Since 2013, the Duster has been a robust and capable mainstay in the South African compact SUV segment. We revisit Renault’s tough little thing as a used proposition and mention two rivals for comparison.
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Since its arrival in South Africa more than ten years ago, the Renault Duster has established itself as a practical, robust and budget-friendly SUV. Launched at a time when compact SUVs were starting to gain ground in the market, it was one of the few offerings in the segment able to deliver on that hard-to-find combination of affordability, durability and genuine off-road capability. attractive option for a wide range of consumers.
The Duster was offered with multiple engine options, suitable for different types of drivers. The entry-level models were powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine, which, while sufficient for daily commuting, was not particularly strong in performance. However, it was the turbo diesel engine that really made the Duster stand out. As time went on, the 1.5-litre dCi turbo diesel engine became the heart of the range, striking an attractive balance between torque and fuel consumption.
Today, the 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel remains the only engine option in the Duster range, and for good reason. The engine produces a power of 80 kW and a torque of 250 Nm, the latter being available at a modest speed of 1,750 rpm. These figures may not seem too impressive on paper, but the Duster’s lightweight construction ensures that the engine’s power is used optimally. But it was this unit’s fuel efficiency that became one of its biggest selling points. In our 2018 test of the front-wheel drive, dual-clutch Intens model, we achieved a fuel consumption per 100km of 5.8 l/100 km, making that particular model one of the most economical SUVs on the market at the time.
The Duster’s off-road capabilities are another major reason for its loyal following in South Africa. The 4×4 version, available with both front- and all-wheel drive, proved to be a really capable small SUV. Equipped with selectable driving modes (2WD, Auto and 4WD Lock), the Duster can handle a variety of terrains with ease, aided by its 210mm ground clearance, short overhangs and impressive approach and departure angles. The 4×4 system is intuitive and can be engaged automatically when needed, but also allows drivers to manually put it into 4WD mode for more serious off-road situations.
Despite its off-road capabilities, the Duster is impressively composed on asphalt. The suspension setup is well-tuned and soaks up bumps and potholes on uneven roads with aplomb, making for a smooth and comfortable ride.
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However, like any vehicle, the Duster is not without potential shortcomings. The build quality of the cabin has come under scrutiny due to the hard plastics and somewhat basic materials. This isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but it is something potential buyers should be aware of. Diesels driving in the city are known to suffer from clogged DPFs (Diesel Particulate Filter), as short journeys do not give the unit enough time to reach optimum temperatures, causing the car to go into limp mode. So try to work longer, doing quick runs every now and then. Electrical problems are uncommon, but thanks to the Duster’s simple architecture, they can often be traced to easily accessible wiring or a fuse. Some later generation cars (2018 onwards) had problems with the ignition switch, which prevented starting and required replacing the faulty unit.
Another potential problem is the performance of the diesel engine at higher altitudes. South Africa’s varied terrain means the 1.5-litre dCi engine can feel slightly underpowered in some regions, especially at higher altitudes, especially when fully loaded or when overtaking at high speed. Light-hearted drivers won’t necessarily regret this aspect, but it is something to keep in mind.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Renault Duster remains a formidable competitor in the compact SUV segment and could be a consideration if you’re looking for a used gravel-eater. An all-new model is expected in the first quarter of 2025, which will also mark the end of the road for the acclaimed turbo-diesel engine.
Kia Seltos
The Seltos made its South African debut in 2020 and quickly turned heads in the competitive compact SUV segment. Its arrival was well-timed as consumers increasingly sought stylish, versatile and affordable SUVs. The design of the Seltos stood out, with a modern look including Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille and well-sculpted bodywork that gave the car a confident presence on the road. A heavily revised model arrived locally in 2024, including a starting price of approximately R470,000.
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Before the facelift, three engine options were offered. The entry-level model had a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 90 kW and 151 Nm of torque, paired with a manual or automatic transmission. Kia also offered a 1.4-litre turbo petrol generating 103kW/242Nm, mated exclusively to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There was – and still is – also available a 1.5-litre turbo diesel, delivering 86 kW/250 Nm
One of the key reasons why the Seltos is resonating with South African consumers is the combination of functionality and technology at a competitive price. The specifications are generous, often including a large infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reversing camera and various safety systems such as ABS and electronic stability control. Higher specification models featured premium touches such as leather upholstery, climate control and a sunroof.
Overall, the pre-facelift Kia Seltos is a solid choice for South African buyers looking for a compact SUV. Its attractive design, versatile engine options and technology-laden cabin made it a standout in a crowded market segment, offering a versatile driving experience at a reasonable price.
Mahindra XUV300
Launched in 2019 and built on the same platform as the SsangYong Tivoli, the XUV300 was Mahindra’s attempt to make a bold statement in a segment dominated by established brands. Its arrival was highly anticipated as it promised a combination of style, functionality and safety at an affordable price.
Under the hood, Mahindra offered the XUV300 with two engine options. The first was a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 81kW/200Nm, and the second a more robust 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 86kW/300Nm while returning fuel consumption of 6.0L/100km . Both engines were mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
One of the standout features of the XUV300 was its five-star safety rating from Global NCAP. This award set the SUV apart from many of its competitors, especially in the South African market where vehicle safety is becoming an increasingly important consideration. The XUV300’s safety features are enhanced by features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, cornering brake control and ISOFIX child seats, all standard across the range.
However, in the second half of 2024, the XUV300 was phased out and replaced by the all-new Mahindra XUV 3X0. This model brought updated styling, a range of advanced features, new powertrains with the option of automatic transmissions and improvements in performance and technology. While the XUV300 had set the bar high for compact SUVs in terms of safety and especially punchy diesel engines, the
In its time on the market, the Mahindra
You will find the full article in the December issue of CAR Magazine.
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