Humanized. We are testing two versions of the new Renault Duster at once

Are you sure it's new?

This is strange and even a little offensive, because it looks like restyling, although in fact we are talking about a real change of generations. The average person sees new optics and bumpers - and thinks that the matter cost little blood. But in fact, the Duster has a new body. Proof?

The front roof pillars are more stacked for the sake of aerodynamics, and accordingly the windshield is now new. The rear pillars are also of a different shape, the rear side windows have changed, and a different trunk lid has been installed. An interesting point: the front doors are from Logan, but this is the only body part from this model.

And here is the fundamental technological difference from the first generation Duster: the sidewall is now a single part, whereas previously the two halves were welded in the area of the rear door opening. The visible result is the absence of a seam, but what is much more important is that this contributed to an increase in rigidity (in total it increased by about 10%). Elements made of high-strength steels also appeared, and the power structure was changed. The company has already conducted a crash test of the diesel version using internal methods. The result is 14.55 points out of 16 possible, or the maximum four stars for its rating.

And the body of the new model promises to be more durable due to double-sided galvanization of all parts. Well, as a bonus, a new paint coating is used, which should be more durable and resistant to mechanical damage.

Simple but improved

The interior has a new front panel (however, familiar from Arkana), with an 8-inch multimedia system screen facing the driver - oh, it would be higher! The design of the steering wheel has also changed (it is now heated), and before your eyes is a more strict, but laconic instrument cluster with a 3.5-inch black and white on-board computer screen.

In general, it’s clean, but simple, in some details even too much. Okay, let's face it: the finishing materials are still cheap, the plastic is hard. But unlike the Arkana, which tries to seem cool and fashionable, this interior in the more democratic Duster looks quite organic.

The main thing is that he has become more humane in terms of ergonomics! The puck that controls the all-wheel drive transmission modes was finally fished out of the depths of the center console, the buttons for heated seats and the joystick for electrically adjusting mirrors were moved to places more accessible to human hands.

And finally the steering column has reach adjustment! True, its range is small, so a tall driver still has to look for the optimal landing, but this is already progress! By the way, the front seats are now different, with quite “tenacious” upholstery, and the driver’s seat is height-adjustable. Although the angle of installation of the pillow is not adjustable, and in vain: the fixed option is not very good. But thanks for adjusting the lumbar support.

If earlier Duster could have a maximum of four airbags (front and side), now curtains are also available in expensive versions. But because of them, there is no height adjustment of the upper seat belt attachment point.

The amount of space for rear passengers is offered as much as in the previous generation, that is, back to back. It is clear that we are talking about an SUV-B, but still I would like a little more. Some compensation awaits in expensive versions or for an additional fee - we are talking about two-stage heating of the sofa (but only the pillows) and two USB sockets.

How does “Style” differ from “Edition Van”

Differences Renault Duster “Style”

Fabric upholstery with distinctive stitching (combination of textured gray and black fabrics)
On-board computer with monochrome 3.5-inch TFT screen
Easy Link multimedia system
6 speakers
2 USB ports in the center console
Chrome tailgate trim with chrome Duster lettering
Wheels 17 inches
Alloy wheels Maldives two-tone
Rear parking sensors
Rear view camera with dynamic lines
8.0-inch color touch display multimedia system
Support Yandex.Auto, Apple Carplay and Android Auto

Differences between Renault Duster "Edition Van"

Fabric seats with Duster lettering and orange stitching
On-board computer with monochrome screen
Radio Connect R&GO audio system (R&GO functional app)
4 speakers
USB connector on the front panel
Black tailgate trim with chrome Duster lettering
Wheels 16-inch
Alloy wheels Cyclade full black, black
Black wheel arch extensions
Black door side moldings
Orange Personalization Pack: Orange elements on the dashboard and center console

Five engines, three gearboxes

Modifications and equipment options for Belarus have not yet been officially named, so we are operating with what versions of the Duster are, in principle, produced at the Renault Russia plant in Moscow.

The initial versions will be offered with a naturally aspirated 1.6 H4M engine: in combination with a 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, it develops 114 hp. and 156 Nm, and if the drive is all-wheel drive, then the “mechanics” is already 6-speed, and under the hood there is another modification of the engine with output of 117 hp. In addition to greater power, the engine features new injectors, an intake manifold, and a different air duct from the air filter housing to the throttle valve; temperature and pressure sensors are now combined.

The 2.0-liter F4R petrol engine (143 hp and 195 Nm) has also remained in the lineup, which is now available only with a 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. The K9K diesel engine (109 hp and 240 Nm) also remained in service: the 1.5 dCi version is also offered with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission.

Well, the main novelty is the 1.3-liter H5Ht turbo engine, developing 150 hp. and 250 Nm. It can be mated to a 6-speed manual or CVT, but will only be available with all-wheel drive.

By the way, the automatic transmission has a new algorithm for controlling the torque converter in 4WD Lock mode: it is completely locked only after 45 km/h, which protects the transmission from shock loads off-road.

The driving part of the presentation includes a 1.5 dCi diesel version and a 1.3TCe petrol version with a CVT. Interested in comparing? Otherwise!

Exterior

Obvious differences between the car and the previous model are noticeable on the nose of the Renault Duster - this is the presence of a radiator grille and a horizontally mounted double bar, segmented headlights with sections of running lights and a redesigned bumper. The crossover began to look more expressive; chrome parts were added to the appearance, and this is a symbol of expensive cars.

The strong bumper has acquired an inherent plastic bar that frames the fine-mesh air intake at the bottom. Under it, a protective metal lining has found its place, which goes to the bottom of the body. The presence of neat fog lights, which have a round shape, gives boldness to the exterior. They were placed in shallow wells at the edge of the front bumper.

How does it ride?

However, the first impression is not about the engine, but about the steering. It’s different now - with an electric amplifier and a “shorter” rack. You immediately notice that the steering wheel at “parking” speeds has become much lighter (with power steering it was too heavy), and minor vibrations have gone away. But the new control lacks reactivity, which is why the information content suffers - the artificial force that arises with increasing speed and increases as it moves away from straight-line motion only partially helps here. But impacts on the steering wheel when driving over bumps are a thing of the past, and this is a plus for driving comfort.

There is also a combination of a gasoline turbo engine and a CVT. Not to say that 150 hp. and 250 Nm radically changed the driving character of the Duster and turned it into a rocket, but traction control definitely became more enjoyable, especially when compared with the previous tandem of a 2.0-liter automatic transmission. You can drive calmly, you can go a little faster, but nothing will irritate you: no delays, no outright lack of power. As a result, driving this version is quite pleasant both in the city and on the highway, but you shouldn’t expect frisky spurts or rapid acceleration from the Duster.

What about diesel? You can hear it a little better, there is also a little more vibration, but both in moderation so as not to irritate. Knowledge is power, but without practice it is nothing, so I, like all my colleagues, still start off in a manual transmission with an ultra-short first gear, although I am aware that the Duster has it like a downshift, and under normal conditions it is necessary to start from the second. Nevermind…

Generally speaking, it’s easy to operate the box, although for some reason I missed one time and tried to turn on the second one instead of the fourth one. The driver in front of me made the same mistake - it looks like the rocker mechanism takes some getting used to.

Despite the more modest dynamic performance “in numbers”, the diesel version is subjectively perceived as quite peppy, and it is especially impressive when the engine confidently accelerates the car up a hill in sixth place from 2000 rpm, without forcing you to shift down.

Well, efficiency: even in test mode, the average consumption did not exceed 6 l/100 km. On a four-wheel drive SUV!

ESP is now included in the “base”, and it is complemented by uphill start and downhill descent systems. But at speeds of up to 50 km/h, the safety electronics can be turned off and drifted on slippery surfaces - under the traction, the Duster is quite ready to sweep with its stern.

Of course, it remains a bit of a lump when cornering on asphalt, reacting somewhat lazily to control inputs and exhibiting noticeable roll. But it is rehabilitated on broken roads. Joints, holes, speed bumps - all this can be overcome without losing the smoothness of the ride. Coupled with high ground clearance, this allows you to not worry too much when choosing roads. Well, if they end...

Customer Reviews

Evgeniy, Novokuznetsk

This is my 8th car, so I have something to compare with. With the Niva, of course, Duska is much inferior in cross-country ability, but I didn’t buy it to skid in the mud. The car is comfortable, pleasant ride. For my 640,000 rubles, I got what I planned. The car goes easily both on the highway and on the ground, which is confirmed by the Renault Duster test drive video. Mileage 10,000 km - no complaints.

The stove heats up perfectly. If I have to spend the night in a car, I sleep at full height. The car drives smoothly, although it accelerates rather dully, but this is to be expected from a 1.6 liter 1.5 ton engine. If you drive “as you please,” it is quite gluttonous. If you follow the basic rules, you can save a lot. At first it was strange to drive on city roads in 5th gear, but over time I got used to it.

Alexander, Ryazan

The car creates a good overall impression. In many respects, of course, there are compromises, but there are no obvious shortcomings either. Brutal, good to drive, especially with the clutch connected. Before buying, I looked at the Koreans and had already decided on the Hyundai ix35, but during the test drive I realized that we were not compatible with it.

As advantages of Duster, I can note: cost; reliable motor; high ground clearance, which allows you to leave any locked condition in the city; spacious interior and roomy trunk; decent dynamics, normal cross-country ability.

The main drawback is that it is dirty. Narrow front mudguards, debris gets into the engine compartment.

Dmitry, Moscow

The car is designed for the amateur. Some people like him, but some don't. I bought the car in May and have driven 4,000 km since then. The Duster makes noise where it needs to, since the sound insulation of the engine compartment is not very good, but where it doesn’t need to be, it doesn’t make noise. Personally, all I do is fill it up and don’t bother anywhere else, which makes me very happy. Conclusion: the car is very necessary for our roads, despite its shortcomings.

Among the advantages, I would like to note the energy-intensive and quiet suspension, gasoline consumption of up to 9 liters and good cross-country ability - so far I have passed it everywhere.

Among the shortcomings are ill-conceived ergonomics, a heavy steering wheel, lack of decent power windows and terrible mudguards. Oleg, Rostov-on-Don

After RSN I get only positive emotions from the car. This is the second Frenchman in our family. Renault Duster, whose technical characteristics are excellent, is an excellent car for the money I paid for it. I liked the approach of the managers from the car dealership - no imposed extras, just what I needed.

It goes perfectly on the highway with a trailer, and the trailer is absolutely not felt. What I like about the car is its reliability, maneuverability, acceptable fuel consumption and excellent service. The main drawback is dirty pants.

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Off-road

Okay, to tell the truth, we didn’t have one, although it was planned. It’s just that the frosts that hit again grabbed the soggy surface, so the test was more about the performance of the suspension, but not the all-wheel drive transmission.

But it is already known from the first generation Duster and other off-road Renault models: an electronically controlled clutch on Nissan Murano in the rear wheel drive, a choice between 2WD, 4WD and 4WD Lock modes. The latter operates at speeds of up to 80 km/h, and in the version with the 1.3 TCe engine it has a special traction control algorithm. But in any case, with the clutch locked, the torque is distributed between the axles in a ratio of 50:50, while in Auto mode only up to 30% of the traction is supplied to the rear wheels.

And here you have to rely more on previous experience and feedback from colleagues. But we know that the Duster looks good off-road: its low weight, durable clutch and good geometric cross-country ability (210 mm ground clearance, ramp angle of 21 degrees, approach and departure angles of 31 and 33 degrees, respectively) add up to good off-road qualities. Recipes for increasing efficiency are already known: larger wheels, a suspension lift and a winch turn the Duster into a good “rogue”. Yes, yes, even without downshifts and mechanical locks!

But even a standard car provokes off-road exploits. As a result, at the finish line it looks like this. And this is his correct state. Perhaps, if after a trip it continues to remain clean, then this is not a very advisable purchase on your part.

Our verdict

Having changed generations, Duster has retained its essence: it is still a budget car in feel, but a completely honest car in everything. He has not lost his basic qualities, but has become a little more modern and “more humane” towards the driver. A little more space for rear passengers would be nice! But overall, it’s a very balanced product, which also offers a wide range of modifications. True, whether all of them will be presented in Belarus and what the configurations and prices will be is still unknown - we’ll find out in a week or two.

Like	I do not like
Still an “omnivorous” suspension	Cheap interior materials
High-torque and very economical diesel	Steering lacks information content
Off-road performance	There's only so much room in the back