Test drive of an all-wheel drive Renault Duster with automatic transmission - review of Renault Duster 4x4 with automatic transmission

Renault Duster 4x4 with automatic transmission. Route: 1480 km. On sale since 2014. Price - from 663,000 rubles.

He is unfazed by the general decline in sales, picky customers, assertive Chinese competitors and the difficult international environment. About 80 thousand Dusters were sold in Russia last year - and the market, which seems to be falling, is ready to absorb more and more.

A car without flaws? Come on, there are, of course, downsides. But there are also many advantages, of which the main thing is a reasonable price-quality ratio. Like any available product, Duster limits buyers' choice. There is not and cannot be climate control here. Four rigid configurations. Or tinted rear windows or cloth upholstery. It does not combine all-wheel drive and automatic transmission... Wait, this is serious. The love of Russian buyers for crossovers is quite understandable (just imagine parking in a snow-covered yard). For an automatic transmission, even more so, since many people find themselves stuck in a traffic jam straight from the yard.

It’s easier to recognize the new modification inside than outside: the combination of the automatic selector and the “all-wheel drive” puck speaks for itself.

It’s easier to recognize the new modification inside than outside: the combination of the “automatic” selector and the “all-wheel drive” puck speaks for itself

Salespeople at car dealerships would probably make money on their own Duster, charging hundreds for the answer to the question: “When will an automatic transmission and 4×4 appear?” Now they won’t be asked - they will buy even more from them.

LET'S GO! —

heard one of the authors in response to the thoughtful reasoning outlined above. - All this is correct, but now take this trunk and take it to that Duster over there! When, instead of the usual foreign test drive, Za Rulem offered to take part in driving the car to Moscow, doubts arose only about the choice of route. In order to be on time with the material for this issue, I had to abandon the idea of coming to Russia in a Duster. We preferred one and a half thousand kilometers of Spanish-French highways and a small but indicative part of the prairies... or whatever they call it, where you drive off the asphalt.

Another sign is on the parting panel: the symbols D and 4WD LOCK.

Another sign is on the instrument panel: symbols D and 4WD LOCK

To say that the all-wheel drive Duster with an automatic transmission immediately stands out against the background of its front-wheel drive older brother is to sin against the truth. Set the mode to 2WD - and here you have the same car. Go and feel how much the gear ratios in the transmission have been changed (answer: increased by about 5%).

By the end of the second day, consumption measured at 10.2 l/100 km at an average speed of 72.9 km/h. It could have been smaller, but for this the “automatic” lacks a couple of steps. “Duster” is by no means a testing ground for new technical solutions; it tries on time-tested (read: inexpensive) units.

The trunk of the 4x4 version is 67 liters smaller because it has a higher raised floor. But the spare tire is placed directly under it, and not fastened outside in the rear overhang. Getting it out of there, much less putting it away, is a dubious pleasure.

When overtaking, the automatic transmission decisively shifts to a downshift, forcing the engine to howl in an attempt to accelerate the car. Alas, its efforts are lost somewhere between third and fourth gears, so the sluggish advance doesn't match the noise effects at all. This is where you should look at the speedometer and make sure that 120 is not your pace with the Duster. To be fair, in the Russian speed range overtaking is much more dignified.

Box - robot for Renault Duster

Another version of the Duster with automatic transmission is the Renault Duster EDC, released in 2021. Unlike its predecessors, this is no longer a “classic” automatic, but a robotic gearbox. Renault Duster with a robot received an Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) robotic gearbox with two clutches (similar to the updated Renault Captur, etc.)

For the Renault Duster, such a box is available exclusively with a 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine producing 110 hp, as well as in a front-wheel drive version. The EDC gearbox on the Duster changes gears rather harshly (especially the transition from 1st to 2nd), there are slight dips and delays when the gas pedal is sharply pressed.

However, in the case of smooth driving, the robot shifts almost imperceptibly both up and down, keeping the diesel engine speed in the maximum torque range.

We also recommend reading the article about why the DSG gearbox is bad. From this article you will learn about the main disadvantages and disadvantages of the DSG robot, what weaknesses this transmission has, as well as what to look for when choosing a car with a DSG gearbox.

A manual semi-automatic mode is also available, in which the driver can change gears independently. At the same time, recommendations are displayed on the instrument panel when it is better to change gear.

The robot also “forgives” mistakes, preventing the driver from shifting to a gear that is too high or low, taking into account the inappropriate speed of the vehicle. The transmission will also switch to lower gears when you press the gas pedal hard and activate the kick-down mode.

Also, the version with the robot received a hill start assist system, which helps avoid rolling back when starting off. Fuel consumption for the Duster EDS is stated to be even lower than for the “mechanics”. If you don’t look at the passport data, in practice, even with active driving, a car with such an engine and gearbox consumes only 6.5 liters of diesel per 100 km. around town.

As for the shortcomings, there are no clear statistics on the model yet, taking into account its novelty. In a number of cases, rapid wear of the clutch packs has been noted, however, such breakdowns are rare and are repaired under warranty. Further problems will only appear over time, as is the case with any other car that has recently entered the market.

GET OFF THE HIGHWAY -

said the stern voice of the staff navigator, adding to our collection of navigational pearls. The bumpers, markings, and asphalt disappear from the road, and we finally switch the transmission washer to Lock, blocking the center clutch.

“Automatic”, I quote from the release, has been adapted for off-road work, and with the “snowflake” button you can now “roughen” the gas pedal... But I’ll just say this: if you really need an off-road “Duster”, then there is soil, sand, virgin soil for It’s not just an episode for you - take a car with a “mechanics”!

The four-speed automatic transmission has undergone a number of changes compared to the 4x2 version: gear ratios have been increased, additional air-oil cooling has appeared, and shift modes have been rebuilt.

The four-speed automatic transmission has undergone a number of changes compared to the 4×2 version: gear ratios have been increased, additional air-oil cooling has appeared, and switching modes have been rebuilt

It will have the same suspension (with its small strokes it’s easy to hang up the Duster, but on small bumps the car behaves perfectly), the same good protection for the units, but the “mechanics” provide more traction reserve, which is so necessary off the road! It is the custom of the French, instead of transmission gear ratios, to indicate the inverse value - speed at 1000 rpm. An all-wheel drive car with an automatic transmission will travel 9.78 km/h in first gear. With “mechanics” on a wonderful “creeping” first - 5.79 km/h. The overall gear ratio is 1.7 times greater - in difficult conditions, 70% of the additional “traction” can be very useful.

And I also didn’t really like how easily the “automatic” jumps up on descents, refusing to slow down with the engine. To be honest, I didn’t expect any feats outside the asphalt. “Automatic” and all-wheel drive, finally happily combined in the “Duster”, serve different purposes, each in its own way enhancing the consumer properties of the car.

The 4×4 inscriptions are not at all a pity.

4×4 inscriptions are not a pity at all

Let's sum it up

As you can see, today Renault Duster is available new or used with several types of gearboxes. There is a choice of both “mechanics” and automatic transmission or manual transmission. At the same time, the robotic transmission on the Duster is available only with a single drive and one type of internal combustion engine. Perhaps in the future the robot will appear with all-wheel drive, but for now it is not possible to buy an all-wheel drive Duster with a robotic gearbox. For the 4x4 versions, only the “classic” automatic remains.

Taking into account the fact that robotic transmissions are considered less reliable for a number of reasons, a Duster with such a gearbox is better to choose for a quiet ride around the city

For more active use of the crossover and off-road trips, it is better to pay attention to the “classic” automatic transmission. At the same time, we should not forget that French automatic transmissions, compared to their competitors, also do not have a solid resource

For this reason, all-wheel drive and a reliable manual transmission are best suited for extreme conditions.

At the same time, we should not forget that French machines, compared to their competitors, also do not have a solid resource. For this reason, all-wheel drive and a reliable manual transmission are best suited for extreme conditions.

WHAT ELSE WILL NOT HAPPEN? —

we asked Renault representatives after noticing that a tacky 4×4 sticker was missing from the fifth door. It’s clear that for the sake of a stable price you have to give up something... There, at the back, there won’t be a RENAULT trim. The center console between the seats is now matte rather than glossy; The standard ashtray has disappeared. Two versions lost the plastic protection of the front sills. The area to be painted in the engine compartment has been reduced.

Out of sight, out of mind. It’s a pity that daytime running lights never appeared on the Russian Duster, at least as an option. We would like to learn from Granta respect for traffic rules and consumers.

Sitting comfortably in the back, each of us accidentally opened a window for ourselves: the key was located exactly under the elbow. Without hoping that it will be moved, I’m just warning the rear passengers.

On the long journey we had to use a car wash. One euro, and for three and a half minutes she is at your disposal. A couple of euros is enough for the whole car. We wish we had such prices!

HOW MUCH? —

“Duster” allows you to ask this question in the right tone, still pleasantly surprising with a reasonable price. “Automatic” will cost exactly 38,000 rubles, if you compare identical configurations (details in the table).

We drove from Madrid to Paris in the most expensive car, to the base price of which is 775 thousand (Lux Privilege version) we will add another eight thousand for metallic, ten for navigation (by the way, I really liked it, only the screen is too low), 13 thousand for ESP. Total 806,000 rubles.

The most expensive Duster in Spain costs exactly the same - 18,000 euros. The equipment is similar to ours, with a 110-horsepower diesel engine under the hood. Only he does not and cannot have an “automatic machine”...

We couldn’t help but take a photo of a tram in the center of Bordeaux, which, for aesthetic reasons, collects current from the third rail. Only the section of track under the tram is powered. 02. 2014 Behind the wheel 31,028

We couldn’t help but take a photo of a tram in the center of Bordeaux, which, for aesthetic reasons, collects current from the third rail. Only the section of track under the tram is powered

Vice President Arnaud Debeuf: THIS DASTER IS SPECIALLY FOR RUSSIA!

The final point of our test drive of an all-wheel drive car with an automatic transmission was a technical station near Paris, where we met the person who is responsible for the entire family of budget cars. Igor Morzharetto and Anton Chuikin spoke with the vice-president of the group, Arnaud Debeuf.

— Mr. Debeuf, in Russia and in Europe in general, sales of cars in the middle price class are falling, but they are growing in the premium category and in the budget class (according to the European classification - entry, entry). Is this a consequence of the crisis?

— Sales of expensive cars are growing mainly due to corporate clients. As for the entry segment, the crisis has nothing to do with it; this is a long-term trend in the market. For many Europeans, a car is no longer a symbol of prestige, it is only a means of transportation. Such people prefer to buy an iPad or other technological innovations (it’s fashionable, modern), but the budget for a car is shrinking...

Dusters in different countries differ in optics and additional equipment.

— How do you represent your customers in France and Russia?

“I think they have a lot in common.” First, they are pragmatists. I have already said that in France there has been a certain tendency (perhaps more pronounced than in Russia) - to reduce car costs. In Russia and Brazil, the situation is slightly different: many of our customers are purchasing the first car in their life. Therefore, by the way, in these countries the equipment is richer than in France. Even in luxury versions you won’t find an automatic transmission or a 2-liter engine. And the navigation system has only just appeared.

In recent years, both in Russia and in Europe as a whole, sales of cars in the middle price class have been falling, but they are growing in the premium and budget class categories.

— Is it possible to make an even cheaper car than Logan? And will it have prospects in the European market?

- It’s possible to do it. We are currently developing a car specifically for the Indian market. You need to understand that in India the Duster is very prestigious, its owner usually travels with a personal driver, so there is a huge need there for an even cheaper car. By the way, did you know that Logan’s target market was Russia? General Director Louis Schweitzer visited Russia in 1997. Returning, he gathered the designers and demanded: “We must develop a very reliable, durable, modern car, designed for five people. We will sell it on the Russian market.” This is how Logan was born...

The second generation of Logan and Sandero will come to Russia in the spring.

The second generation of Logan and Sandero will come to Russia in the spring

But now we are returning to India. They need, perhaps, a more compact car, but at a very low, aggressive price.

— How do you feel about Chinese automakers? They are actively penetrating the same emerging markets. And in Russia they feel very good, especially in the provinces...

— I recently spent a month in China, studying their market. We have a special center that purchases all models that potentially compete with ours and carefully examines them. I believe that many Chinese manufacturers have succeeded in terms of design and quality is improving. I’m not yet sure about the reliability and safety of their cars. But I am saying this, a specialist, and the buyer who enters the salon is often not interested in such issues, but is attracted by the beautiful design and low price. The first impression is the strongest!

— Renault Duster is one of the most successful cars on our market, foreign car No. 1. Everyone wants to get into this segment. In 2014, a new Suzuki-SX4 and Ford Ecosport will appear in Russia, and a Chevrolet Niva is on the way... How will Duster change to successfully compete with new models?

“We guarantee that in the coming years we will maintain our advantage – a very aggressive price.” In Europe, we offer Duster at a price of 12,000 euros, while competitors ask for a crossover from 17,000–18,000 euros. The gap is huge! But the European Duster cannot have an automatic transmission; it has very simple equipment. In France, the main demand is for diesel, but in your country the most popular is a 2-liter gasoline engine. In Russia, we offer new equipment every year. You are the only country in the world that has received an “automatic” all-wheel drive vehicle. 80% of your Dusters are sold with all-wheel drive, and we could not help but react to this. In the future, there will be a heated windshield, a new navigation system... By the way, we can once again recall India. There, as I already said, the Duster buyer has a personal driver, so on these crossovers we install air conditioning for the second row of seats, additional lighting, and an armrest on the rear sofa. In short, we try to attract the buyer not only with an interesting price, but also with new options that are relevant in his country.

All-wheel drive Renault Duster with automatic transmission: my happiness

Full or partial replacement

You can change the oil in the automatic transmission of a Renault Duster car completely or partially. By complete we mean draining the old oil, flushing the crankcase and filling in new oil.

A partial replacement involves gradually adding new oil as it mixes with the old one. This method is applicable for cars with mileage exceeding 100 thousand kilometers. The fact is that old oil creates deposits on the crankcase walls, which, when flushed, can clog small channels. All this leads to “oil starvation” and failure of the unit.

In a partial replacement, the old one is drained, and then the new one is poured in in the same quantity every 200-300 kilometers. It is not recommended to immediately pour a new one in place of the old one, since they may have completely different chemical compositions.

When and how to carry out a partial replacement

As mentioned earlier, partial is performed when the car’s mileage is already too high. To do this, you need to choose a high-quality lubricant, which the manufacturer recommends for Renault Duster automatic transmissions, and drain several hundred grams of old oil from the crankcase.

Exactly the same amount of new oil is poured. Now you need to drive about 200-300 kilometers on this mixture. As soon as the car has driven the required number of kilometers, you need to drain some of the old oil again, and then drive another 200 kilometers. This cycle is performed until the entire canister of new lubricant is filled into the crankcase.

Partial replacement is not only the only way to change the oil in the old gearbox, but also a good opportunity to flush the automatic transmission from heavy deposits. As you know, the best flushing agent is the oil itself, but it is very expensive. Therefore, it is not advisable to use it as a flush. It is best to buy the appropriate fluid or gradually change the composition of the lubricant.

It is not recommended to mix oils from two different manufacturers or different chemical compositions. For example, lubricant intended for winter operation of automatic transmissions cannot withstand high temperatures at all. This rule also applies in reverse. Therefore, it is best to make a complete replacement.

Complete replacement

If you want the gearbox to last for hundreds of thousands of kilometers, then it is recommended to completely change the automatic transmission oil on a Renault Duster car. If you do this procedure every 60 - 100 thousand kilometers, the unit will not only not require partial replacement, but will also last for a very long time. This procedure is performed as follows:

The car is driven onto a lift or inspection hole.
The brand of gear oil is specified and the required type is selected.
The dipstick is pulled out and the car is raised to a height sufficient for replacement.
Now you need to remove the Renault Duster engine protection, and then unscrew the oil drain plug and drain the oil into a suitable liquid. It should drain for at least 10 minutes. Finally, the plug is screwed into place and the car is lowered.

Now unscrew the filler cap or bolt (depending on the gearbox modification) and pour flushing fluid into the automatic transmission. For Renault Duster, it makes no difference what kind of liquid it is. The most important thing is that it has a transmission.
The filler cap closes and the engine starts. You need to let it idle in neutral gear for about 5-10 minutes. During this time, flushing cleans the mechanism of old oil residues and contaminants.
Now drain the flush and fill with a new one. The principle of draining and filling is the same here.

It is not recommended to put too much load on new oil. It is necessary to gradually pick up speed and also smoothly reduce it so that the mechanism “gets used” to the new lubricant.