Renault's second-generation Duster has arrived in South Africa. The popular SUV was showcased at last month’s Festival of Motoring, but today Renault has confirmed that it will be in dealers from early next week.
When the Duster arrived in South Africa in 2013, it was a well-priced, decently specced, and an impressively capable SUV. It became an instant success, selling in excess of 15,000 units since 2013. Fast forward to 2018, and its fundamental recipe is unchanged, with it still one of the most affordable SUVs you can buy today.
For 2018, it gets three specification levels as well as a comprehensive redesign – it now boasts a muscular new exterior and a far more modernized interior, which is itself a significant improvement over its predecessor, with the new interior feeling far more ‘premium’. The front now sports Renault’s familiar family face, with it gaining a new grill, DRL-equipped headlights, a sharper belt line, and a larger skidplates up front and at the rear.
Combined with class-leading ground clearance of 210mm, the Duster gets some new tech including a multi view camera, hill descent control and Blind Spot Detection, all of which combine to provide further ease of use whether you are navigating a tight parking space at the mall or blitzing up Sani Pass. And on the all-wheel drive model, there is now a 4x4 monitor which allows you to even check the pitch and roll angles at any given time.
The Duster is offered with a choice of three engines, a 77kw 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol variant, and two versions of the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel mill, with the lower spec producing 66kw and 210nm, and the higher spec making 80kw and 250nm. The compact SUV is offered with a 6-speed manual as standard, however you could opt for the optional 6-speed dual-clutch EDC automatic gearbox if needed. Interestingly, the EDC ‘box is only offered in a 4x2 configuration, while the sole 4x4 model in the range gets a manual shifter.
Few cars offer as much space at this price point. As before there is loads of room for the family, with practicality being the name of the game. The new Duster boasts a modular interior layout to easily adapt to needs, with the rear bench seat featuring a 1/3 - 2/3 split-fold function, while the boot boasts record loading capacity of up to 478 litres, that expands to over 1600 litres with the rear seats dropped down. It also scores on convenience, as it now gains a hands-free card, a start/stop button, automatic climate control, as well as cruise control and a speed limiter.
Renault South Africa has priced the Duster as follows, with all Dusters coming standard with a 3year/45000km service plan, and a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty.
1.6 Expression 4X2 R249 900
1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×2 R282 900
1.5 dCi Dynamique EDC 4×2 R316 900
1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×4 R321 900
1.5 dCi Prestige EDC 4×2 R334 900
Also worth a look: the New Renault Duster Arrives in South Africa: Pricing & Detail and the New Renault Duster: Tech, Turbo, and Tougher Than Ever.
FAQ
Q: What does the Renault Duster cost in South Africa?
The Renault Duster starts from around R280,000 for the base 1.6-litre petrol model, with the top-spec diesel 4x4 variant pushing closer to R380,000, making it one of the most affordable SUVs you can buy in SA.
Q: Is the Renault Duster worth buying in 2018?
Absolutely, the second-generation Duster offers exceptional value with its 210mm ground clearance, modern interior upgrades, and proven reliability record of selling over 15,000 units since 2013 in South Africa.
Q: What engines are available in the new Renault Duster?
The Duster offers three engine options: a 77kW 1.6-litre petrol unit, plus two versions of the 1.5-litre turbo diesel producing either 66kW with 210Nm or 80kW with 250Nm of torque.
Q: Does the Renault Duster come with automatic transmission?
Yes, Renault offers an optional 6-speed dual-clutch EDC automatic gearbox, though it's only available in 4x2 configuration, while the 4x4 model comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Q: What safety and tech features does the new Duster have?
The 2018 Duster packs impressive tech including multi-view camera, hill descent control, blind spot detection, and a 4x4 monitor on AWD models that displays pitch and roll angles for serious off-road work.
Should You Buy It?
The best affordable SUV under R400,000 in SA is definitely the second-generation Renault Duster. Starting from around R280,000, it delivers genuine off-road capability with 210mm ground clearance, modern tech features, and a significantly improved interior that finally feels premium. The 80kW diesel variant offers the sweet spot of performance and economy, while the proven track record of 15,000 units sold since 2013 speaks volumes about reliability. Whether you're tackling Sani Pass or navigating Sandton traffic, the Duster punches well above its weight class. For families wanting SUV versatility without the premium price tag, this is a definite yes.
