Driving impressions: is the Renault Duster 1. 3T 4x2 Zen AT worth your attention?
Image: Supplied
The Renault Duster has been a mainstay of the brand for many years and has an almost cult-like following in certain circles, especially the diesel off-road versions.
They recently revamped the entire SUV range, which included dropping the well-loved diesel engine and replacing it with petrol and mild hybrid versions.
There was much gnashing of teeth when the diesel mill was dropped, but whether we like it or not, Europe sees it as the devil's brew, so we need to come to terms with it.
The Renault Duster is a result of the joint venture between themselves and Romanian subsidiary brand Dasia and is built on the Common Module Family-B build platform also utilised across several of Renault's products, including the fifth-generation Clio, second-generation Captur, Arkana, Austral and Kardian.
Engine
In the case of our Duster entry-level Cedar Green 1.3T 4x2 Zen AT test unit, it's fitted with a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine producing 113kW and 250Nm of torque coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
Exterior
In terms of the exterior, Renault has introduced their new design language, making it look a lot more chunky and aggressive and according to Renault, more aerodynamically efficient.
Roof rails, flush rear door handles integrated into the C-pillar, prominent mass-dyed skid plates and standing on 17-inch alloy rims with flared wheel arches with cladding all combine to give the Duster an off-road appearance.
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The Duster entry level 1.3T 4x2 Zen AT is fitted with a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine producing 113kW and 250Nm of torque.
Image: Supplied
Interior
The interior has also been given a complete makeover with the exterior angular theme followed through inside.
In the Duster Zen, the new interior is a lot more spacious, and although Dusters were not known for their premium interiors, this one feels and looks a lot better with improved ergonomics, although there's still a strong presence of hard-wearing plastics scattered throughout.
The seats have been redesigned and offer fantastic lumbar support while driving, and I felt a lot more comfortable with more legroom than the previous generation.
It gets a seven-inch configurable digital instrument cluster with various themes and colour backgrounds.
The 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is easy to use with sharp graphics and a quick response to inputs.
Device charging is taken care of with two USB-C ports, front and aft.
There's ample boot space with 472 litres to swallow holiday luggage and 1 696 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The interior has also been given a complete makeover with the exterior angular theme followed through inside.
Image: Supplied
Driving
I enjoyed driving the Duster 4x2 Zen and found the engine willing and quite zippy in its performance.
The engine and gearbox combine well to provide a smooth driving experience, and I found it to be substantially more refined than the outgoing model.
It's fitted with new optimised anti-roll bars, and you can feel it when cornering and going around bends with minimal body roll and more stability.
The changes they have made to the steering, suspension, dampers and noise suppression provide decent levels of comfort behind the wheel.
It's the kind of car that you could easily load up with the family and head out on an extended holiday while being equally adept at nipping down to the mall or doing the school run.
And unless you really want or need an all wheel drive version, this 1.3T 4x2 Zen AT is enough to tick all the boxes.
Renault claims consumption figures of 6.5l/100km, and I managed 6.8l/100km with a combination of suburban and highway driving.
Safety is taken care of by, among others, six airbags, a multiview camera, Tyre Pressure Detector and Blind Spot Detection.
Summary
The Renault Duster 1.3T 4x2 Zen AT fights for attention in a cluttered segment that includes the VW T-Cross and Toyota Corolla Cross, as well as a constant stream of new Chinese models, but I do believe that it offers something substantial, including a strong following with a successful local run over the years.
It comes with a five-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, a three-year/ 45 000 km service plan, and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Pricing Renault Duster Zen EDC 4x2: R489 999.
Renault Duster Intens 4x2: R519 999.
Renault Duster Zen 6MT 4WD Mild Hybrid: R549 999.
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