Second Generation Renault Duster 4×2
South Africans seem to love SUVs more than most and with options like the new Renault Duster, this competitive segment has reached a boiling point. At first glance, the second generation Renault Duster may look similar to the current model but it has more finesse and a touch of modernity. Over and above the exterior design, performance is impressive and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the economy, especially considering the price of fuel nowadays.
When Renault first introduced the Duster to South Africa a few years ago, pricing was just under R200 000. It was a really good price for an SUV at that time and many motorists jumped on the bandwagon. It may be considered a 4×2 SUV but it has good off-road capabilities making it a very popular choice for many.
The new Renault Duster has been upgraded but it is still a rugged SUV that you can drive through and over almost anything. It may not conquer Mount Kilimanjaro but it is a great all-rounder. So what exactly is new on the Renault Duster?
Subtlety is Key
The latest Renault Duster retains the highly successful design traits of previous models with the good exterior design, high ground clearance, and big windows but there is something special about this one. Everything appears smoother and more modern as many of the improvements have also spread into the interior.
The new Duster stands head and shoulders above previous models and a real contender in this congested segment. One of the biggest updates you’ll notice is a new design for the front and rear lights. Subtlety makes all the difference as the rear lights feature a cross design while the front sports daytime-running LEDs. The front and rear bumpers have also been redesigned to give the SUV a fresh appearance.
Changes on the inside include newly designed and top quality panels with a much better look and feel. As for the instrument panel in front of the driver, it still displays all the relevant vehicle information while Renault’s user-friendly R-Link multimedia system with satellite navigation has been included as standard. If you want leather seats though, it is an optional extra which will set you back R10 000.
Renault Duster Specifications And Performance
The Renault Duster 4×2 is ideal for a weekend getaway conquering mountain roads and excelling off the beaten track largely thanks to 210mm ground clearance and the ever-impressive 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine. It pushes out 80kW and 250Nm of torque available at 1750rpm which means you get sufficient power in any gear.
Not that it really means anything in terms of SUVs but for those avid petrol heads out there, 0-100 km/h takes 12 seconds with a top speed of 169 km/h. The Renault Duster won’t win any drag races or sprints but then again, it wasn’t designed for it.
The smooth six-speed automatic gearbox sends more than enough power to the front wheels while delivering a very respectable average fuel consumption of 5.8 L/100km. That means you can travel approximately 860 km on the 50-liter fuel tank.
If you want to know more about the new Renault Duster and all the latest motoring news from around the world, keep an eye on our blog and follow us on Facebook. You can also book a test drive of your favourite Renault on our website.
