The new Renault Duster does what it says on the tin. It drives well, handles well, and offers a limited number of fancy accessories for the lucky owner, all while maintaining a price around 55,000 AED.

For some inexplicable reason, the 4 x 4 version of this car is not registered as a demo car; therefore, we only had the 4 x 2 version available for test driving. Hence, no definitive analysis of off-roading capabilities can be ascertained.

We took the 4x2 (2WD) PE mid-range model (automatic 4-speed gearbox) for a spin. Here are some key observations:

Space

With 475 litres of boot volume (1636 litres with the rear bench seat down), the Duster provides a reassuringly useful amount of space. It's essential to make proper use of a vehicle of this size. With the front passenger seat down, there is approximately 2.65 metres of length to transport long items (like surfboards or tent poles). After navigating a few wiggly roads and rough terrains, we concluded that the Duster comfortably accommodates 5 adults, offering plenty of legroom for taller passengers.

Renault Duster Interior

Interior

The Renault Duster features grey carbon fabric seats and a largely moulded plastic interior, making this particular model less classy than other options. As is common with most vehicles, the higher the model, the more attractive the interior. At this level, there are many hard plastics, and the colour scheme isn’t the most inspiring, although it includes some vibrant upholstery accents.

Some interesting placements of various buttons and controls could be interpreted as ergonomic. For example, the automatic windows and door locks are conveniently located on the front panel, which we found useful and user-friendly. However, the audio controls and door mirror controls are oddly placed, yet neither is likely to require urgent access.

Comfort

The seats in the Renault Duster are spacious and comfortable, providing sufficient cushioning for rough roads to ensure your rear doesn’t become numb, while offering plenty of support in the back. This SUV delivers the comfort of a sedan, making it excellent for long drives on both good and questionable roads.

Handling

The Renault Duster is large yet lightweight, boasting a good ground clearance of around 205mm, making it a tall vehicle. However, its lightness (weighing in at 1205 kg) enhances agility and encourages easier handling when compared to heavier SUVs of similar heights. It navigates sharp bends well, and even this 2WD version has decent off-roading capacity (to an extent) thanks to its ground clearance and approach and departure angles of around 30 degrees.

Renault Duster Handling

Verdict

With a starting price of 50,000 AED, the Renault Duster is cheaper than a basic Toyota Yaris hatchback, making it a fantastic deal for an SUV. While you wouldn’t expect quite as much for your money, the Duster surprises with its offerings. Although it may not have an extensive range of accessories, it provides a very comfortable and purpose-oriented SUV with a predominantly well-thought-out design. The jury’s still out on the ergonomics, but it doesn’t take long to adapt to the quirks of any vehicle. Suitable for daily use, long drives, and full family usability, it comes at a reasonable family price. The Renault Duster is a definite winner.

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