Trusty Duster

The 2018 Renault Duster eases the nerves for new SA4x4 staffer Micky Baker, on his 4x4 baptism of fire on the Free State/Lesotho border

- Micky & Rizqah Baker

Let’s face it – overlanding can be expensive, and with the current economic climate, we find ourselves with far too much month at the end of our money. For those of us lucky enough to own 4x4 toys, South Africa is ours for the taking. Sadly, though, many young couples seeking to embrace the adventure lifestyle simply can’t afford a car that meets all their daily needs and also conquers trails at the weekend.

Enter the Duster: Renault’s solution to this financial roadblock, and now entering its sixth year on South African showroom floors. It’s already proven itself as a class leader, albeit largely because it has little in the way of competition. Despite recent economic slumps, sales have continued to rise, proving that there is a genuine market in the country for compact, off-road-capable vehicles – a market that Renault has all figured out.

As relative newcomers to the off-road life ourselves, my wife and I were ideal candidates for Renault’s Duster 4x4 Adventure Weekend, which would see us exploring the Free State and its Lesotho border in a nifty new Duster, and putting it through its paces on and off the road.

Southbound and hungry

After quick brekkies and a briefing at Renault HQ in Johannesburg, we were plonked in a shiny, silver Duster and instructed to meet 250km away in Lindley – just a quick drive down the road, by Gauteng standards. Armed with a meticulously compiled set of directions, we tore away from the hustle and bustle and cruised toward the Free State. Vang jou oppie langpad.