The new Renault Duster is bolder, more connected, more comfortable and better priced than ever before.
Now better than ever, the new Renault Duster is a significant step forward for the company’s SUV portfolio. Picture: Supplied
The Citizen Motoring team drove the Romanian-produced Renault Duster that was launched in South Africa in 2025. And we loved the car.
But we all complained about the pricing. Starting at R489 999 and going up to R519 999 and R549 999. It was simply overpriced.
It was too expensive
Competing in the most competitive segment in the country. It had little chance against the Chinese and the legacy brands.
But now that the car is produced in India, the Renault Duster offers even more specs than before but at a substantially better price.
Reduced pricing
At the car’s media launch event in Hermanus in the Western Cape, I admit to being blown away by the new pricing as listed here.
- Duster Evolution 1.0 Turbo 6MT – R339 999
- Duster Evolution 1.3 Turbo 6MT – R379 999
- Duster Techno 1.3 Turbo EDC – R399 999
- Duster Techno+ 1.3 Turbo EDC – R439 999
- Duster Iconic 1.3 Turbo EDC – R499 999
All models are also backed by a five-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, a three-year/45 000 km service plan and 24-hour roadside assistance.
As you can see, this Indian Renault Duster is ready to take on all competitors in terms of price. But has this drop in price compromised quality or features?
The short answer is no. Quality is every bit as good as it was on the 2025 Renault Duster. And more than 35 new features have been added to the range.
New engine choices
Unfortunately, the much-loved 1.5 turbodiesel of the old Duster will not be making a comeback any time soon, as Renault is phasing out diesel globally.
But this time round there is a 74 kW entry-level 1.0-litre turbo petrol that runs a six-speed manual transmission. And then you get the familiar 1.3-litre turbo petrol.
This engine produces a decent 116kW of power and 260Nm of torque. It is also available with the same six-speed manual and a six-speed EDC double clutch auto box.
What is also on the way next year is a hybrid Renault Duster. This car will be the start of Renault’s New Energy Vehicle drive locally, which will see plug-in hybrid and full electric offerings make their way here.
No AWD anymore
What has also changed with the switch to India is the hybrid AWD model has been discontinued. So, all the model derivatives you see here are front-wheel drive.
But if you are fast, Renault SA still has the last few of the 1.2-litre turbo petrol hybrid AWD on showroom floors. Once they are sold. That’s it.
But it’s still fun on gravel
The new Renault Duster offers 212mm of ground clearance and a suspension setup engineered for comfort and durability.
And Renault SA claims that it remains well suited to a variety of South African road conditions.
To put this to the test, our media launch drive consisted of freeway, rural roads, and a nice gravel section.
While there will be those that won’t be able to get over the new Renault Duster not offering AWD anymore, the car was actually very good on gravel.
Upgraded interior
Jumping into the new Renault Duster you are greeted by a modern driver centric interior. Dual OpenR Link displays take pride of place along with an elevated centre console.
In the top-of-the-range Iconic that we drove, you also get ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, automatic dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting and an electric-powered tailgate.
Space is pretty much on par with anything else in this segment. The boot offers 518 litres of storage space. Which can be expanded to 1789 litres if you drop the rear seats.
Connected technology
The 10.1-inch OpenR Link infotainment system features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity.
While higher specification derivatives further benefit from a 10.25-inch digital driver display, wireless smartphone charging and an upgraded audio system.
There is a multi-sense driving system that allows you to personalise your time in the car with different driving modes, steering settings, and tailoring the various electronic safety options.
Advanced safety
Every derivative of the new Renault Duster comes standard with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring and a rear-view camera.
High-specification models offer up to 17 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control,
- Blind Sport Warning,
- Traffic Sign Recognition,
- Lane Keep Assist,
- Active Emergency Braking,
- Driver Attention Alert,
- Front, Rear and Side Parking Assist,
- And Automatic High/Low Beam Assist.
Conclusion
With the pricing as good as it is. And the spec level is what it is. This new Renault Duster is impossible to ignore if you are shopping for a new car in this segment.
