Well, this depends largely on the person buying the car and what they deem to be of importance. The Duster range really does offer a car for every budget, so whether you're looking for an affordable feature-filled car, or you just want basic but safe and reliable transport for you and your family, the Duster range has you covered.
Currently, there are five Dusters in the line-up (the TechRoad variants were added recently):
1. Renault Duster 1.6 Expression 4X2 (R255 900 - the only petrol model, with 88kW & 156Nm)
2. Renault Duster 1.5 dCi TechRoad 4X2 Manual (R293 900, with 66kW and 210Nm)
3. Renault Duster 1.5 dCi TechRoad EDC 4X2 (R327 900, 80kW / 250Nm)
4. Renault Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4X4 Manual (R327 900, 80kW / 250Nm)
5. Renault Duster 1.5 dCi Prestige EDC 4X2 ( R340 900, 80kW & 250 Nm)
(Read our Renault Duster Prestige review here, and our Duster 1.5dCi 4x4 Dynamique review right here.)
The flagship Prestige model has been selling up a storm, because the buying public likes all the standard features, and it's not that much more expensive than the other diesel models.
Personally, I would avoid the entry-level petrol model as it lacks a few key features, and the 1.5 dCi TechRoad 4x2 Manual model as well, because its engine lacks some punch. 66kW and 210Nm is not a lot, and you're going to find yourself driving this Duster harder than you would the 80kW/250Nm models, which may defeat the purpose of saving diesel somewhat. However, the 66kW engine is the same power plant that calls the Renault Captur home, and the Duster isn't that much heavier, but the 100 odd kilos still impacts this Duster's performance negatively - the manual Duster Techroad is almost 2 seconds slower to the 0-100 km per hour mark than the Capur in question. (Read our Renault Captur 1.5dCi review here.)
Sales figures for the first half of 2016 suggest that this 66kW diesel Duster model (when it was still called the Dynamique variant) was the second-most popular after the Prestige variant.
Verdict
If I had to choose my number one Duster from this line-up, I'd choose the 1.5dCi TechRoad EDC 4x2. For commuting, an automatic is just easier on the nerves, and this variant does have the whole nine yards in terms of spec, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera, cheerful seat upholstery, and good ground clearance. In number 2 position, my choice would be the more generously-equipped Duster 1.5dCi Prestige EDC 4x2, also automatic, and in third position, the 4x4 model, sadly available only with a six-speed manual gearbox.
