Test drive: Renault Duster 4×4 outsider, agile, powerful and versatile SUV

Among the avalanche of novelties that have arrived in our country since 2020, one of the most outstanding is the Renault Duster. This SUV is produced at the Sofasa plant in Envigado, Colombia.

In April 2021, it was presented in Ecuador and was well received in the national market. MOTORES had the opportunity to test it when it was first brought in and from first contact it was clear that, even with the improvements, the essence of the original Duster is there. Now, two years later, we have thoroughly tested it.

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It should be noted that not a single element of the old Duster fits into this new version. Now it has a more attractive grille and chrome decorations, powerful LED daytime running lights in the shape of “C” and halogen headlights and explorers.

The exterior design hints at a compact, reliable SUV with generous proportions. It is 4.34 meters long, 1.83 meters wide, 1.69 meters high and has a wheelbase of 2.67 meters.

We enter the cabin after unlocking the doors with the knife key. It has a nice and minimalist dashboard, the leather-wrapped steering wheel is clear, with controls for bluetooth and cruise control. Behind him is the traditional satellite remote control for the sound and the starter switch. It has no power button.

The Duster is notable for its spaciousness, which can comfortably accommodate five adult passengers, although the center second row seat may be a little affected by the transmission tunnel and front center console. The entire interior is finished in black, with additional lighting for the two rows of seats.

The chairs are made of a combination of different types of fabric and artificial leather, which gives it a simple but pleasant look. They are comfortable and have good support. It lacks the front armrest, an element that can be obtained as an additional accessory with everything and glove box.

The 4×4 version has a trunk capacity of 400 litres. In terms of technology, it has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity via a USB cable, bluetooth And smartphone replication.

Ongoing!

The turbocharged engine is the biggest novelty in this generation of Renault Duster. It is an unprecedented engine in the brand’s Latin American production, belonging to the TCe (Turbo Control Efficiency) family, developed jointly by the Renault-Nissan Alliance with Daimler, with direct injection, 1.3-litre, four-cylinder and 16-valve. And of course the turbocharger.

For the test of this SUV, we started the tour in Guayaquil, ideal for activating the eco mode while driving and thus saving fuel in heavy urban traffic. Within the city, this car is perfect because of its size and easy handling.

Along the way, we were able to make the most of the benefits. This Duster is not only powerful, it is also agile, with a quick response in all situations thanks to the coupling between the transmission and the engine, which also provides a powerful impulse when accelerating. During our trip to Bucay Canton, we did not observe the presence of turbo lagproof of its optimal mechanical configuration.

We should also point out the good work done with the suspension. In addition to improvements in sound insulation and cabin comfort, a much smoother and more stable ride is observed on any terrain. The fit is not only ideal off the pavement, but also on rough roads.

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It has very smooth and precise steering, as well as an optimal firing ratio. The first two gears are very short, so going up a hill in third or fourth gear isn’t hard. However, the shifter is stiffer than desired and operation can be a bit fiddly. Perhaps it is a matter of habit, but it must be said.

During the acceleration test from 0 to 100 km/h we recorded a time of 10.5 seconds, from 80 to 120 km/h in eight seconds. It would have been ideal if the top-end version we tested came with a sunroof for more more adventurous.

In terms of fuel economy, combined with city and highway driving, and rough terrain driving with the 4×4 function, we averaged 45 km/gallon in the city and 70 km/gallon on the highway, for a mixed consumption of the order of 57.5 km/gallon, always with premium gasoline, which is recommended by the manufacturer because of the turbo this version has.