Dual-purpose excitement

DUSTER 4X4: SUV A DELIGHT ON THE OPEN ROAD BUT COMES INTO ITS OWN RIGHT OFF ROAD

bench seat featuring a one-third, two-third split fold function and a boot with a loading capacity of up to 478 litres.

The driver and passengers can control music, navigate, and communicate with the Duster by way of voice commands or the vehicle’s manual controls.

Passive safety aspects include a blind-spot warning system, rear park distance control, disc brakes front and drums rear, with ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Meanwhile a multiview camera allows for easy visibility of the front, rear or side terrain, triggered by the reverse gear or by touching a button.

The package comes powered by Renault’s turbocharged four-cylinder, 1 461cc diesel engine, which delivers 80kW of power at 4 000rpm and 260Nm of torque from 1 750rpm.

The engine is mated to a slick six-speed manual gearbox, which proved a delight to use in traffic and on the open road.

Renault say it will reach a top speed of 168km/h and accelerate from 0-100km/h in 12.5 sec.

The highlight of the launch was a stint through a fairly tough off-road course. This, despite its civil behaviour on the road, is where the new Duster excels.

It all starts with a ground clearance of 210mm, plus approach and departure angles of 30 degrees and 34 degrees respectively,

A transmission mode selector allows you to choose from three driving modes, including a lock mode which we used through the off-road course. It included steep climbs, dongas, huge downhills and severely undulated sections of veld. The Duster cruised through without the slightest indication of strain or discomfort.

Especially impressive was the hill descent control system that enabled smooth driving down a steep, slippery incline without touching any of the pedals.

In the end, the ease with which the Duster 4x4 dominated the course made me think I am, after all, a reasonably able driver – always dangerous.