Renault Duster 1.5 dCi Intens EDC 4x2 (2022) Review
The recently enhanced Renault Duster, once a unique vehicle in na young segment, is now fighting for sales in one of the most fiercely-contested segments in SA. Is it still one to shortlist or are there other, more qualified contestants available at a better price?
In this article:
Interior, Comfort, and Convenience
Styling
I've always loved the Duster for its boxy, rugged styling and I am so happy that Renault hasn't changed its basic shape over the years. (I nearly cried when Nissan changed its square, robust-looking X-Trail into a generic, streamlined SUV shape.)
The subtly facelifted Duster's powerful features are now complemented by a new rear spoiler and newly designed 17-inch diamond cut alloys, along with attractive silver roof rails, while outdoorsy skid plates in the front and rear still evoke that free-spirited feeling. The enhanced C-shaped LED light signature in the front and back brings the Duster up to date.
Interior, comfort & convenience
The hard-wearing interior looks more contemporary than ever because of the slick new 8-inch MediaNav touchscreen that offers more features and better graphics and lifts the Duster's interior ambience to a whole new level. The system offers specifications like built-in satnav and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, too. Two USB ports up front enable charging and/or a connection to the infotainment system.
Space-wise, the dimensions stay unchanged. The Duster's never been terribly roomy on row two, yet older kids or adults under 1,65 metres and a child in the middle will be pretty comfortable. Leather upholstery is optional, but the standard seat material feels like it's designed to withstand plenty of modern-day punishment. The Intens model is the only variant with satnav, keyless entry, a front central (cubby-less) armrest, and lumbar support adjustment for the driver. A few more (larger) cupholders would not have been sneezed at, though, and the rear door cards are on the narrow side. Families travel with a lot of extra stuff these days, and more room to put these items is needed inside the cabin.
There's always been plenty of room in the (478-litre) boot, which has a practical shape and height, plus the absence of a lip makes for easy lifting and stowage of strollers or any large, heavy objects. All of these characteristics make the Duster the perfect camping car for small families. The 4x4 models will have to sacrifice a bit of cargo volume, however - the 1.5dCi Zen 4WD can swallow 414 litres. Visit the Renault SA website here to view the full list of specs for all models.
Buying used? Read our review of the Renault Duster 1.5dCi Techroad variant here.
Performance and fuel company
The Duster's 1.5-litre turbodiesel has proven itself over the years and is definitely one of Renault's most reliable powerplants. With 80kW and 25Nm of power driven through the front wheels via an automated dual-clutch transmission, there's enough power to keep the little engine on the boil, without having to shed a tear every time your eye catches your average fuel consumption on the trip computer. In our case, it never went over the 5.2 litres per 100 km mark, which is fantastic. You fill up the engine and that fuel gauge doesn't seem to budge for many, many kilometres. Over 1100 km on one 50-litre tank is realistic if you don't drive like you have the devil in a red Ferrari behind you, in which case you'll be in for a hard time, as the Duster's 0-100 km/h sprint time is just under 12 seconds and its top speed is 170 km/h.
Related: Used cars - Which Renault Duster is better, diesel or petrol?
Safety
There is the usual range of safety kit like ABS, EBD, emergency brake assist, daytime running lamps, fog lamps, stability and traction control as well as rear-park distance control and hill-start assist to prevent roll-back at an incline, but surprisingly, the parking camera in both Zen and Intens models offer a view to the rear, front, and sides. Four airbags are standard across the board.
Related: Renault Duster rocks as a family 4x4
Price
| Model | Price (incl. VAT) |
| Renault Duster 1.5dCi Zen manual | R352 999 |
| Renault Duster 1.5dCi Zen auto | R396 999 |
| Renault Duster 1.5dCi Zen 4WD | R396 999 |
| Renault Duster 1.5dCi Intens (tested) | R404 999 |
Competitors
The Duster's fiercest competitors are without any doubt, the spacious Toyota Corolla Cross (the entry-level 1.8Xi model comes in at a relatively low R360 400) and the Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSi 70kW Comfortline R-Line (R408 500), which is only a little more expensive than our Duster flagship.
The Sonet 1.0T is another worthy contender but its boot size doesn't quite compare. However, if you're after a full-fledged 4x4, in other words, one with an actual low-range transfer case that can go where softroaders like the Sonet and T-Cross will fear to tread, the Duster 1.5dCi Zen 4WD is priced even lower than the Duster 1.5dCi Intens model we tested.
Related: How capable is the Renault Duster 4x4 off-road?
Verdict
There is still a place for the Duster, but it's the four-wheel-driven Duster that truly shines in this line-up, because of its impressive talent for the rough stuff. After countless journeys and off-road courses in the 4WD Duster, in my books, it has earned its stripes. Just bear in mind that you'll have to settle for a manual gearbox.
