Renault Duster is back: First impressions on the 'budget' 4x4

The Renault Duster had great success in SA when it was introduced in 2013. The inexpensive 4x4 suited the South African lifestyle with a vehicle capable of getting you to that far-off holiday destination at a more affordable price than the competition. It was unashamedly raw and rugged.

The new model has now arrived and looks great from all angles, but the price has gone up into more competitive territory. Is it still the rugged 4x4 we want it to be? And, what's on offer in this new version? Ash Oldfield gives us a quick breakdown from the Duster launch event.

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[kealebogamichaelmolefe]

Duster looks nice! Finally Renault did a proper vehicle!

[ryanmeiss]

I would realistically consider this a great vehicle for R100k less 😢 I was actually expecting it to be priced in that region. It's truly a shame what's happened to car prices in SA over the past few years.

[fred]

I dont understand why motor journalists make so much of hard plastics in cheaper vehicles. If the plastics have a decent finish, I dont have a problem with them. In a luxury car, it is a different story.

[SennaMedarda]

The 4wd being available only in manual is crazy.

[archie]

I drive a diesel Duster its a great engine

[KhanyoMjamba]

Finally, an armrest. I have the 2021 Techroad and, man, I miss an armrest on those long drives.

[sizakelecomfortmtshweni]

The 1.3L Turbo TCe 150 is probably the Mercedes A200 Engine

[christopherstrydom]

Great looking car, but the price tag is delusional. For the top spec, I would rather buy an MG HS.

[MorenaNzimande]

4WD in Manual it's crazy for Renault South Africa, 🇿🇦 and the prices wernt up for the top of the range by 92K. 😢

[PejicVladimir]

It`s really funny to see the car with the Renault badge

[mornestemmet]

Why no auto 4x4?
Pity
It def better than a jimny for the price

[carolynchisadza]

If the designers missed something as obvious as the wireless charging, what other critical details did they miss

[malfan]

Looks stunning, I can see myself driving this.

[michaelflinn]

An auto diesel 4WD would get me to buy one. Looked at them yesterday morning.

[BongaMav]

I was looking forward to this one landing on our shores, but no Auto on the 4WD is a bummer, Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid is still winning

[Kwisgaar]

If this were R 380K, it would be a great option

[ld]

It has a lot of competition from China now

[waynechadow]

Good to see the French has moved away from the chunky or bulky look. Love the design. Just would like to hear what the engine sounds like

[Mel-yfp]

A great design especially the exterior. However, a compromised fuel efficiency is a BIG concern ESPECIALY in a budget SUV category.

[hennietanya]

Why would you buy a 1.3 turbo petrolwith 110 kw and 250 NM for R550 000, when you can buy a MUX 700, 7 seater turbo petrol with 150 kw and 380NM for under R500 000 ?