Which Renault Duster trim holds its value best?

By Stuart Johnston

 

Renault’s  Duster was introduced here in late 2013 and immediately gained a reputation as one of the most affordable SUVs in the country, with no small measure of off-road ability. But which version holds its value best?

The Renault Duster made waves when it was introduced here in September 2013, mainly because it was extremely well-priced. At the time you could buy four variants, ranging from the 1.6 Expression 4X2 (R194 900) to the range-topping 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4X4 at R239 900.

Since then the Duster has had a major re-styling, with substantial revisions to the exterior and interior, as well as mechanical revisions, introduced in September 2018.

The new TechRoad model enters the Duster line-up

This year the range has comprised five models, and this week (on July 15, 2019) Renault announced that two of its 4X2 Dynamique models would be superseded by two versions of the newly-named Duster TechRoad. This new model features some revisions to the exterior and interior, including a more rugged upholstery spec, a rear-view camera and some eye-catching 17-inch alloy wheels.

The model names are a bit confusing

The Duster model names are a bit confusing in respect of the diesel models as they don’t refer to the two different power outputs of the 1,5-litre dCi diesel motor available. This engine, identical in terms of its  1 461 cc capacity and four-cylinder configuration,  is available in 66 kW and 80 kW form.

 The 80 kW version is now used on the models fitted with an Electronic Dual Clutch six-speed transmission (EDC) and in the 4X4 version. The 66 kW version is now only used in one model, the 1.5 dCi TechRoad 4X2. A clue to which engine is used is given by the fact that the 66 kW version is substantially cheaper than the 80 kW versions.

The Range as of mid-July 2019

The current range still comprises the 84 kW  petrol-engined 1.6 Expression five-speed manual as an entry-level model, and the Dynamique nameplate remains in the line-up in 4X4 guise, fitted with the  more powerful 80 kW version of the 1,5-litre diesel motor and a six-speed manual gearbox

This is what the current Renault Duster line-up looks like:

• Renault Duster 1.6 Expression 4X2  (R255 900)
• Renault Duster 1.5 dCi TechRoad 4X2 (R293 900)
• Renault Duster 1.5 dCi TechRoad EDC 4X2 (R327 900
• Renault Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4X4 Manual (R327 900)
• Renault Duster 1.5 dCi Prestige EDC 4X2 ( R340 900)

Which models hold their value best?

A good guide to value depreciation is to bear in mind that second-hand prices generally reflect popularity in the new-car market. So the most popular models hold their value better in the used-car arena, as the same laws of supply and demand follow.

There are exceptions to this, and often the differences in value retention are clouded by factors such as condition and mileage, but given equal condition and mileage, the percentage drop-off on the more popular models in a range will be less.

So which are the best-selling Duster models to date?

• The best-selling Duster model in the first six months of 2019 is the 1.5 dCi Prestige EDC 4X2. A review of this model is available if you click here. 
• It is somewhat surprising, as this model is also the most expensive model in the line-up. 
• The next-best seller has been the 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4X2 diesel, followed by the 1.5 dCi Dynamique EDC, the 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4X4, and the 1.6 Expression.

So, looking at trends in the Duster range, the entry-level petrol model is the least popular, followed by the 4X4 model. (You can click here for a review on the Duster dCi 4X4). It seems that buyers value features (the Prestige model is the most feature-laden model) and an automatic or similar type of transmission (the EDC gearbox offers full automatic operation, and is not fitted with a clutch pedal).

But keep in mind that the new TechRoad model, with its spunky new wheels and extra ground clearance, may skew these figures over the remaining months in 2019, and into 2020.

If you are looking to buy a new or used Renault Duster, AutoTrader has over 250 listed which you can view by clicking here.