricing! That's hitting Chery Tigo 8 territory
 
All-new Renault Duster launched in South Africa: pricing and features announced

The Renault Duster has earned a loyal following for its good value and no-nonsense approach, and the third generation model aims to build upon that, albeit with a more upmarket price tag.

Renault has also done away with the diesel engine that proved so endearing in the previous range, leaving buyers of the new version to choose between two turbopetrol options, one with mild hybrid technology.

Launched in South Africa this week, the new Duster is available in three flavours. There are two 1.3-litre turbopetrol 4x2 EDC models, with the Zen variant priced at R489,999 and the more upmarket Intens at R519,999. Topping the price scale is a 1.2-litre turbopetrol mild hybrid, manual 4x4 variant that retails for R549,999.

The 1.3-litre turbo engine produces 113kW and 250Nm, and is fitted exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.

The 4x4 model pairs a new-generation 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine with a mild hybrid system and a six-speed manual gearbox, for outputs of 96kW and 230Nm.

 
Renault Duster (2025) Launch Review

Renault Duster Pricing and after-sales

Renault Duster 1.3 TCe 150 Zen EDC 4×2 R489 999
Renault Duster 1.3 TCe 150 Intens EDC 4×2 R519 999
Renault Duster 1.2 TCe 130 MHEV Zen 4WD R549 999

Prices (in March 2025) include a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan.

Summary

The Duster doesn’t appear to be as much of a bargain as it once was, but that’s more due to the Chinese competitors swooping in than Renault massively increasing the Duster’s pricing. What I still like about the Duster is that it stays true to its off-roader roots. It’s good on gravel, and it certainly seems more capable of reaching out-of-the-way locations than its rivals. What it lacks in luxurious refinement, it makes up for in durability and capability. Plus, its design, which stands out as bold and modern, is a major drawcard.

Something to keep in mind, however, is that the new Duster’s line-up is limited. The flagship 4WD is only available in manual guise (many consumers will demand an auto at this price point) and in the Zen trim grade, which means it misses out on a surround camera system (for example), which would suit it nicely.

 
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