All-new Renault Duster launched in South Africa: Pricing and features announced

THE Renault Duster has earned a loyal following for its good value and no-nonsense approach, and the third generation model aims to build upon that, albeit with a more upmarket price tag.

Renault has also done away with the diesel engine that proved so endearing in the previous range, leaving buyers of the new version to choose between two turbopetrol options, one with mild hybrid technology.

Launched in South Africa this week, the new Duster is available in three flavours. There are two 1.3-litre turbopetrol 4x2 EDC models, with the Zen variant priced at R489,999 and the more upmarket Intens at R519,999. Topping the price scale is a 1.2-litre turbopetrol mild hybrid, manual 4x4 variant that retails for R549,999.

The 1.3-litre turbo engine produces 113kW and 250Nm, and is fitted exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.

The 4x4 model pairs a new-generation 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine with a mild hybrid system and a six-speed manual gearbox, for outputs of 96kW and 230Nm.

Renault claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.7 litres per 100km for this mild hybrid model, versus 6.5 l/100km for the 1.3T EDC variant.

The new Duster is built on Renault’s CMF-B platform, which it shares with the second-generation Captur and fifth-generation Clio. The 4WD version boasts 217mm of ground clearance as well as a Terrain Control system with five driving modes and Downhill Speed Control.

What features does the new Duster come with?

Standard equipment on the Zen spec grade includes 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, modular roof bars, 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Smartphone Replication, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, reverse camera, automatic climate control, auto wipers and six airbags.

The Intens spec level adds to that 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, 360 View camera, wireless phone charging, Arkamys 3D sound system and an advanced Driver Assist system (ADAS) that includes Blind Spot Detection.

All models are sold with a five-year or 150,000km mechanical warranty and three-year or 45,000km service plan.

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