DARLING DUSTER
The third-generation Renault Duster aims to build on the global success of its plucky, no-frills forebear
The venerable Duster compact SUV was sourced as part of an alliance with Romanian car manufacturer Dacia and has been captivating global audiences since its 2010 introduction. With more than 2,2 million subsequent sales globally, its appeal remains its assured stance and rugged, sturdy character. By all accounts, the fact that the Duster places form and function – inside and out – ahead of unnecessary frills and overengineered fuss only adds to the allure of a vehicle that has proven impressively adept at balancing everyday usability with an inherent sense of adventure.
The upcoming third-generation model looks to build on this reputation while injecting newfound levels of sophistication and updated technology. Renault South Africa is looking to launch the newest version of this popular package initially only in 4x4 guise towards the end of 2024.
NEW PLATFORM
Replacing the B0 platform, which underpinned the first two generations of Duster (the second model was introduced in 2017), the all-new model shares its CMF-B platform with the latest Clio hatch and Captur compact SUV. Similar in length, the next Duster is slightly lower and wider at its hips when measured against its outgoing forebear. The adoption of its new platform means improved overall rigidity and, ultimately, refinement, while key areas like rear passenger legroom and luggage capacity (now 472 litres) have benefited.
Renault claims a 217 mm ground clearance for its new off-roader, with front- and rear departure angles of 31 and 36 degrees, respectively.
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
Previewed by the Dacia brand’s Bigster concept, its designer claims the new Duster’s bold expression is defined by “honed proportions, with a strong, balanced posture. When you get the proportions right early on, you don’t need artifices to tweak style later.”
The newcomer has Y-shaped signature branding that extends to the headlamps and this theme is repeated in the car’s interior.
Its wheel arches and bumper cladding are fashioned from a substance known as Starkle. Essentially, Starkle is a hardwearing plastic composed of up to 20% recycled material that in its unpainted form reveals a blackand-white finish.
The interior is highlighted by a squared-off steering wheel, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 10,1-inch digital instrumentation. Smartphone-mirroring technology is standard, as is the ability to complete overthe-air software updates.
A new Youclip system introduces several detachable folding storage solutions scattered throughout the cabin, each capable of securing packages of up to eight kilograms.
POWERING UP
It seems unlikely Renault South Africa will be able to rationalise an allocation of this model’s historically popular 1,5-litre turbodiesel drivetrain for the new Duster to its European head office. Instead, the 4x4 derivative, which it will look to launch locally, is fitted with a 1,2-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol engine that incorporates 48 V mild-hybrid technology.
Also on the menu is a 1,6-litre naturally aspirated powertrain, paired with two electric motors and a 1,2 kwh battery pack that is charged via regenerative braking. Renault claims this configuration is capable of remaining in all-electric driving mode for up to 80% of city driving applications.
A variable all-wheel-drive system, comprising Terrain Control with dedicated driving modes for different road surfaces, will favour a front-wheel-drive configuration in its Auto setting, before directing torque to the rear wheels once it detects a loss of traction.