Third gen Renault Duster shows face

THE Duster has been a popular crossover in the local market since it joined Renault South Africa's lineup a decade ago.

When the second generation was launched in 2017 the Duster took a big leap in the right direction with built quality, fit and finish and drivability all improved.

Renault has now revealed Duster number three, and while it hasn't been confirmed for the South African market yet, the new version of this popular crossover will surely head this way.

The third-generation Duster is based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s new CMF-B platform which makes it slightly longer than its predecessor and offers more cabin and luggage space.

This platform also allows the Duster to embrace the electrification age with a new hybrid powertrain option that pairs a normally aspirated

1.6 litre petrol engine with an electric motor and highvoltage starter generator for a system output of 103kW.

But it’s not just the hybrid powertrains that make the new Duster more eco-friendly than before.

Renault says roughly 20% of its plastics are recycled, and it also makes use of new materials like Starkle for many of the exterior trim panels, which are paint-free and consist of 20% reused polypropylene.

Inside, according to the manufacturer, the new Duster is rugged and durable.

Noteworthy features include a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, four illuminated USB ports, wireless smartphone charging, a six-speaker sound system as well as smartphone connectivity.