Bold and beautiful: 2025 Renault Duster 4x2 EDC Intens review
Now, the French firm has dropped the brand-new Renault Duster 4×2 EDC on us. And the timing couldn't be better. Because, like any well-worn favourite, there comes a time for a new one. Queue a complete styling makeover that transforms the once-utilitarian SUV into something genuinely desirable … Longer, wider and taller means the new Renault Duster meets any practical challenge without hesitation. Image: Ray Leathern
Step back and admire the 2025 Renault Duster 4×2 EDC from any angle, and you'll immediately understand why Renault's design team deserves such praise. The whole thing is much more macho – bold and confident in its stance. New Y-shaped LED daytime running light signatures front and rear look so good they'll almost certainly be copied within the year.
Attractive 18-inch dual-tone wheels wear road-biased Continental rubber. And the Renault motif is proudly emblazoned across the front grille. Not to mention the flush rear door handles and tough, practical body cladding. All-in-all, styling wise, the new Renault Duster 4×2 EDC is light-years ahead of the previous generation. This looker has come a far way from the utilitarian, Indian-built generation one Duster. Image: Ray Leathern
For many, beneath the sculpted bonnet lies the most controversial new component – a downsized turbo-petrol engine. In the 4×4 manual we drove on launch, you got a punchy mild-hybrid 1.2-litre turbo three cylinder, which we rather enjoyed. However, here in the Renault Duster 4×2 EDC, you find a non-hybridised 1.3-litre turbo four cylinder. With 113 kW and 250 Nm of torque it's pretty gutsy and the seven-speed dual-clutch auto works its seamless magic through the gears. However, for real-world fuel economy, you're looking at an average around 7.0 l/100 km.
However, we're sad about the departure of the much-loved, if somewhat agricultural 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine. That particular workhorse powered countless adventures of ours with admirable frugality. No matter the trip, you'd be shocked to see anything outside of the 5.0 l/100 km range. And we can't help but think that an honest-to-goodness oil-burner in this slick new Renault Duster 4×2 EDC body would have been a combination too incredible to pass up. You'll love the new Duster for its improved head, shoulder and knee room. Plus, the cabin is wonderfully put together. Image: Renault SA
Nevertheless, you'll quickly get over it when you step inside the cabin. The R519 999 Intens model we have on test has every possible mod con a family SUV could need. The 10.1-inch media screen is top notch for usability and graphics, as is the digital driver display. There are 360-degree cameras, a wireless charger and clever audio controls that live behind the steering wheel. And once you're used to the latter, the Renault Duster 4×2 EDC deals in VW-like usability. Plus, you'll see Renault's commitment to sustainability through the use of recycled plastics inside. Perhaps they're a little hard to the touch, but the Y-motif design from the outside is carried on throughout to make a genuinely engaging place to spend time.
Of course, practicality wise, the Renault Duster 4×2 EDC improves upon its predecessor almost everywhere. There is more head room, shoulder room, and knee room across the board. Even if the boot capacity (478 litres) is six-litres less than the previous 4×2. However, the total cargo measured is an impressive 1 400 litres of space with the rear seats folded flat. This is perfect for surfboards, mountain bikes and more. And it's this cavernous size that puts many larger, more expensive family SUVs to shame. Chunky body cladding, 18-inch dual-tone wheels, flush rear door handles and Y-motif lights all round give it serious styling cred. Image: Ray Leathern
In conclusion, the 2025 Renault Duster 4×2 EDC Intens represents a fascinating study in automotive evolution. While the loss of the characterful dCi diesel engine marks the end of an era, the new turbo-petrol brings refinement and quietness that only broadens the appeal. More so, the wonderful styling transformation successfully elevates the Duster's visual presence and sophistication. As such, the new Renault Duster 4×2 EDC ticks every imaginable box. It is, therefore, a worthwhile evolution of this enduringly popular family SUV and we expect to see plenty of them on SA roads. 2025 Renault Duster 4×2 EDC Intens
Engine: 1.3-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol
1.3-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol Power: 113 kW @ 5 000 rpm, 250 Nm @ 2 750 rpm
113 kW @ 5 000 rpm, 250 Nm @ 2 750 rpm Performance: 0-100 km/h 9.5 sec (estimated)
0-100 km/h 9.5 sec (estimated) Economy: 7.0 l/100 km (tested)
7.0 l/100 km (tested) Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
7-speed dual-clutch auto Price: R519 999
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The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Bold and beautiful: 2025 Renault Duster 4x2 EDC Intens review
The previous Renault Duster 4×2 EDC was like a reliable old hiking boot. Unpretentious, capable, reassuringly familiar and, critically, pretty affordable. We loved it so much we recommended a friend buy the ex-press demonstrator, and to this day she says it's the best car she's ever owned. Now, the French firm has dropped the brand-new Renault Duster 4×2 EDC on us. And the timing couldn't be better. Because, like any well-worn favourite, there comes a time for a new one. Queue a complete styling makeover that transforms the once-utilitarian SUV into something genuinely desirable … Longer, wider and taller means the new Renault Duster meets any practical challenge without hesitation. Image: Ray Leathern Step back and admire the 2025 Renault Duster 4×2 EDC from any angle, and you'll immediately understand why Renault's design team deserves such praise. The whole thing is much more macho – bold and confident in its stance. New Y-shaped LED daytime running light signatures front and rear look so good they'll almost certainly be copied within the year. Attractive 18-inch dual-tone wheels wear road-biased Continental rubber. And the Renault motif is proudly emblazoned across the front grille. Not to mention the flush rear door handles and tough, practical body cladding. All-in-all, styling wise, the new Renault Duster 4×2 EDC is light-years ahead of the previous generation. This looker has come a far way from the utilitarian, Indian-built generation one Duster. Image: Ray Leathern For many, beneath the sculpted bonnet lies the most controversial new component – a downsized turbo-petrol engine. In the 4×4 manual we drove on launch, you got a punchy mild-hybrid 1.2-litre turbo three cylinder, which we rather enjoyed. However, here in the Renault Duster 4×2 EDC, you find a non-hybridised 1.3-litre turbo four cylinder. With 113 kW and 250 Nm of torque it's pretty gutsy and the seven-speed dual-clutch auto works its seamless magic through the gears. However, for real-world fuel economy, you're looking at an average around 7.0 l/100 km. However, we're sad about the departure of the much-loved, if somewhat agricultural 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine. That particular workhorse powered countless adventures of ours with admirable frugality. No matter the trip, you'd be shocked to see anything outside of the 5.0 l/100 km range. And we can't help but think that an honest-to-goodness oil-burner in this slick new Renault Duster 4×2 EDC body would have been a combination too incredible to pass up. You'll love the new Duster for its improved head, shoulder and knee room. Plus, the cabin is wonderfully put together. Image: Renault SA Nevertheless, you'll quickly get over it when you step inside the cabin. The R519 999 Intens model we have on test has every possible mod con a family SUV could need. The 10.1-inch media screen is top notch for usability and graphics, as is the digital driver display. There are 360-degree cameras, a wireless charger and clever audio controls that live behind the steering wheel. And once you're used to the latter, the Renault Duster 4×2 EDC deals in VW-like usability. Plus, you'll see Renault's commitment to sustainability through the use of recycled plastics inside. Perhaps they're a little hard to the touch, but the Y-motif design from the outside is carried on throughout to make a genuinely engaging place to spend time. Of course, practicality wise, the Renault Duster 4×2 EDC improves upon its predecessor almost everywhere. There is more head room, shoulder room, and knee room across the board. Even if the boot capacity (478 litres) is six-litres less than the previous 4×2. However, the total cargo measured is an impressive 1 400 litres of space with the rear seats folded flat. This is perfect for surfboards, mountain bikes and more. And it's this cavernous size that puts many larger, more expensive family SUVs to shame. Chunky body cladding, 18-inch dual-tone wheels, flush rear door handles and Y-motif lights all round give it serious styling cred. Image: Ray Leathern In conclusion, the 2025 Renault Duster 4×2 EDC Intens represents a fascinating study in automotive evolution. While the loss of the characterful dCi diesel engine marks the end of an era, the new turbo-petrol brings refinement and quietness that only broadens the appeal. More so, the wonderful styling transformation successfully elevates the Duster's visual presence and sophistication. As such, the new Renault Duster 4×2 EDC ticks every imaginable box. It is, therefore, a worthwhile evolution of this enduringly popular family SUV and we expect to see plenty of them on SA roads. 2025 Renault Duster 4×2 EDC Intens Engine: 1.3-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol 1.3-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol Power: 113 kW @ 5 000 rpm, 250 Nm @ 2 750 rpm 113 kW @ 5 000 rpm, 250 Nm @ 2 750 rpm Performance: 0-100 km/h 9.5 sec (estimated) 0-100 km/h 9.5 sec (estimated) Economy: 7.0 l/100 km (tested) 7.0 l/100 km (tested) Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto 7-speed dual-clutch auto Price: R519 999 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
07-08-2025
- The Citizen
Nissan's incoming new Renault Duster twin spied for the first time
Rumoured to revive the Terrano name used on the first generation Duster, the newcomer will head a range of two Nissan-badged Renault products approved for South Africa. So far only seen in teaser image form the first of Nissan's two incoming new SUVs has been spotted undergoing testing in India ahead of its market arrival next year. Nissan by Renault Reported in May has having entered the pre-production phase, the newcomer will be based on sister brand Renault's new Duster, and produced at the Chennai plant for the local and export markets. .@Nissan_India's upcoming C-segment SUV has just been spotted on test in India for the first time. Essentially a badge-engineered sibling of the Renault Duster, we can expect it to launch in India by the middle of 2026. Tap belowhttps:// — Autocar India (@autocarindiamag) August 7, 2025 The first of three Nissan-badged Renault models for India, the newcomer will ride on the same CMF-B platform as the Duster, and more than likely, have the same choice of engines. ALSO READ: Making sense of Nissan-Renault's SUVs heading to South Africa Based on the images posted by Autocar India, the main differences will, seemingly, be limited to the exterior and interior, the former comprising a Nissan specific grille, as hinted by the original teaser image last year, and what appears to be model unique headlights and different wheel arches. Teaser image of the first Renault-based new Nissan SUV. Image: Nissan While no interior images were obtained, anticipated changes are likely to be minor. Engine conundrum Up front, the line-up of engines will mirror those of the Duster, though in accordance with the options available on the Dacia Duster in Europe, different in displacement and power. Dacia Duster lineage will have two additional models. Image: Dacia As a comparison, the Dacia can be had with a 1.2-litre mild-hybrid turbo-petrol or a self-charging 1.6-litre hybrid, while the Renault substitutes the later with the normal 1.3-litre turbo-petrol co-developed with Daimler. Renault-badged version of the Dacia Duster will soon wear the Nissan badge, once again. Image: Renault In India, reports have alleged that Nissan could retain the Terrano name used on the rebadged first generation Duster, however, nothing has yet been approved. Remaining pair Besides the Duster, the new Boreal will also morph into a Nissan and debut next year with seven-seats below the X-Trail. Based on the Dacia Bigster, the Boreal will provide the base for the second new Nissan SUV. Image: Renault Spun-off of the Dacia Bigster, both the Duster and Boreal models have been approved for South Africa, the former replacing the Qashqai, while the latter will take-up station below the X-Trail instead of succeeding it. Renault South Africa has since confirmed to that the Boreal is being investigated for South Africa in either 2026 or 2027. '[These] products will be Nissan's answer to the Chinese competition in South Africa. We believe [India] is a good source to bring competitive and technologically advanced response to the market,' Nissan Managing Director for South Africa and Independent African Markets, Maciej Klenkiewicz, told the media at the unveiling of the facelift Magnite in Cape Town last year. Nissan-badged Renault Triber has, for the moment, not been approved for South Africa. Image: Nissan Not destined for South Africa, for now, the third model will be based on the Renault Triber and could serve as the spiritual replacement for the Livina/Grand Livina should sales receive approval. More later At its stands though, on the pair of SUVs has been confirmed and with development in India still taking place, expect details and more spy images to gather throughout the remainder of 2025. NOW READ: Indian pre-production of first South Africa-bound new Nissan starts
The South African
07-08-2025
- The South African
6 reasons to opt for the ‘entry-level' Ford Ranger XL Double Cab
Is it strange we're more excited to drive the most affordable Ford Ranger XL Double Cab than just about anything else this year? Not really, because I just realised that Ford Motor Company, or FO MO CO as it's also known, doesn't do FOMO. Get it, FOMO? You see, manufacturers always want to give media test drives in their absolute latest and greatest R1-million beast … The standard grille and headlight arrangement is basic compared to higher-spec Rangers. Image: Ray Leathern Meanwhile, perfectly excellent vehicles that the majority of motorists actually own, like the R703 000 Ford Ranger XL, go undriven. We recently had the opportunity to expand our frame of reference by driving the 'entry-level' Ford Ranger XL 2.0 SiT 4×4 Double Cab 6MT. And here are our six takeaways for buyers looking to get the most bang for their buck … At just R703 000 for the Ford Ranger XL 2.0 SiT 4×4 Double Cab 6MT, you simply cannot get more double-cab bakkie for the money. Okay, the two-wheel drive XL Double Cab is R620 000. But you're going to want that go-anywhere capability that comes with 4×4, because the XL is just such a great adventure vehicle. One of the reasons we love any test unit that's not absolutely top of the line, is you don't feel bad putting it through its paces. In our time with the Ranger XL we took it off roading and the 4×4 system didn't skip a beat. Standard-fit Continental CrossContact tyres on plain-looking 17-inch wheels are absolutely brilliant over all terrain types, too. No expensive trim pieces, no problem. The Ford Ranger XL 4×4 feels built for the tough stuff. Image: Ray Leathern Moreover, a bakkie like the Ranger XL loves to be utilised to the full. In a million-Rand-plus Platinum you may think twice about how you use it but, in the XL, we threw all manner of wet, sandy items in the rear load bay and didn't think twice. This could be your life, too. The load bay is rubberised back there, with clever tie-down rails along the side. And there's slightly more utility space due to the simpler tonneau cover. Perhaps the most enjoyable thing about our time with the Ranger XL was the do-it-yourself drivetrain. It's insane to realise how pampered we've all become with automatic gearboxes. A six-speed manual and single-turbo engine may feel positively old-school but it's also glorious to be solely responsible for dishing out all motive force. The 4×4 system is switchable on-the-fly and works seamlessly, too. Happy to report that the Ford Ranger XL's cabin is an excellent place to be. Image: Ray Leathern Most impressive from our time with the 'modest' Ford Ranger XL was the cabin quality. We assumed the Wildtraks and Platinums would be worlds apart from the base XL. However, with a 10-inch colour touchscreen and 8-inch digital colour cluster display, it's definitely in the same ballpark. Clever features like Sync with Apple CarPlay and FordPass Connect are standard on the Ranger XL. The seats are cloth, mats rubber and you still get a rear-view camera with sensors. Win, win, win. When it comes to efficiency, FO MO CO's single-turbo (SiT) 2.0-litre turbodiesel produces 125 kW and 405 Nm, which is perfectly adequate. We didn't test it but assume a zero to 100 km/h sprint time would be just less than 10 seconds. And while claimed/combined fuel economy is 7.7 l/100 km, we averaged in the 8.0 l/100 km range over the full test period. This still yielded a massive tank range of 850 km. Proudly built Ford tough in Silverton, Pretoria. Image: Ray Leathern Perhaps the only downside to the Ford Ranger XL is how plain looking it is on the outside. Remember, there's a host of very handsome special edition Raptors, Platinums, et al, on the roads. As such, you won't be turning any heads in the boggo double cab. But even here there's an upside. Because cruising around with relative anonymity also has its perks. As does banking R300 000 in savings! Ford Ranger XL 2.0 SiT 4×4 Double Cab 6MT Engine: 2.0-litre, turbodiesel 4-cylinder 2.0-litre, turbodiesel 4-cylinder Power: 125 kW @ 3 500 rpm, 405 Nm @ 1 750 rpm 125 kW @ 3 500 rpm, 405 Nm @ 1 750 rpm Performance: 0-100 km/h 9.5 sec (estimated) 0-100 km/h 9.5 sec (estimated) Economy: 7.7 l/100 km (claimed) / 8.5 l/100 km (tested) 7.7 l/100 km (claimed) / 8.5 l/100 km (tested) Transmission: 6-speed manual 6-speed manual Price: R703 000 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
