Excellent news! High Gear × Dacia Duster references at the moment are simpler to make than ever – don’t neglect Renault although.
That’s proper: the Renault Duster is lastly on sale in Australia, and it’s a major departure from the artistically named (and ageing) SUVs the French model has bought right here lately.
Renault, Dacia’s mum or dad firm, has stamped its mark on the Duster earlier than wheeling it out domestically, following the method it’s set for the small Romanian-made SUV in most markets exterior of Europe. The Dacia identify is barely actually utilized in Europe, however the Duster is at the moment on sale in additional than 100 international locations.
Separating it from the remainder of Renault’s Australian lineup is the headline-act handbook transmission which, uniquely, is barely out there with all-wheel drive. Need an automated? You’ll need to accept front-wheel drive.
The automated can also be paired with a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol 4, whereas the handbook downsizes to a 1.2-litre turbo triple that provides a mild-hybrid system. If that wasn’t surprising sufficient, the handbook additionally takes prime spot within the Duster pecking order.
Already, the Duster appears like one in all Renault Australia’s most attention-grabbing autos in years. It additionally boasts some off-road functionality, which suggests it’s aimed squarely on the fan-favourite Suzuki Jimny and the understated Subaru Crosstrek.
Whether or not or not the Duster proves extra standard than them stays to be seen (to July this yr the Jimny is Suzuki’s best-seller with 4921 gross sales, whereas the Crosstrek is Subaru’s second hottest mannequin behind the bigger Forester with 6762 gross sales), however it’s more likely to develop into Renault Australia’s best-selling mannequin, even when that isn’t a very excessive bar.
Its present gross sales chief is the big Grasp van with 1121 deliveries in 2024, whereas its best-selling passenger car is the aged Koleos mid-size SUV, which chalked up 694 final yr. Pricing was introduced on July 1, however even earlier than its official launch the Duster discovered 56 new houses final month, inserting it third behind the Koleos (164) and Grasp (136).
Renault invited media to the previous Holden proving floor at Lang Lang to place the Duster by means of its paces final week; does it have what it takes to be a Jimny killer?
How a lot does the Renault Duster price?
The weird four-variant Duster lineup includes two powertrains and two tools grades. It begins at $31,990 earlier than on-roads and extends to $37,990 earlier than on-roads on the prime quality. Uniquely, the most costly variant comes with a handbook transmission and all-wheel drive.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Renault Duster Evolution 1.3T auto 4×2 | $31,990 |
| 2025 Renault Duster Evolution 1.2T handbook 4×4 | $36,490 |
| 2025 Renault Duster Techno 1.3T auto 4×2 | $36,990 |
| 2025 Renault Duster Techno 1.2T handbook 4×4 | $37,990 |
Small SUV rivals, a minimum of these with some off-road credentials, embrace the Jimny and Crosstrek. The three-door Jimny vary is priced between $30,490 and $34,490 earlier than on-roads, and out there with each a five-speed handbook and a four-speed auto.
The five-door Jimny XL vary, in the meantime, is priced at $34,990 and $37,490 earlier than on-roads for the handbook and automated variants respectively. All Jimny autos supply four-wheel drive with low-range gearing.
Meantime, Subaru’s all-wheel drive, automatic-only Crosstrek ranges from $35,990 to $46,090 earlier than on-roads. There’s additionally the Hyundai Kona, which is out there in front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and hybrid guises, priced between $32,700 and $48,700 earlier than on-roads.
To see how the Renault Duster stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s the Renault Duster like on the within?
Fundamental, but it surely gained’t depart you wanting extra.
The fantastic thing about the Duster is that it nails the fundamentals with out going excessive, which is what has saved its costs down. In reality, a lot of the cabin will be fittingly assessed as “yeah, that is sensible”.
Customary throughout the vary is a ten.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It might look small by fashionable requirements, and seem like haphazardly glued to the dashboard, but it surely’s as useful as you may need – to not point out bigger and nicer trying than the 7.0-inch unit in a Jimny.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are each wi-fi as commonplace, and the display reacts promptly to inputs. There’s additionally a plethora of various menus and screens to flick between, encompassing apps, financial system rankings, and car settings, to call a number of.
On the backside is a digital local weather management readout, however this doesn’t imply it’s a screen-only setup. Beneath the air vents – which function the Duster’s signature ‘Y’ motif that’s discovered elsewhere – is a bodily array of switches, which all really feel stable.
The display and local weather management combo make for an association that’s very tidy and simple to make use of. We additionally recognize that none of this adjustments between the Evolution and costlier Techno grades.
Different commonplace gear features a digital instrument cluster which, among the many Duster’s rivals, is one thing solely discovered within the pricier Kona. Granted, the Duster’s display isn’t fairly as crisp because the Hyundai’s, however the theme continues its no-nonsense inside performance.
Solely essentially the most primary info is displayed by default, however there are three completely different show settings you’ll be able to scroll by means of utilizing a button on the proper of the steering wheel. The place of the white mild bars on both aspect signifies which show is chosen.
Our solely minor grievance is that the display takes up a small portion of the cluster housing. Nonetheless, all of it matches properly in entrance of the squashed-circle steering wheel, which doesn’t block any components of the display except you will have an irregular seating place.
The wheel itself is leather-wrapped, however its square-ish proportions would possibly take a second to get used to. It nonetheless slides properly by means of the palms, and it boasts a spread of bodily buttons completed in boring black plastic – oddly, quantity controls have been moved to a separate stalk to the proper of the wheel as an alternative of on the wheel itself.
Whereas that is widespread in a lot of Renault autos, it would take a second to seek out for anybody that hasn’t skilled the French model’s merchandise earlier than. Moreover that, we like the truth that Renault has virtually solely averted piano black plastic in its materials choice right here, with brushed metal-look accents used as an alternative.
Though it might home a whole lot of exhausting, scratchy plastics, the Duster is pitched as a budget-friendly, sturdy all-rounder. In that context, its inside design is visually cohesive and nothing feels misplaced.
Importantly, the important thing contact factors are all mushy. The seats are snug and supply a broad vary of adjustment, and the seat upholstery is without doubt one of the solely defining options between the Evolution and Techno grades, with the previous fitted with material and the latter with a curious, wetsuit-like materials.
Above: Duster Evolution (left) and Duster Techno
This exposes one of many automotive’s solely main omissions, which is seat heating. The neoprene-like trim can get fairly chilly, and we think about that might be pretty disagreeable on a cold morning.
In any other case, variations throughout the vary boil right down to the gear selector, which is both a small swap in automated autos, or an enormous shift knob in manuals. The highest of this knob is shiny and ornamental, which seems to be good however may scratch over time.
Close by are two USB-C retailers, a 12V outlet, two cupholders, and a wi-fi cellphone charger, whatever the variant. There’s additionally a big drive mode selector in 4×4 autos, and above the wi-fi charger is a small storage tray that’s ultimate for wallets or telephones.
The Duster can also be fitted with a sequence of YouClip accent factors, which permit for the fitment of things like cellphone holders, for instance. Places for these factors are the identical in each variants, although the Techno provides one to the proper of the infotainment show.
Climbing into the second row reveals a stunning quantity of house. Head and toe room are good, whereas legroom is surprisingly beneficiant except you’re sitting behind tall front-row occupants.
Unsurprisingly, it’s a reasonably stripped-back space, with the one actual facilities being twin USB-C retailers and rear-facing air vents. There isn’t a fold-down armrest, and the bench seat is mostly a case of operate over type.
However you’ll find extra of these YouClip factors on the again of the centre console and entrance seatbacks, the previous of which may maintain a goofy-looking single cupholder if you happen to so select.
Usually, although, it’s a case of what you see is what you get, which isn’t a nasty factor in any respect.
Lastly, there may be the boot, which is as giant as doable given the Duster’s diminutive proportions. Even in 4×4 guise, there’s significantly extra quoted house right here than in a Crosstrek, which gives a claimed 291 litres in five-seat mode.
The load flooring is nearly completely sq., and also you get pleasure from an elective rubber mat to maintain your carpets protected. Two extra YouClip factors are discovered on both aspect of the cargo house, and whereas the jack’s uncovered storage location appears awkward, there’s an excellent cause for it.
In what looks like an impossibility, each 4×2 and 4×4 variations of the Duster come commonplace with a full-size spare wheel – form of. Whereas the Evolution will get a 17-inch wheel and the Techno a lower-profile 18-inch rim, the spare is a 16-inch wheel with a high-profile tyre to make up the distinction.
It could be smaller than these on the automotive, however we’re all for a spare wheel that isn’t a space-saver, and naturally a now-common tyre restore equipment can be even much less applicable on a mannequin like this.
| Dimensions | Renault Duster |
|---|---|
| Size | 4345mm |
| Width | 2069mm (mirrors prolonged) |
| Peak | 1650mm |
| Wheelbase | 2658mm |
| Cargo capability (VDA) | 472L-1564L (4×2), 358L-1424L (4×4) |
To see how the Renault Duster stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
Two petrol powertrains can be found for the Duster. One is a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, completely out there with an automated transmission and front-wheel drive, and the opposite is a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder mild-hybrid with four-wheel drive and a handbook gearbox.
| Specs | Duster 4×2 | Duster 4×4 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.3L 4cyl turbo-petrol | 1.2L 3cyl turbo-petrol |
| Energy | 113kW @ 5500rpm | 96kW @ 4500rpm |
| Torque | 270Nm @ 2250rpm | 230Nm @ 2250rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch auto | 6-speed handbook |
| Drive sort | Entrance-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1309kg (Evolution), 1363kg (Techno) | 1422kg (Evolution), 1441kg (Techno) |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 6.5L/100km | 5.7L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 50L | 55L |
| Gas requirement | 91-octane common unleaded | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 147g/km | 129g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 6 | Euro 6 |
| Braked towing capability (unbraked) | 695kg | 750kg |
| Braked towing capability (braked) | 1500kg | 1500kg |
The mild-hybrid system brings automated idle cease/begin, whereas the all-wheel drive system brings a hill descent management function plus terrain drive modes.
We didn’t get sufficient time in anybody automotive to document a consultant real-world gasoline financial system determine on Renault’s media launch, so we’ll have to check how correct the Duster’s fairly frugal consumption claims are once we get one by means of the CarExpert storage.
To see how the Renault Duster stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How does the Renault Duster drive?
We have been excited – maybe an excessive amount of so – to drive the handbook Duster, so let’s begin there.
The one handbook model at the moment out there is the base-spec Evolution (first native deliveries of the Techno aren’t due till December) and it has a standard turn-key, which we’re not used to seeing in most new automobiles nowadays.
And since the handbook is completely paired with a mild-hybrid powertrain, the engine doesn’t crank over earlier than it begins up and as an alternative fires into life the moment you flip the important thing, which can take some getting used to. The DCT-equipped Techno is fitted with a extra fashionable push-button starter.
As soon as it’s time to go, you’ll realise the clutch pedal motion is sort of mild, however not too mild to really feel flimsy. In reality, it’s virtually completely weighted for simple and manageable every day driving.
The one draw back is that its chew level is fairly obscure however, as with every handbook, spending a short while driving round will assist every little thing really feel pure. Then there’s the shifter itself, which is equally obscure however nonetheless direct sufficient to maintain you from lacking gears.
Once more, we count on this is able to make the handbook Duster a straightforward commuter, a minimum of so far as manuals go. A notable quirk is the unexpectedly sturdy ‘clutch increase’ impact, the place a sluggish launch of the clutch as you alter gears causes the automotive to energy ahead earlier than settling again down as soon as it’s absolutely disengaged.
This leaves you with a false sense of energy, and it turns into much less pronounced as you heat to the automotive and begin shifting extra shortly. The Duster – particularly in handbook type – doesn’t supply a lot energy but it surely ought to be sufficient for many, in contrast to the underpowered 75kW/130Nm Jimny.
The Duster barely made a fuss about accelerating as much as 140km/h – on personal roads, in fact. And kit shifts will be as snappy as you want, although we did discover the centre armrest getting in the way in which every now and then.
It’s the same story with the automated, minus the intrusive armrest, which gives extra energy than the handbook however isn’t fairly as partaking to drive. There’s no subject getting on top of things right here both, however we’ll have an interest to see how nicely the dual-clutch auto behaves in stop-start visitors once we take one house for every week.
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In regular driving, the automated consists and shifts easily on the appropriate factors. You may take management your self utilizing the paddles on the steering wheel, but it surely’s disappointing there’s no 4×4 auto mode.
Getting on top of things within the Duster reveals a composed suspension tune. Renault assured us that, as in any vital market, there was some native tuning concerned with getting the Duster prepared for Australia, and it appears to have hit the spot.
That is nonetheless an affordable small SUV and may really feel mild at greater speeds, however the way in which it handles giant undulations and minor floor imperfections places it far forward of a ladder-frame Jimny. Even hitting an enormous, car-sized dip at 80km/h didn’t buck the Duster in any vital method.
Equally, it remained planted at 100km/h-plus speeds, staying largely snug apart from slight bounciness over harsher bumps. The steering can also be direct and properly weighted, making it really feel substantial but straightforward to stay with, and there’s a suitable quantity of physique roll round tighter turns.
Street noise is on the louder aspect, notably in Techno variants with 18-inch wheels. That is to be anticipated, but it surely would possibly get tiring suring lengthy stints on the transfer.
Beeps and bongs are saved to a minimal within the Duster, with the one actual warnings coming from the lane-keep help system. Even then, it isn’t intrusive, and there’s good outward visibility to make positioning the automotive straightforward.
Nevertheless, the reversing digital camera is comparatively low-quality and it’s disappointing there’s no adaptive cruise management right here. For a automotive touted as a sensible light-duty off-roader, it’d be good to have a extra refined cruise operate to make freeway stints simpler throughout weekend getaways.
In the same sense, it looks like a missed alternative to not import the full-hybrid Duster that’s out there abroad. Small Renaults could also be comparatively environment friendly anyway, however we assume the Duster hybrid can be higher for metropolis drivers whereas additionally decreasing the French model’s general emissions amid the federal government’s New Automobile Effectivity Customary (NVES).
When to involves off-roading, the Duster excels. It might lack low-range gearing and locking differentials, however the AWD system fitted to handbook variants appears to be fairly intelligent in deciding find out how to distribute energy.
Any moments of wheel slip are shortly rectified, and you may really feel the system working itself out. For the launch, Renault introduced a ‘idea’ Duster kitted out with chunky aftermarket all-terrain tyres, which made it doable to get by means of a soggy, muddy monitor with none points.
It’s cheap to count on Duster homeowners to need to do the identical, so Renault gives a spread of off-road-oriented equipment together with every little thing from roof racks to weather-proof flooring mats. All-terrain rubber isn’t on the record, however that doesn’t imply Renault gained’t encourage you to suit your personal.
Bolstering these capabilities are the Duster’s extremely brief entrance and rear overhangs, which create spectacular method and departure angles. That boggy monitor had numerous spots the place most different automobiles would scrape their undercarriages, however there have been no such hiccups right here.
Thoughts you, the Duster’s off-road angles aren’t practically as beneficiant because the extra utilitarian Jimny, which gives method and departure angles of 37 and 49 levels respectively, making it way more of an off-road mountain goat.
Subaru’s Crosstrek can’t match both mannequin although, with method and departure angles of 18 and 19.7 levels respectively. Renault additionally claims the Duster’s exterior plastics – which we’re advised are produced from recycled supplies – are resistant to scratches.
Nevertheless, it’s price noting that front-drive Dusters have barely completely different entrance and rear bumpers, which suggests their off-road angles aren’t fairly the identical as 4×4 variations.
Whereas they need to haven’t any points with gentle off-roading if you happen to sustain the momentum, we’d avoid severe mud. That stated, the Duster 4×2’s auto transmission would make the 4×4 variations much more versatile and provides them broader enchantment.
| Off-road dimensions | Renault Duster |
|---|---|
| Observe entrance and rear | 1580mm entrance, 1560mm rear |
| Floor clearance | As much as 174mm (4×2), as much as 212mm (4×4) |
| Method angle | 31º (4×4) |
| Departure angle | 36º (4×4) |
To see how the Renault Duster stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What do you get?
There are two Duster tools grades out there, however even the bottom mannequin comes commonplace with a spread of options.
2025 Renault Duster Evolution tools highlights:
- 17-inch diamond-cut ‘Journey’ alloy wheels
- Continental Cross Contact 215/65 R17 tyres
- Spare tyre (215/70 R16)
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Computerized LED headlights with halogen high-beam
- Rear fog mild
- Gray door mirrors
- Fastened roof rails
- Electrical parking brake
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – wi-fi, wired
- DAB digital radio
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- 2 x entrance USB-C retailers
- 2 x rear USB-C retailers
- 1 x entrance 12V outlet
- 1 x boot 12V outlet
- 6-speaker Arkamys sound system
- Cruise management and pace limiter
- Twin-zone local weather management with rear air vents
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Peak and attain adjustable steering wheel
- Energy home windows with one-touch auto up/down
- YouClip accent factors: 1 x rear centre console, 2 x boot, 1 x inside tailgate
- Distant central locking
Duster Techno provides:
- 18-inch diamond-cut ‘Exploration’ alloy wheels
- Continental Cross Contact 215/60 R18 tyres
- Rear privateness glass
- Computerized high-beam
- Good key card
- Proximity entry with automated walk-away door locking, method unlocking
- ‘Premium’ material upholstery
- Keyless begin
- Break up-level boot flooring (4×2 solely)
- Extra YouClip accent level: Dashboard, proper of infotainment display
- Modular roof rails
To see how the Renault Duster stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
Is the Renault Duster secure?
The Renault Duster has but to be examined by ANCAP, although the European-market Dacia Duster obtained a three-star security ranking from sister authority Euro NCAP based mostly on testing performed in 2024. It has but to be confirmed whether or not ANCAP can even apply a three-star ranking for the Renault Duster bought in Australia.
Customary security tools highlights:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Bike owner detection
- Driver consideration alert
- Lane-keep help
- Visitors signal recognition
- Entrance and front-side airbags
- Curtain airbags for each rows
- Reversing digital camera
- Rear parking sensors
Duster Techno provides:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Multi-view digital camera
- Entrance parking sensors
To see how the Renault Duster stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How a lot does the Renault Duster price to run?
The Renault Duster is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, whereas servicing is required each 12 months or 30,000km, whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Renault Duster |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometers |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 30,000km |
| Capped-price servicing (5-year pre-paid plans) | $2100 (1.2L), $2150 (1.3L) |
Renault can also be providing five-year, pay-as-you-go capped-price servicing plans, that are priced at $2475 for 1.2-litre autos and $2685 for 1.3-litre autos.
For context, the Jimny XL prices $2265 to service over 5 years, whereas the Crosstrek prices $2373.19.
To see how the Renault Duster stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Renault Duster
That is essentially the most refreshing new Renault in years, a minimum of in Australia.
Beneath that chunky look is a automotive that’s definitely primary, however nonetheless feels fashionable. It has all the usual gear you’d need – besides heated seats – and it gained’t break the financial institution.
It additionally feels way more substantial than a Jimny, with way more energy in addition. A handbook all-wheel drive small SUV that may go considerably off-road was all the time going to be a stable rival for the five-door Jimny and, given Suzuki’s present stop-sale on the XL, it appears the Duster has arrived dealing with an open objective.
Nevertheless, the Renault model doesn’t have the best enchantment in Australia nowadays, as evidenced by its current gross sales efficiency.
But when it could entice Aussies into showrooms and onto its driver’s seat, the Duster has a really actual alternative to develop into Renault’s new gross sales hero and probably even a smash-hit Down Below.
It deserves to take the French model’s gross sales crown from the Grasp van, and it’s already off to a very good begin by outselling the Arkana and Megane E-Tech final month.
Sure, an automated AWD variant would open the Duster vary as much as those that need the additional functionality however can’t be bothered with a handbook or don’t know find out how to drive one – as evidenced by the overwhelming recognition of the Jimny XL auto. And a hybrid wouldn’t go amiss both.
However as the primary Dacia car to be bought in Australia, the Duster is a mighty nice effort and a much-needed kick into gear – pardon the pun – for Renault’s ageing native mannequin lineup.
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