Renault has now updated the range with a few exterior touches and some interior enhancements. We were at the local launch in Jo’burg to see how it’s improved.

The Renault Duster has become a South African favourite, amassing sales of over 8000 vehicles since its introduction here less than two years ago. Its rugged off-road looks paired with excellent pricing and the option of 4×4 have certainly helped Renault’s cause.

The new stuff

From the outside it’s a very slight facelift. The front grille is now a single blade unit, making it more prominent and the headlights have been swapped for a more modern looking set. On certain models the door handles are now colour coded and the roof rails have been made chunkier. Cruise control is standard on all models as is park distance control – a major plus.

The engine range remains the same with a 1.6-Litre petrol capable of 77 kW and 148 Nm. The diesel derivative can be made either in 4×2 or in 4×4 guise and sports 80 kW and 240 Nm. We drove the diesel on launch in 4×2 mode and it impressed. The torque delivery is strong initially and it’s got enough constant push to get you past vehicles on the open road. Matched with a competent six-speed gearbox the Duster returns excellent fuel economy figures. We averaged around 5.5L/100km over our 300km of driving that included dirt roads, traffic and a fair amount of cruising at 110kph. That’s not too far off the claimed 4.8L/100km.

Inside upgrade

Part of the Duster’s revamps has included a more premium looking seat cover with Duster logos on the headrests. Ergonomically it remains a bit strange with the touchscreen located at knee height on the centre dash. It means you have to look down every time you want to adjust something or set the navigation. The materials surrounding the dashboard and door panels seem quite rugged and durable.

The instrument binnacle has also been replaced by one that looks similar to the Renault Megane’s. Apparently Renault SA has changed its source for the Duster from India to Romania, resulting in a better quality product. We’ll have to wait for a full test to see if this is the case. If you choose a Dynamique spec Duster, you get the option to fit it with leather seats and it comes standard with satellite navigation.

Dirt road prowess

Over the course of our test drive the Duster proved it’s certainly an all-purpose vehicle. It’s comfortable on a dirt road and soaks up bumps like a much more expensive SUV does. There is a fair amount of feedback from a corrugated feedback through the steering wheel however. Only the 4×4 model in the range gets traction control which is a bit of a skimp by Renault as they market the car as a family vehicle.

Renault Duster Pricing

Despite sourcing the Duster from Romania now, the pricing changes less than one-percent across the range. The 4×4 is the pick of the range though as it offers that added off-road talent with traction control for only R15000 more than the 4×2. Overall the pricing is extremely keen when compared to competitors like the Ford Ecosport or Nissan Juke.

Duster 1.6 EXPRESSION 4×2 75kW petrol R215 900

Duster 1.6 DYNAMIQUE 4×2 75kW petrol R233 900

Duster 1.5 DCI DYNAMIQUE 4×2 80kW diesel R254900

Duster 1.5 DCI DYNAMIQUE 4×4 80kW diesel R269900