Right oh, the Renault Duster 4WD has managed to pull off something remarkable here. Sold as a Dacia in Europe, Renault’s South African distributors have more or less been handed a completely different Renault Duster 4WD than they remember. Previously, this fan-favourite budget adventurer was pretty basic but it was cheap and had a heart of gold.
Now, the Renault Duster 4WD has switched its actual heart from diesel to petrol with a mild hybrid. And it’s been given a completely new wardrobe, quite an attractive one at that. Of course, all this – and inflation – means it costs a bit more than before. The Renault Duster 4WD you see before you, with the 1.2T three-cylinder petrol engine and MHEV assistance costs R549 999. But should loyal Duster fans stick with the brand or bail?
RENAULT DUSTER 4WD REVIEW
Well, let’s start with what’s genuinely improved. The new Captur-based platform underneath this rugged SUV has liberated some much-needed interior space. And while the numbers might sound modest on paper, they make a tangible difference in everyday use. There’s now 7-mm more headroom, which means taller occupants will be a lot comfier on long journeys. Shoulder room has expanded by 13 mm, so no more intimate elbow rubs with passengers. And most importantly for the Renault Duster 4WD, rear passengers benefit from an extra 33 mm of legroom, plus the boot expands from 414 to a cavernous 444 litres.
Cabin wise, the Renault Duster 4WD makes great effort towards sustainability. This means liberal use of recycled plastics throughout the cabin. It’s commendable from an environmental perspective, but there’s no getting around the fact that these materials feel harder and less premium to the touch. Not that the previous Duster was a Rolls-Royce, you know. However, along the dashboard and arm rests, there’s an austerity to the surfaces that shouts budget-conscious vehicle. However, the design is cool and all the tactile switchgear feels chunky and robust, which fits the brief.
HOW DOES IT DAILY DRIVE?
Under the bonnet sits the headline act, the new 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. Power output stands at 96 kW with 230 Nm of torque. The mild-hybrid system consists of a starter-generator and battery pack that assists during acceleration. And harvests energy under braking. It’s modern, efficient and about as far removed from the old diesel Duster dCi, which died because of European emissions regulations.
Now, this is where things get interesting for the traditional Duster faithful, no doubt. Because the previous diesel was never going to win performance awards. But man, it delivered low-down grunt and returned impressive fuel economy. Always in the 5.0 l/100 km range in the real world, versus this vehicle’s 7.0 l/100 km. Meanwhile, the Renault Duster 4WD turbo petrol is way more refined and quieter but operates within a narrower torque band. This means in everyday driving you’re working the six-speed manual gearbox all the time.
HOW’S THE NEW RENAULT DUSTER 4WD OFF ROAD?
As a result, this Renault Duster 4WD requires a bit adjustment in driving style. You’re planning ahead, anticipating traffic to be in the correct working window of torque. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it is different to the old dCi. But there’s also another way around that – simply get out of the city and hit the trails. Do so and you’ll find the latest four-wheel-drive system is a highlight. For the first time, the Renault Duster 4WD is equipped with multiple drive modes.
There’s Eco for efficiency on the bitumen. Then the Auto hang-on mode that sends power to the front wheels until slip is detected. Other specialised modes like Snow/Mud/Rocks/Sand soften off the throttle and deactivate the traction control to optimise grip and progress. The system’s centre coupling gives a maximum torque split of 50:50 front to rear. This may not sound extreme but it was enough to get us through the Atlantis sand dunes at the South African launch.
THE RENAULT DUSTER 4WD VERDICT
Finally, the Renault Duster 4WD’s ground clearance of 255 mm and impressive approach, departure and breakover angles isn’t just marketing fluff. The Duster can genuinely venture where most crossovers wouldn’t dream. During our test we didn’t go too extreme. But on several kilometres of challenging gravel roads and trickier rutted trails, the Duster didn’t skip a beat. So, if you spend most of your time in adventure mode, you’ll appreciate what the Renault Duster 4WD brings to the table.
For those who genuinely need the capability, the R549 999 investment makes a lot of sense. However, if your daily grind involves heavy traffic, school runs and constant urban crawling, you might prefer the 4×2 EDC derivative, which we reviewed recently, too. The new Renault Duster 4WD isn’t perfect by any stretch. But then it never pretended to be. It’s still honest, capable and refreshingly unpretentious. Which we think is rather admirable …
THE FIGURES
- 2025 Renault Duster 1.2T MHEV 6MT 4WD
- Engine: 1.2-litre, turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol + MHEV
- Power: 96 kW @ 5 000 rpm, 230 Nm @ 2 750 rpm
- Performance: 0-100 km/h 10.5 sec (tested)
- Economy: 6.2 l/100km (claimed) | 7.0 l/100 km (tested)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Price: R549 999
