First Drive: Renault Duster Zen 4WD

First Drive: Renault Duster Zen 4WD

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There's nothing better than a pleasant surprise. Renault is well known for its budget-friendly models, especially in SA, like the Kwid and Triber, but every so often, they pull something out of the bag that’s genuinely impressive.

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Take the Clio—it’s a seriously good hatchback. The Captur and Koleos? Both are solid crossovers that punch above their weight. Among adventure-seekers seeking a rugged subcompact crossover at an affordable price, the Duster has quietly emerged as a favourite over the years. From the beginning, Renault had a clear vision for the Duster: build a tough crossover that can handle rough terrain and daily commutes. It’s a formula that worked, and the sales speak for themselves.

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Since its global debut, over 2.2 million units have been sold worldwide, with over 26,000 of those finding homes in SA. Not bad for a crossover that started as an underdog. Ask any Duster owner, and they'll tell you that, aside from its tough capability, it was its fuel-sipping 1.5dCi diesel engine that had won them over.

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New Duster, Different Approach

Now in its third generation, the Duster is still the rugged crossover that so many buyers have fallen in love with; only now, it’s even better in some departments. At its launch in Cape Town, the business presentation highlighted the Duster’s success, but one question kept coming up. What happened to the diesel? To address the elephant in the room, tighter emission regulations and the brand’s broader NEV (New Energy Vehicle) strategy, which focuses on EVs, hybrids, and mild hybrids, led to the discontinuation of the 1.5dCi engine.

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So, what does Renault offer in its place? The new Duster lineup is straightforward to understand. A Zen 4X2, Intens 4x2, and Zen 4WD, with the former being powered by a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine shared with the Captur, delivering 113kW and 250Nm. The Zen 4WD, on the other hand, introduces an all-new hybridised 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 96kW and 230Nm. It’s this unit that replaces the diesel powerplant, and from launch, it’s only available with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the 4x2 versions can only be had with an EDC automatic transmission.

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Marginally Bigger

Before diving into the driving experience, let’s talk design and aesthetics. The Duster retains its signature rugged stance—one of the key reasons so many have come to love it. However, thanks to its switch to the CMF-B platform, which also underpins the current Clio hatchback, this is a completely new car, modernised both inside and out, while staying true to its adventurous spirit. Practical features such as modular roof bars that can support up to 70kg in the top-of-the-line model, as well as chunky cladding, skid plates, and a choice of 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, ensure that it continues to look the part.

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In terms of size, the new Duster might look larger than its predecessor, but in reality, it’s only 11mm wider and 2mm longer. These small increases have made a noticeable difference in the interior and boot space. For instance, the boot has grown from 444 litres to 474 litres, and with the rear seats folded down, it expands to 594 litres. To put it into perspective, the Chery Tiggo 7 has 626 litres, the VW T-Roc comes in at 392, and the Kia Seltos provides 433 litres.

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Tech Loadout

While the outgoing car was starting to feel a little dated, especially in terms of interior design, the new model brings a more modern touch. It doesn’t strive to be an upmarket crossover but doesn’t feel cheap either. The interior maintains its rugged, utilitarian feel with durable, textured plastic surfaces, rubber mats, and washable MicroCloud upholstery. While some might prefer a softer, more refined interior, the Duster’s straightforward design makes it clear that it’s built for practicality, and everything is put together solidly.

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When it comes to tech, it takes things up a notch. There is a new 7-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also four USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. While both systems worked pretty well during the launch drive, the physical volume buttons on the top section of the infotainment screen took me a while to locate. Overall, the cabin is simple yet functional, with physical buttons for the majority of the car's key functions, which I believe should be standard in modern vehicles.

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The Oily Bits

The mild-hybrid 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine we drove at launch isn’t entirely new tech; we’ve seen 48-volt battery systems and starter generators in brands like Toyota and Audi before. While Renault’s hybridised setup is a step in the right direction, it may take a few iterations to fully match the frugality of the outgoing diesel. That said, the brand claims this system enhances fuel efficiency by up to 12.3% while improving performance and acceleration.

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On the road, the Duster feels lively, delivering power and responsive performance. However, the same can’t be said for its real-world fuel economy. Even when driven economically during sections of the launch route, the lowest we managed was 8.0l/100km—a bit of a stretch from the brand’s claim of 5.7l/100km and noticeably higher than the 4.8l/100km achieved by the previous diesel engine. This major difference is likely due to the varied driving conditions.

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On the drive front, it's better to steer than its predecessor. Is it a game-changer? To some extent, yes. The improvements brought by the more advanced CMF-B platform are immediately noticeable, delivering a smoother and more composed drive. The 6-speed manual gearbox offers a satisfying level of shove in all gears, making it engaging and capable even in stop-and-go traffic. We did find the start/stop system to be particularly disruptive at times, to the point that we turned it off altogether.

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Out on the highway, the Duster settles into an effortless cruise, feeling stable and confident even at certain speeds. There’s a bit of wind noise creeping into the cabin, particularly at higher speeds. However, it’s not intrusive enough that you reach for the volume button or shout over conversations. All in all, it’s a relaxed, effortless highway cruiser. 

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A key part of the launch drive included gravel and dune driving, allowing us to properly test the 4WD system. While it’s not a hardcore off-roader, the Duster 4WD proves itself to be more than capable for those adventure getaways, and there are five driving modes to choose from, depending on the type of terrain (Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road, and Eco). It handled steep dips, slippery inclines, and off-camber terrain surprisingly well, thanks to its improved approach and departure angles—now rated at 31 and 36 degrees (an increase of 1 and 2 degrees, respectively). In the case of the 4WD, it handled steep dips, loose inclines, and off-camber terrain with relative ease.

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On the safety side, the new Duster features six airbags, blind-spot detection, tyre pressure sensors, a 360-degree camera, and an electronic parking brake. 

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Sadly No More Diesels

When questioned about the possibility of the return of the diesel engine, Renault SA ruled it out, citing the global phase-out of diesel powertrains. While the dCi’s impressive fuel economy will certainly be missed, the new Duster makes up for it with greater refinement, improved drivability, and key upgrades where it matters the most. Of the two engines on offer, many buyers will be drawn to the mild-hybrid powertrain for its improved economy, and yes, it isn’t quite diesel-level efficient, but it’s a step in the right direction for Renault’s electrification strategy, and we won’t be surprised if it attracts a new set of customers.

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While some, especially long-time Duster fans, may miss the diesel, the new Duster proves that adventure is still very much part of its DNA. And if Renault adds an EDC to the 4WD, it could be the perfect all-rounder.

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• Renault Duster Zen EDC 4x2: R489,999
• Renault Duster Intens 4x2: R519,999
• Renault Duster Zen 6MT 4WD Mild Hybrid: R549,999 

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The new Duster comes with a 5-year/150,000km mechanical warranty, a 3-year/45,000km service plan, and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.

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