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DRIVEN: Renault Duster 4x2 definitely has added value

In today’s times most of us don’t have the luxury to lose money and be okay with it.

The economy is in dire straits, the price of fuel affects us negatively, and purchasing decisions need to be as sound as the tar Noah wrapped the ark in. So the new vehicle purchase you make has to cover various aspects and see to even more needs.

The Renault Duster Prestige auto is one such vehicle that sees to various needs without breaking the bank. At R340 900 it's competitively priced, it's multi-functional, and has a properly good drivetrain you can write home about. 

The segment it competes in is one of the most hotly contested in all of the motoring world and each SUV must bring something unique to the table.

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                                Image: QuickPic

Proven recipe

When Renault brought the Duster to South Africa a few years ago, pricing started just under R200 000. At the time that was damn impressive and a lot of people jumped at the opportunity to own one. And the Duster wasn’t just any SUV - it had real off-road credentials and even the 4x2 model was a popular choice.

In the years since, the Duster became a more mature vehicle but it stayed true to one aspect: being a rugged, no-excuse SUV you can drive through and over the rough stuff.

The latest iteration retains the design traits of all previous Dusters - exterior design, high ground clearance, big windows - but it all looks so much smoother and - dare I say it - modern. The improvements were carried over into the interior as well, and the changes that were brought in are light years ahead of the previous model.

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                                Image: QuickPic

Smooth diesel

Buyers know that with the Duster a weekend-getaway is always on the cards and a trip to a secluded spot is always a priority. That’s why it has an engine that’s proven itself to be a stalwart product. The turbocharged 1.5-litre diesel engine churns out 80kW and 250Nm of torque and there is always enough power to keep the six-speed automatic gearbox in check.

The Duster’s ride quality comes across a bit harsh at times, but that does little to deter the eager-to-impress SUV. We covered many kilometers with it, and drove all over the Western Cape, and not once did the SUV give an indication of being under strain.

Renault says that the Duster 4x2 will only sip 4.8-litres of diesel every 100km, but our fuel return of 5.8-litres/100km seems a tad more realistic. And, may we add, that remains a mighty impressive figure.

Read Charlen Raymond’s review of the Renault Duster 4x2 Prestige automatic.

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