The Renault Duster Thread

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.

 
New Renault Duster vs Suzuki Jimny: What To Buy?

Verdict: Jimny 5-door vs Duster 4WD

Now that you know the key points of difference between the Suzuki Jimny 5-door and Renault Duster 4WD, it should be easy to choose which of the 2 offerings would suit you best… provided that you’re willing to be completely honest about the role that your prospective purchase will fulfil most of the time…

The Jimny is the most capable off-roader you can buy for under R550k – full stop. However, despite offering easier ingress/egress for rear passengers by having 2 more doors than the venerable 3-door, the Jimny 5-door is severely compromised in terms of urban performance and general practicality. So, if you’re not serious about off-roading, we hold the opinion that the Duster is the better choice to live with on a daily basis.

Okay, it would be easy to argue that the Jimny’s off-road ability does not outweigh its iffy performance and practical shortcomings. But those drawbacks haven’t stopped thousands of consumers from buying the charming Japanese off-roader; the Jimny has that “Cool Factor”, is renowned for robust residual values (certainly true of the 3-door) and, for the record, offers a longer service plan than its French rival.

The Renault Duster, by comparison, is more of an all-rounder; it offers better everyday performance and efficiency, as well as small-crossover practicality and comfort. The Duster is the more sensible purchase if you don’t really need hardcore off-road ability, but still want to venture off the tar with peace of mind.

The new Duster, however, is not as affordable as it once was and you’ll have to assess your budget and decide if the extra practicality offered by the Duster is worth the extra outlay.

The Duster, however, is unlikely to ever match the Jimny’s aforementioned “Cool Factor”, which is a very powerful unique selling proposition. In short, if you want to be cool and uncomfortable, buy the Jimny!


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How well did the new Renault Duster sell in its 1st full month?

How well did the new Renault Duster sell in South Africa in April 2025, its 1st full month on the local market? Here’s a closer look at the sales figures…

The new Renault Duster officially launched in South Africa in the 2nd week of March 2025. So, how well did this 3rd-generation SUV sell in Mzansi in April 2025, its 1st full month on the local market?

According to figures reported to industry representative body Naamsa, Renault sold 89 units of the Duster in April 2025. Interestingly, 4 of these were listed as so-called “single” registrations (that is, units Renault SA kept and licensed for its own use), with the remainder sold via the dealership channel.

 
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