Renault South Africa has expanded its local compact SUV line-up with the introduction of the new Indian-built Duster range.

The arrival of the Chennai-built model follows the March 2025 introduction of the third-generation Romanian Duster, paving the way for further SUV additions over the next 12 months.

Volume driver for local market

Positioned as Renault’s fourth local volume driver alongside the Kwid, Triber, and Kiger, the new Duster range carries a monthly sales target of between 250 and 400 units – up from the 200 to 250-unit target of its predecessor.

Turbopetrol powertrains and dimensions

Five of the six derivatives in the range are powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol engine designated the TCe 160, delivering 116kW and 260Nm of torque — gains of 3kW and 10Nm over the Romanian-built TCe 150. Power goes to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The entry-level TCe 100 uses a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 74kW and 160Nm, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Claimed fuel consumption stands at 5.6l/100km for the manual TCe 160, 5.4l/100km for the automatic 1.3l, and 5.2l/100km for the 1.0l unit.

The range is offered exclusively in front-wheel drive, with the previously available 4×4 drivetrain dropped from the line-up.

Underpinned by the CMF-B modular platform, the vehicle measures 4 343mm in length, 1 813mm in width, and 1 656mm in height, with a 2 657mm wheelbase and 212mm ground clearance. It is 3mm longer, 35mm narrower, and 3mm shorter than its predecessor.

Boot capacity has increased to 518l (700l to the roofline), expanding to 1 789l with the rear seats folded – gains of 46l, 106l, and 180l respectively, over the previous model.

Visually, the new Duster adopts a more contemporary design featuring a revised front grille with ‘Duster’ script, a new LED lighting signature, a horizontal rear light bar, and fresh fore and aft skid plates. Lower trim levels feature 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the cabin features a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a six-speaker audio system, four USB-C ports, and six airbags, along with a rear-view camera, park distance sensors, cruise control, and tyre pressure monitoring.

Pricing and model line-up

The six-derivative range spans four trim levels — Evolution, Techno, Techno+, and Iconic — priced from R339 999 for the entry-level Evolution 1.0T to R499 999 for the flagship 1.3T Iconic, undercutting the outgoing model by R150 000.

The flagship Iconic adds 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, automatic wipers, ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera, and advanced driver assistance systems.

Competitors and driving impressions

Renault targets the Toyota Corolla Cross as the Duster’s primary rival, alongside segment competitors including the Chery Tiggo Cross, Kia Seltos, Suzuki Across, Omoda C5, Geely Coolray, and Jetour Dashing, as well as the upcoming Nissan Tekton expected in September 2026.

On the road, the 1.3l turbopetrol paired with the six-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers smooth off-the-line acceleration and comfortable cruising speeds. The electric power steering feels light and well calibrated at lower speeds, though minor wheel hop was noticeable at highway speeds.

The suspension setup remains composed over gravel surfaces, though sharper imperfections on tarred roads are transmitted into the cabin.

During the launch drive in Cape Town, the press vehicle recorded an average fuel consumption of 7.3l/100km.

Market verdict and future portfolio

With a lower price point and urban-focused design, the new Duster establishes a strong foothold as Renault prepares to expand its local portfolio with the Boreal and seven-seater Bridger towards the end of this year or in 2027.

For now, the Duster combines generous specification, improved practicality, and competitive pricing in a crowded segment.

Renault Duster 1.3T Iconic specifications

• Price: R499 999
• Engine: 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol
• Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch
• Driven wheels: Front
• Power: 116kW
• Torque: 260Nm
• 0–100km/h: N/A
• Top speed: N/A
• Fuel consumption: 5.4l/100km (claimed)
• CO2 emissions: 128g/km (claimed)

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