2020 Renault Duster
The Renault Duster has been a popular choice in South Africa since its launch in 2013 selling more than 21 000 cars. It’s come a long way since then as the local line-up now consists of several variants, including the 1.6-litre petrol Renault Duster Expression 4×2, Dynamic 1.5dCI 4×4, Prestige 1.5dCi EDC and the latest addition, the Renault Duster TechRoad spec.
Before touching on the TechRoad spec, let’s take a closer look at the newly launched turbo-petrol versions which are currently only available in India. It makes for good reading if you’re a Renault Duster fan as a smaller, yet powerful petrol engine could add further impetus to the range. Although the 1.5-litre petrol version will continue to be sold, we’ve listed the three turbo petrol Renault Duster variants and some of their specs.
Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo RXE
The RXE is the base model and comes standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a decent number of safety features. This includes ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, dual front airbags, engine immobiliser, speed-sensitive door lock, impact sensitive door unlock and rear parking sensors among others.
In terms of design, it looks pretty good with dual-tone front bumpers, black front grille and door handles with red inserts. It doesn’t come with alloy wheels and opts for wheel covers instead. At the rear are LED tail lights, matte black boot lid trim with red accented ‘Duster’ emblem while black and red roof racks finish off the exterior package.
For a base model, the interior is quite impressive as with a black and grey colour scheme, a new steering wheel design (tilt-adjustable) and black upholstery. The HVAC system is a simple manual unit and the Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo RXE also has front and rear electric windows and remote keyless entry.
Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo RXS
The mid-spec Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo RXS has the same standard equipment list as the RXE model but there is an option of a CVT automatic gearbox. The front grille is also different as it gets a chrome finish, the red inserts and the door handles are now body-coloured and the indicators are housed inside the door mirrors.
The RXS replaces the wheel covers with 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and now has brown seat upholstery. They’ve added a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, USB, aux and Bluetooth inputs. The steering wheel gets mounted audio and phone controls while other additions include the following:
- rear seat armrest with cup-holders
- a gear shift indicator on the manual option
- a cooled glove compartment
- instrument cluster with Blue Graphics
- rear defogger
- electronically adjustable side view mirrors (ORVMs)
- ESP and Hill Start Assist for the automatic version
Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo RXZ
The range-topping Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo RXZ has all the features of the RXE and RXS and a few more interesting enhancements. On the outside you’ll see a chrome exhaust tip, chrome door sill inserts and 17-inch Forza alloy wheels.
The upholstery is glazed in blue and the inside door handles match the exterior with a chrome finish. Other creature comforts include:
- driver-side auto up-down electric window
- cruise control
- Eco guide
- speed Limiter
- remote pre-cooling
- electrically foldable ORVMs
- reversing camera with guidelines and a rear windscreen wiper
The top-end model has height-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support and height adjustable front seat belts and front driver armrest. Like the RXS, the Renault Duster RXZ offers manual and automatic options but here both models are equipped with hill-start assist and ESP. In terms of fuel economy, the new 1.3-litre turbo petrol Renault Duster offers 16.5 km/l for the manual version and 16.4kmpl for the CVT derivative (as rated by ARAI).
Introducing The Renault Duster TechRoad Spec In South Africa
With all those impressive stats for the new turbo petrol engines, what’s all the hype around Renault SA announcing a new flagship to the already impressive range? The Renault Duster TechRoad 4×2 slots in above the entry-level Renault Expression and while it will only be available as a 4×2, it still packs a punch.
Considering that almost all Renault Dusters come with a decent amount of standard features, the TechRoad has a few extras which give it a more distinctive look. It all starts with bespoke badging, black side-view mirrors and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels coupled with the patterned stripping on the side doors.
Customers also get to choose the new Iron Blue colour which will add even more pizzazz. If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, the Renault Duster TechRoad comes standard with silver roof rails, a chrome-finished radiator grille and oversized front and rear skid-plates.
The Renault Duster TechRoad is available exclusively with the automaker’s exceptional 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine with gearbox options. First, there is a 4×2 five-speed manual which delivers 66kW and 210Nm of torque while the 4×2 six-speed EDC automatic pushes out an impressive 80kW and 250Nm.
Interior Styling And Technology Features
When getting inside the Renault Duster TechRoad, you are immediately engulfed by a stylish cabin with blue accents on the seat upholstery and dashboard with plenty of features abound. The steering wheel can be adjusted for height and reach while power steering and electric windows make it the all-round package.
A standard option in the TechRoad is a Renault Media Nav Evolution infotainment system which is controlled through a large seven-inch touchscreen. It supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while offering full Bluetooth connectivity, integrated satellite navigation and a very useful reversing camera.
The cruise control feature and rear parking sensors make the Renault Duster TechRoad easy to handle and park, even for beginner drivers. It also comes with automatic climate control so everyone can enjoy a comfortable, smooth and safe ride.
Speaking of comfort, the new contoured seats in the TechRoad are better and more supportive than the standard Renault Duster. And even though it’s not a massive car, there is adequate space for passengers and its class-leading 478-litre boot leaves plenty of room for all your shopping, luggage, sporting gear or camping equipment.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Renault Duster has already made its mark by continuously improving different aspects of the compact SUV while managing to keep it relatively affordable. The French automaker has never shied away from adding an impressive list of standard features across the entire range, even the base models.
The new Renault Duster turbo-petrol variants in India and the TechRoad spec in South Africa are prime examples of how versatile and consumer-focused the company has been. They may not be classic off-roaders but the higher ground clearance and solid 4×2 capability, coupled with rugged looks and loads of features mean you can take the family on an adventurous getaway knowing you are in good hands.
Visit our online showroom for a closer look at the Renault Duster TechRoad and many other new and quality pre-owned vehicles. Keep following all the latest updates by reading our blog and joining us on Facebook.
