Should you buy a new Renault Duster? The pros and cons

The Renault Duster has been loved by South Africa’s compact SUV market for many years, and is one of the brand's most reliable models. Recently, the all-new third-generation Duster was launched, but it comes with some changes. So, is it still worth buying?

Here is a simple breakdown to help you decide.

Great styling, but are you getting great value?

What’s good about the new Duster?

1. Sexier styling

The new Duster looks sharper and more rugged with bold updates like slim Y-shaped LED lights, chunky wheel arches, and prominent skid plates. It looks almost like a miniature version of the new Prado. It sits higher off the ground, ideal for those who want a vehicle that can handle rough roads and some off-road fun. It looks like a car built for adventure with plenty of that quintessential French flair. The styling scores top marks!

This is the front-wheel-driven Intens model.

2. More space on board

Thanks to a new platform, the cabin is roomier than before. Rear passengers get more legroom and the boot space has grown to 472 litres in the 4x2 model. Seats are more supportive for long drives, with clever storage solutions like the YouClip system to help keep things organized. 

Older Dusters were quite cramped, but there's more legroom now.

3. More interior tech and safety features

The Duster now has a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) and a 7-inch digital dashboard that displays driving info. Safety is solid with six airbags, blind-spot warning, tyre pressure monitoring, a 360-degree camera on top models, and electronic stability control. It's a far cry from the previous-gen model, which focused less on tech and more on off-road ability. Renault also offers a handy 4WD monitor:

The 4WD monitor in the Duster 4WD model is a real-time off-road assistance system that helps drivers navigate challenging terrains more effectively, providing key off-road data on the infotainment system, making it easier to handle rough and unpredictable surfaces. - Renault SA

Sean also focuses on safety in his Duster 1.2T hybrid Zen review here.

4. Upmarket seat material

While the seat material in the previous Duster felt durable but more budget-oriented, the new seat covers in the Intens variant have an almost vinyl-like texture that will be easy to clean and feel good to the touch.

Parents will appreciate the family-friendly seat material.

5. Peppy new petrol engines

A new 1.2-litre turbopetrol mild-hybrid is available for 4WD models. It uses a small electric motor for an added boost, which helps to save fuel and take some load off the engine. The motor also runs the car's electrical systems.

The 1.3L turbopetrol unit in the two non-4WD models is lively, and it happens to be the same engine used in many other products, such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Renault offers a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan.

Related: Top 3 things to love about the new Duster

What’s not so great?

1. It's expensive compared to the previous Duster

The new Duster starts at R489 999 for the front-wheel-drive petrol version and R549 999 for the 4WD mild hybrid. That is about R90 000 more than the previous diesel model, so it is a much bigger investment.

The price tag seems steep, but the standard spec is impressive.

2. No more diesel powertrain

Many South African buyers still prefer diesel SUVs for fuel economy and pulling power, especially if they want to do off-road driving. If you want diesel, you will need to look elsewhere.

A convoy of 4x4 Duster models on an off-road track, back in 2017.

3. The petrol engines are not as efficient as the manufacturer claims

Sean drove the 1.2T 4WD model while I tested the 1.3T. He reports an average of 7.3L/100 km, while my consumption was around 6.3 L/100 km at the lowest. It is not fantastic, but not terrible; it is more or less the same usage you would get in a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine like the Honda HR-V.

The 1.2T, four-wheel-driven Duster's fuel economy.

The previous FWD diesel Duster gave us 3.6 - 5L/100 km from Cape Town to Bloemfontein and an average of 5.2 - 5.5 L/100 km in town. Pretty impressive, right? Read our Duster 1.5DCi Intens EDC 4x2 review here. (2022)

4. Four-wheel drive is only available in manual guise

The 4WD mild hybrid is only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. There is no automatic option yet, which could be a downside for some.

Self-shifting is your only option for all-wheel Dusters.

5. Competition from rivals offers more punch 

The compact SUV segment, now arguably the most cut-throat in SA, is packed with cheaper options from other reputable brands which offer similar features, more power, and strong reputations, sometimes at much lower prices. 

SA has many new models in 2025, and buyers are counting their pennies.

6. Hard surfaces in the cabin

When you're paying more money, you expect more soft-touch surfaces, but hard plastics are everywhere, and although there were no squeaks, one irritating rattle emitted from somewhere in the cockpit.

The design and layout are excellent, but buyers want to feel the luxury.

Who should buy the new Duster?

Duster fans will agree that the new model is a rather radical departure from the previous one. However, adventurous families who need a capable car that stands out from the crowd will adore the new Duster.

You can't go wrong with a pre-loved model if your budget is restricted. Have a look over here.

Always up for adventure!

Current Renault Duster prices (excluding metallic paint):

Zen 1.3 turbo petrol 4x2 – R489 999
Intens 1.3 turbo petrol 4x2 – R519 999
Zen 1.2 turbo mild-hybrid 4WD manual – R549 999