Revised Renault Duster now on sale in South Africa

The Renault Duster has been given a refresh that includes subtle visual enhancements as well as a rejigged line-up that adopts Renault’s latest model grade names that were first introduced with the Kiger.

While the range was previously offered in Expression, Dynamique and Prestige flavours, the 2021 line-up gives you a choice of three ‘Zen’ models as well as a flagship ‘Intens’ variant (and that’s not a typo).

The 1.5 dCi Zen 4×2 kicks things off at R337 900, an increase of R10 000 over the previous entry model. Both midrange models, namely the Zen EDC auto and the Zen 4×4 manual model, are listed at R376 900, while the Intens EDC 4×2 is yours for R384 900.

The exterior design changes are subtle, and include the addition of a rear spoiler and newly-designed 16-inch alloy wheels (although 17” diamond cut alloys are available). Renault has also added some new exterior colours, giving buyers a wide range of hues that include Arizona Orange, Fusion Red, Iron Blue, Brown Vision, Comet Grey, Highland Grey and Ice White.

Inside the 2021 Renault Duster you’ll find a new semi-flush 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which boasts wireless smartphone replication mirror compatibility, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Standard features in the entry-level Zen model include automatic air conditioning, infotainment system, cruise control, rear parking sensors, dual front airbags, ESC stability control and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Additionally, the flagship Intens derivative ships with a multi-view camera, hands-free card, Blind Spot Warning, Hill Descent Control, front and rear skid plate add-ons with satin chrome appearance, 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome door mirrors.

On the engine front, the normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine has fallen away, now that the Kiger has been introduced as Renault’s entry-level SUV, which sadly does not match the Duster for quality.

This means all Duster models are powered by the familiar 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel mill, which produces 66kW and 210Nm in the entry 4×2 model and 80kW in the 4×2 EDS and 4×4 manual models, which have respective torque outputs of 250Nm and 260Nm. Claimed combined fuel consumption figures range between 4.8 l/100km for the EDC models and 5.1 l/100km in the case of the 4×2 manual.

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

2021 Renault Duster prices

1.5 dCi Zen 4×2 – R337 900

1.5 dCi Zen EDC 4×2 – R376 900

1.5 dCi Zen 4×4 – R376 900

1.5 dCi Intens EDC 4×2 – R384 900

References: Jason Woosey (IOL Motoring)