"Renault Duster": specifications, owner reviews, photos

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Every car enthusiast is well aware of the Renault Duster compact crossover. It was first published at the end of 2009. Its production has continued successfully for nine years.

This is a very popular car. In 2014, the millionth copy rolled off the assembly line, and shortly before that, a "double" appeared - the Nissan Terrano.

In our article we will talk about this popular car, its advantages, the most famous modifications and, of course, the reviews of the owners.

Model description

The Renault Duster was based on the same platform on which the famous Nissan Beetle is based - Nissan B0. It, of course, was significantly changed to use the all-wheel drive system (although there are options with the front) and other axles.

Among other features of the model:

• Trunk capacity is 475 liters, but can be increased to 1636 liters by folding the rear seats.
• Steel crankcase.
• Short overhangs and 21cm ground clearance.
• Three transmission modes - 4x2, Lock and Auto.
• Bosch 8.1 ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.
• ESP. Available in all trim levels, except for the base. The system is equipped with traction control and understeer control option.
• 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and 2 frontal airbags.
• 5 choice of petrol engines (102 and 135 hp with different specifications) and one diesel engine (90 hp).

For 9 years, Renault Duster has been produced in its original form. In 2013, the company carried out a slight restyling, slightly modernizing the crossover. The front panel has undergone changes, they also made the appearance more modern and expanded the list of equipment. But the rest of the crossover remained the same as it was.

Design

The developers tried to make the crossover as attractive as possible by adding dynamics to its package. Of the visual features, the following details can be noted:

• Chrome grille with large Renault logo. It was designed in a new style. The lower and upper parts of the lattice consist of small cells. This protects the radiator from damage.
• Rear and front bumpers successfully emphasize the brutal appearance, and massive roof rails increase functionality.
• Updated dual optics with LED daytime running lights has an original light pattern. Such headlights make the crossover much more noticeable in the stream of other cars.
• The 16-inch alloy wheels look very profitable. Cast Black Thema also available.

The developers also did a good job on the interior design. The interior of this crossover is a thoughtful, competent, ergonomic combination of functionality and comfort. Thanks to the use of artificial and natural materials, it was possible to increase the wear resistance of the surface. There is no denying the fact that the same decision had a positive effect on aesthetics.

Here are some highlights of the salon:

• Convenient dashboard, including a center console with a well-placed instrument panel and keys in their “own” places. Indicators are conveniently read at any time of the day. It should be noted that the shield also displays the mode in which the cruise control is located, and information about the temperature overboard. It also has a gearshift indicator.
• Keys for controlling the cruise control are conveniently placed on the steering wheel.
• Seats have an improved profile, pronounced lateral support, as well as an elongated cushion and backrest. It is important to note that the chairs are equipped with a programmable deformation. This will work in case of an accident. In addition, the chairs were equipped with a new adjustment mechanism.
• Acoustic comfort is at a decent level. This was influenced by the use of upgraded seals and soundproofing elements.

If you fold the rear seats and the front passenger seat, you can increasespace up to 2.65m in length. This will allow you to transport large, long items. This fact makes the Renault Duster crossover one of the most spacious in its class.

Off-road performance

The manufacturer claims that the Renault Duster is able to cope with the serious obstacles encountered on the way. High clearance (21 cm), short overhangs, wide wheel arches, reliable protection of nodes, as well as high-quality suspension, ready for testing, all contribute to this.

The all-wheel drive system on this machine is three separate modes that allow you to move comfortably on any surface. Here are their brief characteristics:

• 2WD. Torque is distributed only between the front wheels. The drive is also carried out on one axis. This helps optimize fuel consumption.
• AUTO. Torque is distributed between the rear and front wheels automatically. The proportions depend on the speed selected by the driver and road conditions.
• LOCK. The distribution of torque goes to both axles equally. In this mode, the car can move at speeds up to 80 km/h. Therefore, even off-road, Renault can drive confidently and quickly.

All-wheel drive vehicles are equipped with a 6-speed manual with a short first gear, as well as an automatic transmission adapted to Russian conditions. The developers equipped the "Automatic" system with a torque control system and cooling.

With any chosen boxthe ride is comfortable. Each gearbox makes it easier to start even on a very steep slope with an absolute load of the crossover.

Technologies used

This topic also needs to be paid attention, since we are talking about Renault Duster. Renault Duster is unique in that the equipment it is equipped with was developed specifically for the Russian market. Driving a crossover is comfortable and safe in all weather conditions, because it is equipped with the following options:

• Multimedia modern system Media Nav, also informing the driver about traffic jams. There is a function of broadcasting images directly from the rear view camera.
• Cruise control.
• Innovative remote engine start system.
• Shift indicator.
• Heated windshield (covers entire surface).
• ISOFIX anchors.

You can also not ignore the comfortable interior, carefully thought-out seats, high-quality finishing materials, sophisticated acoustic comfort and other modern equipment.

Optional equipment

What options are offered in other Renault Duster trim levels? Renault Duster (in addition to all of the above) is equipped with the following options for an additional fee:

• Rails.
• Electric and heated mirrors.
• Audio system with CD-MP3/AUX/USB and Bluetooth. A steering column joystick is provided to control it.
• Front and rear power windows.
• Central lockwith remote control.
• Handles and mirrors in body color.
• Chrome bumper protector.
• Improved upholstery (leather on some trim levels).
• Fog optics.
• Muffler attachment.
• Trip computer.
• Air conditioner.
• Tinting.
• Rear parking sensors.

There are four configurations in total, except for the basic one. These are Expression, Adventure, Privilege and Luxe Privilege.

Engines

Technical characteristics of "Renault Duster" deserve special attention. Here are all the motors on offer and their brief specifications:

• 1.6L, 102L. With. Resource 400,000 km. Consumption - 12 liters in the city. Often triplets. As a rule, the problem lies in the candles, injectors and ignition coil.
• 1.6L, 114L With. Resource over 250,000 km. Consumption - 9 liters in the city. Often there are problems with the generator (manifested in the "whistling" of the engine), it often stalls, there is a burnout of the exhaust pipe ring and vibration of the motor itself.
• 2.0L, 135L With. Resource over 300,000 km. Consumption - 10, 3 liters in the city. It is characterized by increased oil consumption, ignition coils do not last long, the throttle valve is often clogged, the crankshaft rear oil seal is leaking.
• 2.0L, 143L With. Resource, consumption and problems are similar to the previous one. Also, the engine speed “floats”, but this is not scary.
• 1.5 l. dCi (86, 90 and 110 hp). Resource over 300,000 km. Consumption - 5, 9 liters in the city. Reliable diesel, but it also has its own "disease". itconnecting rod bushings. After 100-150 thousand kilometers, the risk of their cranking increases. After 100,000 km it is better to change them in advance.

Renault Duster engines represent a small lineup. Fortunately, there is a lot of information about each motor. It is advisable for motorists to familiarize themselves with the detailed information about each motor before buying a car. It is better to learn in advance about the features, malfunctions and specifics of engine repair. Then the question of which motor is better to choose will disappear automatically.

Behavior on the road

Because this is a crossover, this topic needs to be given special attention. Motorists respect the Renault suspension. It is balanced enough for driving both off-road and on asph alt. Potholes, pits, bumps - all this the car "swallows" at speed without problems. People who are not afraid to take risks note with satisfaction that it is impossible to break through the suspension to the bumpers.

On the pavement at the same time, the crossover handles like a passenger car. There are no rolls, and exchange rate stability pleases with its stability.

Four-wheel drive with blocking, of course, is not a panacea for slippage, but when driving on sand and in the mountains it really helps out. Experienced motorists advise to increase the speed and power (give up gas) more at the start, although the car will move slowly from a smooth start. Steep climbs are best taken in 1st gear, and at speeds close to idle. "Reno" is going strong, but at first it may seem that it is about to stall.

Regular tires leavethe impression of "road", from the off-road in it only design, so it is recommended to install something better.

Dignity

Now you can pay attention to the reviews left about Renault Duster. It is the comments of real owners that help to understand whether the car is really as good as the manufacturer positions it.

Motorists attribute the following features to the advantages of this crossover:

• It is long and wide, and therefore stable on any surface. Large wheels also contribute to the confidence of the exit.
• Full drive. In Russia, this option cannot be overestimated.
• Clearance and geometric cross. The owners say that Renault Duster ("Renault") can really handle off-road. For bumpers and sills is not scary. The main thing is not to go thoughtlessly ahead. Then the crossover will last a long time.
• For an economy class car, it has a good combination of engine and transmission. If, for example, we compare it with Niva, then the advantages are very clear.
• Comfortable fit for both driver and passengers. You can ride for a very long time and not get tired all the way.
• The car is well assembled. No parts fall off over time.
• ABS as standard, this system works very adequately, which saves in some situations.
• Regular autostart from the key. Everyone appreciates this feature. In winter, in the conditions of the Russian climate, this helps a lot.
• Cruise control is the perfect option forpeople who have to travel a lot on the highway.
• There are no problems with spare parts at all. You can often buy original parts for a Renault Duster car cheaper than analogues.
• In general, the machine is repairable for self-service.
• The body does not rust.

For many, it is very important that the Renault Duster, the photo of which is presented in the article, is a foreign car. The car can really go from MOT to MOT without any sudden breakdowns, even off-road and with a trailer.

Flaws

Every car has its downsides. Renault Duster is no exception. The reviews of the owners talk about both the advantages of this machine and the disadvantages. Motorists attribute the following car features to the minuses:

• The brakes are not enough when braking hard. Many car enthusiasts say that installing disc brakes at the rear or larger discs at the front could easily solve this problem.
• Heated rear and windshield mirrors are activated by pressing one button. This places a heavy load on the generator. It would be much more convenient if the windshield was heated separately.
• The multimedia system is not practical. If this is a touchscreen, then it is very inconvenient to look at something at an angle. In the case of a conventional radio, another problem arises - the large wheel controls not the volume, but the frequency settings. It's constantly confusing.
• The whole menu is scrolled in a circle by pressing one button. If the driver accidentally missed aitem, there is no way to go back. You have to scroll through everything from the beginning.
• A separate moment is the Renault Duster trunk, more precisely, its shelf. It rattles even when passing small bumps.
• Tendency to pseudo-price is another downside. Off-road protrusions on the wheel arches, according to motorists, do not save at all from splashes flying onto the side windows. They have no meaning. And the stones from under the front wheels are always sent straight to the ledge of the rear arch. Another disadvantage is cheap plastic, which at first after purchase smells very strongly of formaldehyde. Motorists say that these "frills" look, to put it mildly, out of place.
• For unknown reasons, on pre-styling versions, the horn is not on the steering wheel. Motorists assume that this is a manufacturer's error. After restyling, everything was distributed in its place, but previous models have such shortcomings.
• Very high consumption on any gasoline engine. Renault Duster has average characteristics, but enough for the city. However, over 12 liters for a 102-horsepower engine is too much. Such an expense will be even if a person decides to adhere to the most economical driving style.
• The front of the car is very "loose" and needs additional protection.
• Short-shift gearbox is a disadvantage for many Renault Duster owners. Renault considers this a good development, but motorists say that it takes a long time to get used to such a box. And for beginners, someone else shows how to work with this transmission and on what basisshifting gears.
• No differential lock. Because of this, the car does not drive on a washed out road and muddy mud. Knowing this, motorists "skip" such places with acceleration.

A separate issue is the engine, especially the 102-strong one, which literally bends the valve. Repairmen don't like to work with this K4M. However, as practice shows, all the troubles are due to improper or untimely maintenance. If you do not provide the motor with quality care, then you will have to replace the thermostat with a Renault Duster and solve other problems.

Cost

The price of Renault Duster starts from about 700-750 thousand rubles for a new car. But this is the base price. The version with a new 2-liter 143-horsepower engine, automatic transmission and Dakar Black Edition package will cost about 1.1-1.2 million rubles.

A used version with a mileage of 50 to 150 thousand kilometers can be found at a price of 300 to 450 thousand rubles. Before purchasing, it is advisable to check such a machine for the presence or absence of hidden defects.

Is the car worth the money? Most people who own it say yes, although there are those who disagree. In general, motorists agree that Renault Duster is the best combination of price, quality, comfort and cross-country ability.