Car Review: New Renault Duster EDC
Renault, Renault, Renault. Over the last year or so South Africa has welcomed a number of new Renault models to its market and now, the Renault Duster (one of Renault’s family SUVs) has extended its range to include an automatic EDC derivative.
If Duster fans were disappointed with the unavailability of an automatic transmission, they’ll be glad to know that that’s about to change change! From mid August the new Duster EDC auto goes on sale…and it comes with a pretty competitive price tag!
It’s mated to a 1,5-litre dCi turbo diesel engine with a power output of 80Kw and 250 N.m and delivers 4,8-litres per 100 km, according to Renault South Africa.
Driving the new Renault Duster EDC
The new two-peddle derivative (the 4×2 dCi Automatic) launched last week (20 July 2017) and I had the opportunity to try it out when driving for a few hundred kilometers around Johannesburg.
It’s available in two drive types, 4×4 and 4×2, as well as two trim levels, the Expression and Dynamique and I drove the 4×2 Dynamique model.
When you’re in the market for a family SUV with off-road capabilities, apart from safety, comfort is one of the most popular search requirements, according to most of my new-mommy friends. Within moments behind the wheel of the new Duster EDC, I found that comfort certainly was one of its main attributes, and not just because of the convenience of it being automatic. Even after about 250 kms of driving, it felt no different and maintained its level of comfort. Overtaking slow-moving trucks on highways was an easy task while gear-shifting on the auto’s gearbox was timely and precise enough to avoid frustration. It’s also got 475 litres of boot space which will easily accommodate those who don’t pack lightly!
Also see: Ryan O’Connor and his week with the Renault Duster
It’s interior features shiny black inserts and includes a new leather steering wheel and gear lever. Leather seats are optional, but worth it – not only do they look great, they’re just so much easier to clean if you’ve got kids and fur-babies!
Keeping it safe
Safety is always cause for concern when considering a car that’s going to keep you and your family safe on the roads, and it’s worth mentioning that the Duster includes ABS as well as electronic brake distribution (EBS), electronic brake assist, front driver & passenger airbags, a deactivatable front passenger airbag, head/throax side airbags and drive away lock!
On the outside, the Duster maintains its robust-looking build, this…according to Renault…is to withstand some of South Africa’s tough terrains. 16 inch black alloy wheels are as standard as well as new front fog lights and roof bars.
Other standard features across all derivatives include electric windows, rear park sensors and cruise-control.
As far as technology goes, the Renault Duster EDC Expression trim level features manual air conditioning, Radio CD/MP3 with USB port, fingertip audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity. So keeping your phones charged connected and charged up won’t be a problem.
Pricing
Duster 1.6 Expression 4×2 77kW petrol R 239 900
Duster 1.6 Dynamique 4×2 77kW petrol R 259 900
Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×2 80kW diesel R 279 900
Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique EDC 80kW diesel R 299 900
Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×4 80kW diesel R 304 900
OPTIONS:
– Metallic paint R 2 500
– Leather seats R 10 000
The Renault Duster models come standard with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, a 3-year/45 000 km service plan (with service intervals at 15 000 km intervals) and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Sales start mid August!
Source: Renault South Africa