Renault Duster: prices and specifications

Renault Duster

Renault Duster became the first mid-size crossover in the history of the Romanian brand Dacia, part of the Renault alliance. The model was publicly shown in December 2009, and sales started in spring 2010. The name is derived from the English word "dust" and literally means "a car that stirs up dust," emphasizing its off-road capabilities. Essentially, it is a crossover whose geometric off-road capability is comparable to serious SUVs, with a ground clearance of 210 mm. The main advantage of the model is its affordable price, making it one of the most attractive in its segment.

The car is built on a modified B0 platform from Nissan. Production is established not only in Romania but also in Russia, Brazil, Colombia, and India. The exterior design was developed at the Renault Design Central Europe studio. The engine range includes two petrol engines with displacements of 1.6 and 2.0 liters, as well as a 1.5-liter diesel. Transmissions include a five- or six-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The front suspension is MacPherson struts, and the rear is a torsion beam. Among the features is a three-mode all-wheel drive system, similar to that installed on the Nissan Qashqai. 2WD mode is front-wheel drive only. AUTO mode redistributes up to 50% of torque to the rear axle when slipping. LOCK mode locks the electromagnetic clutch with a fixed torque distribution between axles; it works only at low speeds, and when exceeding 40 km/h, the system automatically switches to AUTO mode.

The interior is almost completely unified with the Renault Logan sedan, except for a few details.

History

In Ukraine, the Duster appeared as a "scandalously affordable" crossover — this slogan reflects the developers' goal. Development took place at the Renault technocenter in Guyancourt; 290 million euros were spent on its creation. To save costs, many parts were borrowed from other Renault and Nissan models: front doors from Logan/Sandero, all-wheel drive from Nissan. The interior is also maximally unified.

The debut took place on December 8, 2009. The new model was presented to the European public under the Dacia brand. Later, the Duster appeared under the Renault brand in the markets of Eastern Europe, Brazil, India, and Colombia.

In 2013, the updated version was presented. At the same time, sales of the new Russian-assembled Duster started. The restyled version for CIS countries was created by Russian designer Evgeny Tkachev, who previously worked on the Lada XRAY concept.

The European and Russian versions differ externally. The modification for the CIS looks simpler, especially at the front — due to the lack of structured lighting.

In 2014, the millionth Duster was produced. In the same year, the Nissan Terrano was built on its basis.

Exterior

The latest version for Russia and Ukraine differs little externally from its predecessor. At the front, the difference is only in the radiator grille. At the rear, there is a large Duster inscription on a chrome strip.

For Europe, the Duster is available with new front optics, divided into sections, optionally with LED daytime running lights.

Overall, the exterior does not shine with design refinements and is not intended to surprise with a bright appearance, but there is nothing repulsive about it either.

Interior

The first generation Duster was characterized by questionable ergonomics and cheap trim materials. In the second generation for the CIS and Ukraine, the interior underwent small but important changes. The power window buttons were moved to the door armrest — previously they were located at the bottom of the center console.

Buyers can order a branded multimedia system with navigation. The base configuration includes a double-DIN audio system of Korean production with a Russified screen and a steering column remote control.

The 2013 Duster has a different instrument panel — with different dials and slanted hoods.

The new Duster features spacious compartments at the top, in the center, and above the glove box. The dashboard looks more modern, and sound insulation has been improved.

There is enough space in the cabin — the car is more spacious inside than it seems from the outside. The trunk is impressive in size, with a full-size spare wheel under the floor (the European Dacia Duster has a space-saver spare).

Engine and Transmission

For the 2013 Renault Duster, the same engines are available as for the first generation. A 1.6-liter petrol engine with 102 hp and a 1.5-liter diesel with 90 hp. The first generation was also offered with LPG; the new Duster is not yet available with gas equipment.

On the Ukrainian market, the new Duster is available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system is borrowed from the Nissan X-Trail but is offered only for the diesel modification. The transmission is only manual; an automatic transmission is planned.

Safety

Structurally, the 2014 Duster is almost no different from its predecessor, so safety conclusions can be drawn based on the Euro NCAP crash test from 2011. The European committee gave it three stars out of five. The average rating is due to insufficient protection for the driver and adult passengers. In a side impact, torso injury is possible; in a rear impact, whiplash injury. The frontal impact was rated as satisfactory.

Experts noted that the Duster is dangerous for pedestrians but earned the highest scores for protecting children up to three years old. The latest version offers an ESP system, as well as ABS and traction control.

Features

The 2014 Renault Duster of Russian assembly differs from the European version with a higher capacity battery, an increased washer fluid reservoir up to 5 liters, a more powerful alternator, and longer wiper blades.

Popularity in Ukraine

From the very start of sales, the Duster gained popularity in Ukraine. The "scandalously affordable" crossover with good off-road capability proved to be in demand both in the new car market and in the secondary market. According to sales ratings, the Duster is among the top ten best-selling light SUVs.

Our Verdict

The Duster is an excellent option for those who need an unpretentious and practical car. It offers off-road capability that owners of full-fledged SUVs can envy. We recommend it to those who enjoy trips to nature or live outside the city.