We haven’t been this excited about a new Renault for many years. This is the Duster, a compact SUV that’s targeting anything from a Chery Tiggo 4 to a Suzuki Jimny.
It’s more well known as the Dacia Duster, which became a good-hearted running ‘Good News!’ joke for James May on the UK version of the Top Gear television show.
Although more Dusters are sold (in Europe) wearing the Dacia badge, it wears the badge of parent company Renault in most markets – including its latest country, Australia.
Pricing is in keeping with the reputation of European super-budget brand Dacia, with the Duster starting from $31,990 before on-road costs.
The Duster is beloved in Europe – which has accounted for most of the SUV’s 1.7m sales since the first-generation model debuted in 2010 – but will Australia embrace the latest, third-generation version?
Our first review of the Duster is the front-drive 4×2 in higher-spec Techno form.
What are the Duster’s features and options for the price?
Entry to this Romanian-built, French-badged SUV starts from $34,990 drive-away (‘special offer’ until 30th September, at least).
The RRP jump to the all-wheel-drive 4×4 Evolution is $4500 – not a small premium considering you lose an auto transmission (it’s a six-speed manual!) and the engine is smaller and less powerful, if including mild-hybrid tech.
There are a few gains, such as hill-descent control, terrain modes, and a more sophisticated rear suspension (multi-link versus 4×2’s torsion beam).
The Duster range kicks off with the Evolution 4×2 at $31,990 ($34,990 drive-away) before stepping up to the Evolution 4×4 at $36,490 ($39,906 D/A).
From here, it’s a small step up to the higher-grade Techno 4×2 on test here at $36,990 ($40,421 D/A) before reaching the flagship Techno 4×4 $37,990 RRP ($41,451 D/A), with all drive-away pricing calculated from a Sydney postcode.
All exterior colours cost $750 with the exception of no-cost Solid White. Deliveries of the 4×4 Techno grade start from December 2025.
Key features for the Evolution include:
- Cloth seats
- Dual-zone climate
- Seven-inch digital driver display
- 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless smartphone integration and charging
- Arkamys audio
- Auto wipers
- LED low-beam headlights (halogen full beam)
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Fixed roof rails
Key features for the Techno grade include:
- ‘Premium’ fabric seats
- Rear privacy glass
- Blind spot monitoring
- Multi-view camera
- Front sensors
- Smart key card and Starter button (instead of flip ignition key)
- Walk-up unlocking and walk-away locking
- Auto high beam
- Split-level boot floor (4×2 only)
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Modular roof rails with integrated cross bars
As the Duster 4×4 versions are claimed to have genuine off-road ability, the SUV is also offered with a variety of adventure accessories that include a rooftop tent, awning, platform kit, roof basket and side steps, as well as more conventional SUV lifestyle extras such as bike racks and roof pods.
There are also cabin accessories available for what Dacia/Renault call its YouClip system, which brings multiple interior anchor points for items such as cupholders, lamps, and seatback smartphone/tablet holders.
Evolution models provide four accessory points – on the rear centre console, two in the boot, and one on the inside of the tailgate. Techno models add a smartphone-holder dashboard mount.
All Dusters borrow from the Subaru Outback school of design with protective cladding for the wheelarch flares, lower doors, and a Duster-logo door section. The speckled cladding is dubbed Starkle and is scratch and fade resistant, and contains 20 percent recycled plastic.
How does the Renault Duster drive?
The Dacia Sandero (Europe’s best-selling car) is one of the best vehicles this reviewer tested in 2024, and the Duster shares many positive characteristics with that hatchback (in addition to the platform underneath).
Romanians clearly value a good driving experience because the Duster impresses on the road.
The 4×2 Techno’s ride is firm around town yet it’s also compliant, while the suspension is properly relaxing at higher speeds on the freeway.
The light steering is satisfyingly smooth and accurate, and would be close to faultless if not for the mild torque steer that greets any eager/urgent use of the front-drive Duster’s throttle pedal – most noticeable on damp/wet roads.
This is also related to good news on the drivetrain front, as the 4×2 Duster’s 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers a healthy dose of torque – with a 270Nm maximum generated at 2250rpm. Power is 113kW.
It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto that is very much in keeping with the typical form of this type of automatic transmission – a little hesitant off the mark but then offering excellent shift speed and timing as soon as momentum is achieved.
Renault quotes 9.2 seconds for the 4×2 Duster’s 0-100km/h acceleration, comfortably ahead of the 4×4’s 11 seconds.
The 4×4, intriguingly, comes with a six-speed manual, which is also mated to a smaller and less powerful engine – a 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder with 96kW/230Nm.
There wasn’t a 4×4 auto Duster available anywhere until very recently – though this newly revealed drivetrain is a petrol-LPG hybrid that doesn’t seem likely for Australia (though we have asked the question).
Another key factor completes enjoyable motoring in the Duster. Its driver assistance systems are refreshingly inconspicuous.
Yet there’s also an option to use a My Persona button to access a touchscreen set-up, which allows specific aids to be turned off/on. And turn them off and they stay off. If only all car makers would use this approach.
It’s a shame the Duster’s cruise control isn’t adaptive, however.
What is the Duster’s interior and tech like?
The first thing of note is that soft-touch materials are extremely scarce… Door armrests and the centre armrest are about it.
Lots of variably textured surfaces at least go some way to compensating for all the hard plastics.
The quality of how well everything is put together is also showcased by the precise open/close action of the glovebox, as well as the console bin that shuts with a satisfying snick.
Storage isn’t great, however. Regular-size coffee cups almost get lost in the deep cupholders, and narrow door pockets won’t fit larger bottles.
Top-spec Techno grades feature two-tone seats in a wetsuit-like fabric, though there’s still manual seat adjustment only. They could be more supportive, and cushion angle adjustment would be useful.
The touchscreen system is decently sized and presented, with the option of wired or wireless phone connectivity for those who prefer Apple or Android menus. Wireless device charging is also standard regardless of trim grade.
There’s a digital driver cluster as well, though it’s extremely basic.
Hidden rear door handles (which help make space for the Duster’s muscular rear haunches) access the back seat.
Although the 4.3-metre-long Duster isn’t a packaging marvel, most adults will be satisfied with the amount of legroom on offer as well as the bench comfort itself.
Headroom is generous, though there’s no sunroof available, even for the top-spec Techno – and it would help lighten the Renault’s dark cabin.
There are vents and dual USB-C ports, though storage options are average – not helped by narrow door pockets and the lack of a centre armrest with cupholders.
There’s another YouClip anchor point on the rear of the centre console that allows for a single cupholder accessory, while buyers can also opt for seatback YouClip anchors for phone/tablet holders.
How much boot space does the Duster offer?
Boot capacity varies between 4×2 and 4×4 Dusters. The front-drive model not only offers the biggest cargo space in the range but the entire small-SUV segment, with a quoted 472 litres. Drop the 60-40 split seatbacks and this expands to a quoted 1564L.
Luggage space drops markedly to 358 litres for the Duster 4×4 – a consequence of its independent ‘multi-link’ rear suspension (compared with the 4×2’s torsion beam rear) and bracing for the all-wheel-drive model’s rear differential mounting.
The 4×4 Techno model we tested provides the additional bonus of a split-level floor to provide the option of underfloor storage or a deeper boot.
Another three YouClip anchor points are in the boot – one either side, plus one of the inside of the tailgate. Accessories for here include extra hooks and a mini lamp. Additional boot accessories include a rubber floor tray and storage net.
All Dusters come with a temporary spare wheel.
Is the Renault Duster a safe car?
The Duster is yet to receive a rating from Australiasian NCAP but it was given only three out of five stars by Euro NCAP in Dacia form.
The increasingly complicated approach the NCAP bodies are taking to scoring means a lower score doesn’t necessarily suggest a particular vehicle performs poorly in a crash test.
Duster primarily struggled in the Vulnerable Road Users and Safety Assist categories. It scored relatively well for Child Occupant protection (84 percent), and its 70 percent score in Adult Occupant protection, while not great, would still achieve five stars in that category.
The airbag count is basic, just six all up with no knee airbags or a centre airbag for front occupants.
There are also omissions for the Evolution grade, which misses out on the Techno’s blind-spot monitoring, front/side sensors, and multi-view camera. Techno models also gain auto high/low beam and front foglights.
The quality of the rear-view camera standard on both grades could also be better.
Duster’s cruise control is also basic, missing the adaptive functionality common on most new cars today.
The Evolution safety features include:
- Six airbags
- Forward collision warning
- Forward AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Traffic sign recognition
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane-departure warning
Meanwhile, the Techo’s additional safety features are:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Front and side sensors
- Multiview camera
- Auto high/low beam
- Front fog lights
What are the Renault Duster’s ownership costs?
The all-wheel-drive Duster is actually the more economical variant courtesy of its mild-hybrid tech, with official combined fuel consumption rated at 5.7 litres per 100km compared with 6.5L/100km for the front-driver.
However, that difference is at least partly offset by the 4×4’s turbo three-cylinder wanting more expensive premium unleaded where the 4×2’s turbo four-cylinder can run on 91 unleaded.
Our longest test drive on a mix of roads including freeways resulted in an indicated 6.7L/100km on the trip computer. That figure inevitably climbs the more time is spent in daily urban driving.
Servicing intervals are every 12 months or, based on mileage, double the industry norm at 30,000km. Five-year pre-paid plans save money and are $2100 for the 4×4 Duster or $2150 for the 4×2 Duster. Pay as you go for the same period and the costs increase to $2475 and $2685, respectively.
Keeping our focus on the 4×2 tested, that works out at either $430 or $537 per visit, depending on whether you pay in advance or pay as you go.
For comparison, here are five-year servicing cost totals for a selection of rivals include Chery Tiggo 4 ($1445 petrol, $1495 hybrid), Kia Seltos ($2094 2.0L, $2303 1.6L) and Subaru Crosstrek ($2424).
Renault Australia’s factory warranty for the Duster is five years, unlimited kilometres. Roadside assistance is included for that period.
The honest verdict on the Renault Duster
The Renault Duster has been a long time coming, but this ruggedly handsome compact SUV has been worth the wait despite some imperfections that include a few equipment omissions across the range, average cabin storage, and the lack of an auto gearbox for the 4×4 variant.
That’s countered by multiple positives, such as the 4×2 Duster’s strong engine, the quality of its cabin construction (if short on soft-touch materials), its larger-than-average boot, and a comprehensive range of practical and adventure accessories.
The Duster also immediately installs itself into the leading group of best-driving small SUVs on the market.
While we can’t wait to try the 4×4 manual, this 4×2 variant already demonstrates that Romania has built and engineered what we reckon is the best Renault SUV yet.
