Renault's latest small SUV has landed
Tuesday, 1 September 2020
A car that is a common sight on Europe’s roads but has never reached the New Zealand market has finally arrived.
It’s the Duster small SUV/crossover that sells mainly under Dacia branding but carries Renault identification in some markets, including for New Zealand.
The built-in-Romania Duster will make a strong play for the value-priced end of the SUV/crossover segment with a single variant priced from $27,990.
The Duster measures up with an overall length of 4341mm, width of 1804mm and height of 1693mm which aligns its dimensions as slightly shorter than a Kia Seltos but 78mm taller.
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Duster’s rear seat offers a split-fold configuration and cargo capacity measures 445 litres.
Power comes from a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 84kW output at 5500rpm and 156Nm of torque at 4000rpm driving the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission. Combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 6.9L/100km.
The Duster’s stout SUV appearance is emphasised by roof rails along with prominent skid plates and muscular wheel arches.
Standard equipment includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Rear privacy glass, LED daytime running lights and front/rear fog lamps are also standard.
Safety and driver-assist features comprise hill start assist, blind spot monitor, a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring.
Buyers can also ask for an optional black leather upholstery pack, heated front seats, side steps and rear seatback storage nets.
The Duster SUV also provides the platform for an interesting and unique small double cab pickup – built on a stretched wheelbase – which is badged as the Duster Oroch. It is also expected to go on sale in the New Zealand market.
A small first shipment of Renault Dusters has already arrived in the country with the second shipment timed for late- October or early-November arrival.
The debut of the Duster is in conjunction with an expansion programme for the Renault dealer network through the first half of 2020.
The French brand now has 14 full dealers from Northland to Dunedin and three additional authorised service-only agents.