2017 Renault Duster Review: A Budget SUV with Practicality and Off-Road Capability

Introduction

The Renault Duster was first launched in France in 2010 and is known as the Dacia Duster in some regions and the Nissan Terrano in others. This review focuses on the four-wheel-drive variant and explores the fun that can be had in this budget SUV.

Pricing

Claimed to be outrageously affordable, the Duster’s starting price of QAR 55,900 is certainly enticing, especially with a 3 Years/100,000 Km warranty.

Key Features

Exterior Design

Understated yet appealing, the Duster’s exterior remains fairly unchanged from its predecessor. The bulky headlamps, roof rack, vented grille, and protruding bumpers reinforce the Duster’s off-road pretensions.

Although it features halogen headlamps, it’s important to note that only the four-wheel-drive variant comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, while the others are equipped with steel wheels.

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Interior Comfort

The Renault Duster is approximately 45% cheaper than the Nissan Qashqai and offers more spacious interior accommodations. Although the design is utilitarian, the cabin provides ample head and leg room for all occupants.

However, the Duster shows signs of cost-cutting with the absence of a central armrest, flimsy materials, and a quirky ergonomic layout. The horn is located at the end of the indicator stalk, and controls for cruise control and speed limiter are somewhat hidden along the center console.

Nonetheless, the Duster excels in storage with several compartments for convenience, and a spacious boot that can easily accommodate two large suitcases, showcasing its practicality.

Safety & Features

While the Duster comes equipped with essential safety features such as ABS brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and airbags, it falls short compared to its rivals. It received a three-star Euro NCAP crash rating, lagging behind competitors like the Ford EcoSport.

The Duster does offer features such as a decent sound system, a multimedia touchscreen with USB and AUX capabilities, a reverse camera, parking sensors, and a useful speed-limiter function.

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Driving Experience

The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine powering the Renault Duster produces a respectable 135 horsepower and 195 Nm of torque. With an easy-to-use drive mode selector and impressive approach and departure angles of 30° and 36° respectively, it caters to outdoor enthusiasts.

The Duster handles gravel and small dunes with ease, making it suitable for milder terrains in the Qatar desert. While it may not challenge the Suzuki Jimny on the dunes, it certainly holds its own.

On the road, the Duster provides a smooth and comfortable ride, averaging 5.5 liters/100km. While it’s not designed for spirited driving, the brakes are adequate for safe stops.

Verdict

The Renault Duster often carries a negative connotation in the region, seen as a symbol of frugality. Despite being slightly underpowered, it delivers more value than its rivals, making it a smart choice. At AED 49,900, the Duster presents a compelling offering.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Low price tag
• Large cabin and storage space
• 4-Wheel-Drive option for mild off-roading

Cons:

• A tad underpowered
• Interior feels dated and lacks basic features
• Lousy safety rating

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