2025 Renault Duster Appraisal: Retro Charm at its Finest

The Renault Duster, known for its affordability, toughness, and no-nonsense design, has made its way to Australian shores. Priced starting at $31,990, the Duster offers two powertrain choices and a range of safety features, making it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and practical vehicle.

The Duster is available in both a 1.3-litre front-drive variant and a 1.2-litre all-wheel drive model. The front-drive variant boasts a ground clearance of 212mm, while the all-wheel drive variants have a ground clearance of 317mm, providing ample clearance for various terrains.

Safety is a top priority with the Duster. Across all models, drivers can expect features such as lane departure warning, a suite of at least eight airbags, stability control, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, cruise control, speed limiter, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure warning, and an ADAS personalised settings button.

The entry-level Evolution trim, priced at $31,990 plus on-road costs, comes equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, DAB stereo, a wireless smartphone charger, four USB-C charging ports, rain-sensing wipers, dusk sensing headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and a spare wheel and tyre set. The Techno trim, priced at $36,990 for the front-drive model and $37,990 for the all-wheel drive model, adds premium cloth seats, rear privacy glass, a multi-view camera, a start button, blind spot warning, a key card, front parking sensors, auto high/low beam, 18-inch alloys, and a modular roof rail system.

Under the hood, the Duster offers a 1333cc 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16v turbo engine, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and has a kerb weight of 1309kg. The car delivers a peak power of 113kW at 5500rpm and a peak torque of 270Nm at 2250rpm. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds and has a boot space of 472L/1564L.

The Duster has been popular in Europe for 15 years and is now available with Solid White as the standard paint finish. Cedar Green, Sandstone, Terracotta, Shadow Grey, Khaki Green, and Pearlescent Black each cost an additional $750.

The Duster runs on the Renault-Nissan CMFB chassis, a significant upgrade from its previous chassis, and is distributed in Australia by Renault Australia. The vehicle was awaited for several years before its release, though the exact number of years is not specified in the available sources.

The Duster's headlights feature an LED dipped beam and a halogen main beam, ensuring optimal visibility in various conditions. The 1.3-litre front-drive variant is markedly quicker than the all-wheel drive model, offering a dynamic driving experience.

The Duster comes with a five-year warranty and a five-year pre-paid servicing plan, priced at $2100 for the all-wheel drive model and $2150 for the front-drive model. With its competitive pricing, robust features, and practical design, the Renault Duster is set to make a strong impact in the Australian market.