Renault Duster 1.3T Intens excels as an urban adventurer
The Renault Duster is jointly produced by Renault and Romanian subsidiary brand Dacia. It should be the last word in the segment considering Eastern Europe gave birth to the dominant crossover segment with the Russian Lada Niva.
With 54 segment alternatives from Europe, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and China to contend with, is the third-generation Renault Duster model on test this week up to the challenge?
Three models are on sale, and differently configured. Our Cedar green car is the Renault Duster 1.3T Intens, a front-wheel drive, seven-speed automatic mid-tier offering costing R520,000. The entry level Duster Zen that shares similar mechanicals is R30k cheaper while the range-topping Duster 1.2T Zen that comes with a hybrid drivetrain, 4WD underpinnings and a manual transmission exclusively costs R30k more.
The chunky design continues inside the cabin that's transformed dramatically from old, with a neat minimalist approach. It is ergonomic and sensible with remote finger controls for the climate system, mirrors, central locking and volume control, but many of the settings have moved into digital menus within the standard fitment 10.1' infotainment touch screen.
A 7' digital instrument cluster is for the driver and amenities include a 360° camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air-conditioning and electric windows. The seats and steering wheel are manually adjusted and the seating was comfy and well-judged. Other likable bits are the roominess for four or five passengers, and a 472l boot, though the tailgate isn't electric.
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