New Renault Duster offers adventurers a 4x4 option

CapeTalk's Sara-Jayne Makwala King gets the latest motoring news from Melinda Ferguson on Car Talk.

Renault's brought out the third generation of its hardy Duster compact SUV.

With a refreshed interior and exterior, motoring journo Melinda Ferguson says the Duster has come a long way from its original 'boxy' incarnation.

However, she does lament the fact that the latest model does not feature a turbo-diesel option, only petrol.

"One of the most amazing things about the first two generation Dusters was that they had this turbo-diesel engine that went on forever with the fuel gauge never seeming to move... and I'm talking about it with longing because the new one doesn't have it."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

What Ferguson does especially appreciate about the new Duster is that one of the models has 4x4 capability, which puts it into a class of its own in this segment, she says.

She also loves the car's outdoorsy interior feel, which includes rubber mats in place of carpets. (Ferguson is, of course, a dog person)

Boot space is also generous, she notes.

"In the 4x4 you have 444 litres and in the 4x2 variant there's 472 liters, but if you put the rear seats own you've got 1696 litres for a really lovely big boot."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

The Duster comes in three models:  the entry-level 1.3-litre Turbo Zen, the 1.3-litre Turbo Intens and the top-of-the-range 1.2-litre Zen which has four-wheel drive (4WD) underpinning.

"The 4x4 strangely doesn't have an automatic gearbox; you just get your manual."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

The Turbo Zen comes in at a competitively priced R489 999, with the Turbo Intens and the Zen selling at R519 999 and R549 999 respectively.

If the new Renault Duster had offered a diesel option she would have rated it 8 out of 10, but without it she gives the car 'a good 7.5 out of 10'.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to Ferguson's review