2019 Renault Duster Review - Features and Performance

Introduction

The Renault Duster made its first global debut in 2009 and is marketed under the Dacia brand in certain countries. Dacia, a Romanian carmaker, is known for producing affordable cars across several segments, primarily in Europe. Renault acquired Dacia in late 1999, and since then, many of Dacia's vehicles have been sold worldwide under the French carmaker's brand name.

Generations of the Renault Duster

The first generation of the Renault Duster became available for sale in 2010, and it is currently in its second generation. The Renault Duster quickly gained popularity among buyers seeking a compact SUV within the affordable new car category. The Duster utilizes the Renault-Nissan developed B platform, which is also found in the now-defunct Nissan Juke. In the UAE market, the 2019 Renault Duster competes against vehicles such as the Mitsubishi ASX, Chevrolet Trax, and Hyundai Creta.

Exterior Design

The all-new 2019 Renault Duster features appealing big SUV design traits, enhancing its overall appeal. While it may not be a head-turner, its simple yet robust outlines give it a confident stance on the road. Key exterior features include:

• Redesigned front fascia with angular headlamps and LED DRLs
• Muscular hood and restyled grille design
• Beefy front bumper with integrated skid plate and lower air intake
• Foglamps for enhanced visibility

The side profile of the new Duster remains mostly unchanged, apart from the redesigned alloy wheels. Distinctly pronounced fender flares, high ground clearance, subtle body cladding, and chunky grab rails contribute to its rugged SUV appearance. At the rear, the new taillights resemble those of the Jeep Renegade, complemented by an air diffuser cum skid plate setup. The dimensions of the 2019 Renault Duster are:

• Length: 4.341 meters
• Width: 1.804 meters
• Height: 1.693 meters
• Wheelbase: 2.676 meters
• Boot capacity: 445 liters

Interior Features

The interior of the 2019 Renault Duster represents a significant improvement over the previous model, both in quality and equipment. The design is more mature and less tacky, offering enhanced comfort. Notable interior features include:

• Dual-tone interior with multi-contoured and textured trim
• Good perceived quality with commendable fit and finish
• Spacious cabin with excellent visibility
• Available leather seats and automatic climate control
• 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, and keyless entry with remote start
• Parking sensors with rear camera and a 7-inch touch infotainment display with navigation

Safety features include multiple airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, electronic stability program, hill assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Engine and Performance

The 2019 Renault Duster is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 135 hp and 195 Nm of torque. It is available with either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration. Performance specifications include:

• Top speed: 175 km/h
• Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in 11.4 seconds
• Fuel consumption: 8.9 L/100 km

Verdict

The 2019 Renault Duster is priced between AED 51,900 to AED 68,000 for the FWD and AWD options, respectively. Insurance costs range from AED 1,530 to AED 2,146.