A few weeks after the all-new model made its South African debut, we got a hold of a Renault Duster Zen 4×4 to drive for a few days for a more in-depth driving experience.
Previous generations of the Renault Duster, were quite well received by local buyers. Just over 26 000 units found homes in SA since the nameplate was introduced here in 2013. So the latest version has some pretty big shoes to fill. The third generation to carry the badge made its worldwide debut about two years ago and went on sale locally earlier in 2025. The market has undergone quite a shift since the last Duster went off the sales listings.
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New Appearance
The all-new Renault Duster is based on a platform from within the Renault group. However, the car itself is all-new ie this isn’t a revised or facelifted model. As such this, third-generation version has an all-new appearance. We are fans of the bold, chunky aesthetic. It really does help the Dusters stand our in a sea of samey-samey SUVs that current occupy our roads and car parks.
The new look consists of snazzy new LED headlamps with a sideways ‘Y’ motif. Chunky, squared-off lines are the order of the day. The Duster coming across as ‘butch’ rather than ‘demure’. Creases on the on the bonnet and boot are reminiscent of those found on the sides of a Jerry can. There are also sections of unpainted plastic cladding, which are made from recycled plastic. This general appearance, along with the detailing helps create a sense of ruggedness. The body is also set quite high off the ground, offering a maximum of 217 mm of ground clearance – pretty handy. Alloys wheels, on high profile tyres, are standard fitment.
Fresh Interior
The same chunky theme applied to the exterior has been carried into the cabin. The door handles are hefty and solid, there are hard surfaces on the facia and the seats are cloth covered, as opposed to leather. Renault has also used a funky material for the roof lining. Boot volume is quoted as well over 400 litres, impressive for a car of this segment especially considering that there is a full-size spare wheel under the board.
This latest Duster has been brought into the new era with two digital screens. One sits ahead of the driver, acting as an instrument cluster, while the second sits in the middle of the facia. The latter serves the role of the infotainment interface. The system has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a pair of USB-C ports along with a wireless charger for your mobile phone. We have to admit that it took some getting used to. This interface isn’t as user-friendly as items in other test cars we’ve experienced. Perhaps that will change with time, but it’s not an intuitive user experience. Renault designers have incorporated most controls into the system, although there are a few physical buttons just ahead of the gear lever.
Two Engines, Three Derivatives
Previous generations of Duster were lauded for their go-anywhere ability, which was especially true of the diesel-powered version. So it was odd to learn that the company has foregone diesel power for the latest version. The Renault Duster Zen 4×4 is fitted with a turbopetrol engine. The 1,2-litre unit features a mild hybrid system and is mated exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. The engine develops 96 kW and 230 N.m.
The powertrain does seem to lack a little in grunt, especially if we think back to turbodiesel versions we’ve driven. The hybrid component isn’t large and doesn’t really add to the oomph. Because the Renault Duster Zen 4×4 offers a degree of off-roading prowess, it has a very short 1st gear. As a result one needs to be patient and smooth with the first shift every time you set off. The powertrain is, otherwise, well suited to the rigours of daily use. We did, however, find that one does need to be on top of gear selection all the time to stay in the engine’s sweet spot. We didn’t manage to get near the company’s fuel consumption claim even if we followed the on-board electronic ‘coach’.
On the Road
The Duster’s ride quality is well damped and resolved making journeys comfortable and pleasant. We managed to find a small section of gravel to traversed just to gauge the ride quality over a variety of surfaces. The commendable ride quality didn’t deteriorate over unsealed roads, maintaining, almost, the same level of grip over the dirt track. On the open road the Duster’s cabin remained quiet, so quiet that we picked up a little bit of wind noise from the exterior mirror/A-pillar region, admittedly, at higher speeds. Speaking of, we also found that top gear is geared quite long, which keeps engine speeds low, but one has to change down as there isn’t loads of torque to maintain momentum.
Summary
The Renault Duster Zen 4×4 finds itself in an interesting, perhaps tough, position. The latest Duster was launched abroad over two years ago. In that time, the SA new-car market has undergone a massive shift. Yes, SUVs are the flavour of the day, but products from China are rife. There are over a dozen brands that were not represented here two years ago with most of them offering an SUV at the same price point as the Duster.
As we mentioned, there is no longer a turbodiesel option on offer, so that USP has been removed. Chinese brands tend to offer a high degree of standard specification, all for similar money as the Duster Zen 4×4 and its 4×2 siblings. The latest Duster is an agreeable little car that does so much right. But, it really does come up against strong competition from new and established brands. Buyers are spoiled for choice in this segment and we fear that the Renault may not return the sales numbers it once did.
Model: Renault Duster Zen 4×4
Price: R549 999
Engine: 1,2-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, AWD
Max power: 96 kW
Max torque: 230 N.m
0-100 km/h: n.a
Top speed: n/a
Fuel consumption: 5,7 L/100 km (6,9 during review period)
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