Unveiled to the press in the cross-country of Stellenbosch, synonymous for wines and orchards this proved to be a worthy cause. Renault spared no chances having hosted three-media groups over three different days. Awesome.
It is a solid and macho-looking chunk of metal ready to compete with the likes of Chev Cruze and Toyota Corolla, as head of Renault Marketing Fabien Payzan, kept alluding to.
The Indian made, is 4.3-metre-long with bulging wheel arches and by far is the ‘coolest’.
The Duster gives you air conditioning, CD/MP3/USB audio system, electric windows and mirrors, rear parking sensors, ABS as well as front and head/thorax (front) side airbags.
Other models features the Dynamique badge, which brings 16-inch alloys, satin chrome exterior embellishments, a touch screen audio interface with navigation and some shiny black interior garnishes.
In line with the design brief, the cabin is spacious enough for five, with generous head room, decent rear legroom and a rather big 475 litre boot.
During presentation, Payzan also remarked importantly that Clio, their ‘cash-cow’ has been well received both locally and internationally and with the introduction of Duster, they hope it will surpass the numbers, particularly the 1.5 dCi turbodiesel.
The Duster is fitted with a variable-geometry, low inertia turbocharger for lag-free pull-offs and at full blast it pushes 80kW and 240Nm – from 1750rpm in the 4×4 and 2250rpm in the 4×2.
Claimed consumption is between 5.5 and 5.3 l/100km, but the downside is that it only cares to sip 50ppm low-sulphur diesel.
Both diesel models come with a six-speed manual ‘box, but the 4×4’s one has a very low first gear ratio, which works wonders for slope creeping off the beaten track, but the gearing set-up also means that second is like first, third like second and so forth and it takes some time to become accustomed to it on the road.
However, look out for what could be of inconvenience in the form of a hooter. As we raced and snaked through the valleys and mountains with schools kids smitten by the an avalanche of ‘cool-dusters’ dusting off their area and in anticipation of the wine-tasting awaiting us at the sought-after Spier Hotel, you’d be glad we found the small hooter button perched on the left-side of the indicators. Get one you’ll see what I’m referring to. Stru!
Renault Duster comes in various colours but we used the brown coloured-models for the epic test drive. And it came to the party swiftly…
It’s available in the following rates:
1.6 Expression 4×2 – R194 900
1.6 Dynamique 4×2 – R204 900
1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×2 – R219 900
1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×4 – R239 900
Prices include a three-year/45 000km service plan and five-year/150 000km warranty.
As a marketer, the bald-looking Payzan said unapologetically that the Duster’s pricing is competitive, as opposed to above mentioned competitors.
Yes (Phuthi-celebrated SA motoring journo) we dusted off the Duster, not your duster’s interpretation. Amen!
