Al-Qalam 
When one thinks of an off road vehicle, Renault may not come to mind immediately. But with the addition of the 4×4 version, many are starting to think more seriously about the Renault as a value for money off roader. In a depressed economy and where every cent counts, the Duster is an aesthetically pleasing SUV option.
Impressively, for a car in this price segment, it comes with hill-descent control, blind-spot detection, a special 4×4 monitor, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for your phone. In terms of power, the 1.5-litre turbodiesel impresses at 80 kW and 260 Nm of torque.
Off the beaten path
One can select between 2WD (front-wheel drive only), Auto (all-wheel drive when the system picks up any slip) and Lock. This may not be the most serious off roader but it has a so degree approach and departure (34 degrees) angles to for rougher terrain. Ground clearance is impressive at 210 mm. Driving in the rougher terrain of Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Hill Descent Control was put to good use and the Duster remained firmly on track. The duster drives fairly smoothly on gravel. Coming in a manual option only takes some extra skills off road – worth it though as fellow reviewers say this helps keep the price down
On the tar
It has sufficient power and the six-speed manual transmissionshifts efficiently and slickly. For the price you pay, this is a comfortable vehicle with great seats and allows you a ‘commanding height’ in an off roader
Pricing
This vehicle is sold with a 3yr/45 000 km service plan and a 5-yr/150 000 km warranty.
1.6 Expression 4X2 R255 900
1.5 dCiDynamique 4×2 R288 900
1.5 dCiDynamique EDC 4×2 R322 900
1.5 dCiDynamique 4×4 R327 900
1.5dCi Prestige EDC 4×2 R340 900
Performance
Top speed: 168km/h (claimed)
0-100km/h: 12.5 seconds (claimed)
Fuel Consumption: 5.2l/100km/100km (claimed); 5.6l/100km (as tested)
Emissions: 138g/km
OTHER FACTS:
Model: Renault Duster 1,5 dCiDynamique 4×4
Price: R327 900
Engine: 1,5-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel
Power: 80 kW @ 4 000 r/min
Torque: 260 N.m @ 1 750 r/min
0-100 km/h: 12,5 sec
Top Speed: 168 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 5,2 L/100 km
CO2: 138 g/km
Transmission: six-speed manual
Maintenance Plan: Three-year/45 000 km service plan
