Jack Of All Roads

Renault’s popular Duster compact crossover received a major overhaul towards the end of last year. With a sleek new look, both inside and out, enhanced safety and equipment levels and a competitive sticker price, the latest model aims to continue the Duster’s sales success story. We had a spin in the Duster 1.5dCi EDC, the top 4×2 derivative ahead of the 4WD version’s arrival in SA.

There certainly are some choices in the compact crossover segment for local consumers.

Although our selection may not be as elaborate as is the case in some other markets, we’ve still got a fair dollop to choose from in this competitive segment.

In this segment, Renault’s Honest Joe Duster has traditionally been a beacon of practicality, value for money and a surprising amount of off-roading ability (in the 4WD models). The Duster has, over the years, earned itself a loyal and devoted following, too, culminating in the active Duster Club of South Africa.

The Duster polarises views. Some uppity punters, worried mainly about what their peers think about them, refuse point blank to be seen in a Duster, just because its ‘image’ is not up to their fashionable standard.

The more pragmatic – and the ones who also couldn’t care less what other people think of them – consider the Duster a thing of utter beauty and practicality. More than 15 000 Dusters have been sold in South Africa since its initial launch.

Now there’s a new Duster on the block. Is it more of the same recipe or has the latest version forsaken a winning recipe?

NEW. AND ALSO NOT

The new Duster is still based on the underpinnings of a previous-generation Nissan X-Trail, and it’s a well-proven set-up that offers a practical combination between 210mm ground clearance, comfort, ability, reliability and good approach and departure angles.

The styling has been updated and is now sleeker and certainly a lot more modern. Yet it retains plenty of off-road DNA and a rugged edge, with faux front and rear skid plates, and more prominent roof rails. We really like the 17-inch alloy wheels, too, which were shod with top-notch Bridgestone Dueler H/P tyres.