There’s a good chance that the car being driven here isn’t the one you want. You see, there are two Renault Duster versions and while they look outwardly identical, they are quite different beneath the sheet metal.
The 4×2 has more power, a dual-clutch gearbox, a bigger boot and is quite a bit cheaper, starting at an attractive $31,990 plus on-road costs for the Evolution, rising to $36,990 (+ORCs) for the Techno. It’s a spacious, funky and good value small SUV.
But the Duster also has a more adventurous sibling, the 4×4 we’re driving here. It’s $4500 more expensive in Evolution guise, though this gap reduces to just $1000 as a Techno. It’s also manual only.
Outputs drop from 113kW/270Nm to 96kW/230Nm, it requires premium 95 RON fuel and the boot shrinks from 472 to 358-litres. For the majority of folks, the 4×2 will be the better bet. In the 4×4 though, you also score four driven wheels.
There’s an extra 38mm of ground clearance, which opens up a world of possibilities. Perhaps at this juncture we should explain what a Duster is, as with 258 sold this year, it’s not exactly a Toyota RAV4 in terms of popularity.
The Duster found a niche in Europe – where it’s branded a Dacia – as a basic, capable and cheap SUV; the original version started from just £8995 back in 2013, its successor became Europe’s second best-selling SUV.
The third-gen has become a bit fancier – much to the chagrin of some old-school Duster diehards. Increased tech means the intro price has doubled. Ateco, the importer that handles Renault in Australia, has deemed there’s enough interest and margin to offer it locally.
Fancier is a relative term. Not only do you need to press a button to unlock the door rather than just approaching the car, but you have to flick out a key to start the engine, which at least solves the problem of where to put it.
The seats are cloth and manually adjustable and the high-beam headlights are halogen, while the regular ones are LED. There’s a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment setup with wireless smartphone mirroring, cord-free charging and a pair of USB-C ports front and rear.
Auto lights and wipers, a six-speaker stereo, one-touch power windows all ’round, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and roof bars also feature. Step up to the Techno and you’ll add front fog lights, keyless entry and go, and auto high beam.
It also scores power folding mirrors, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, premium textile upholstery, 18-inch wheels and modular roof bars. Servicing costs $1980 for the first five visits, which are required every 12 months or 30,000km (yes, really).
It’s worth mentioning the Duster’s safety story. On the face of it a three-star ANCAP rating isn’t great – though technically the 4×4 is unrated – but an adult occupant protection score of 70 per cent is reasonable. 86 per cent for child occupant protection is very good.
Where the Duster struggles is with vulnerable road user protection (60 per cent) and safety assist (58 per cent), though Renault also has one of the best solutions for silencing the insistent active safety nannies.
Tap the appropriate button twice and only the assists you want remain active. It’s one example of the thoughtfulness that has gone into the creation of this car. As you might expect given the price tag, there is plenty of hard plastic in the interior.
That said, the steering wheel is leather-wrapped and not only are there physical switches for the HVAC and not only do they feel great to use, but there are little bumps on them to make them grippier and easier to operate.
Despite the limited adjustment, the seats are comfortable and the driving position is good, there’s ample space in the rear for either adults or kid seats and while the boot isn’t as big as some rivals thanks to the high floor, it houses a 16-inch spare wheel underneath it.
Very handy when the right-rear goes flat, we imagine. On the road, accurate and well-weighted steering and an absorbent ride give the Duster an easy-going character, whether you’re battling the daily grind or flowing along a winding country road.
It’s not at all sporty, but it is enjoyable to drive. The Duster 4×4’s greatest shortcoming is its engine. Few buyers in this segment would list performance as a priority, but there comes a point where its absence makes driving a chore.
Not only is there not much power (96kW) but it peaks at just 4500rpm, so the 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid has no enthusiasm to rev. The 230Nm torque maximum looks okay, but it seems to appear between 2200-2300rpm before vanishing once again.
To try and counteract this, Renault has fitted the shortest gear ratios known to man. At 5000rpm in each gear, the Duster is only doing the following speeds: 30km/h (1st), 52km/h (2nd), 79km/h (3rd), 120km/h (4th), 176km/h (5th), 200km/h (top speed in sixth).
As a result, you’re constantly changing gear and it can become tiresome. There’s an element of modern laziness here, for the Duster is no Moskvitch and can quite easily accelerate to and hold highway speeds, but the 4×2’s more powerful engine would be a big improvement.
The need to constantly use all the performance it does have also impacts fuel consumption, with the 5.7-litres/100km combined claim blowing out closer to 9.0-litres/100km during testing, which is a lot for such a small engine.
Where the Duster really shines, though, is beyond paved surfaces. It’s not designed to be a hardcore off-roader, but has enough capability (tyres, ground clearance and traction) to go further than most owners will ever dream of taking it.
Man, is it fun on faster gravel roads, though. The lack of grunt means you can drive it almost flat-out without actually going that quickly, the attributes that make it an amenable daily driver also make it progressive and controllable.
In its ‘off-road’ mode the ESP takes a back seat up to 100km/h, rather than the typical 50km/h. A one-make Duster rally series would be amazing. The Renault is never going to be a big seller, and for most the 4×2 will be the more sensible choice.
But the 4×4 is great. It’s a throwback to a more basic era, but don’t equate its lack of complication with a lack of excellence. It knows what its role is and – engine aside – does it very well.
More than a few of the 3000-plus people that have bought a Suzuki Jimny this year would’ve done themselves a favour in checking out the Renault Duster 4×4. You can find out more on the brand’s Australian website, or by talking to your local dealership.
To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Renault Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
