Since 2013 the Duster has been a strong and succesful mainstay within the South African compact SUV section. We revisit Renault’s robust little tyke as a used proposition and checklist two rivals for comparability.
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Since its arrival in South Africa greater than ten years in the past, the Renault Duster has carved a distinct segment for itself as a sensible, rugged, and budget-friendly SUV. Launched at a time when compact SUVs started gaining traction out there, it was a one of many few choices within the section able to assembly that hard-to-find mixture of affordability, sturdiness, and real off-road functionality, making it an interesting possibility for a variety of customers.
The Duster was supplied with a number of engine choices, catering to several types of drivers. Entry-level fashions had been powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine, which, whereas ample for each day commuting, was not a very sturdy performer. Nevertheless, it was the turbodiesel engine that basically made the Duster stand out. As time drew on, the 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel unit turned the guts of the vary, providing an interesting steadiness of torque and gasoline economic system.
At the moment, the 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel stays the only engine possibility within the Duster lineup, and for good motive. The engine delivers 80 kW of energy and 250 N.m of torque, the latter obtainable at a lowly 1 750 r/min. These figures won’t appear overly spectacular on paper, however the Duster’s light-weight development assist profit from the engine’s outputs. However it was this unit’s gasoline effectivity that turned considered one of its greatest promoting factors. In our 2018 take a look at of the dual-clutch, front-wheel drive Intens mannequin, we achieved a 100 km gasoline route determine of 5.8 L/100 km, making that exact mannequin probably the most economical SUVs in the marketplace at the moment.
The Duster’s off-road capabilities are one other main motive for its loyal following in South Africa. Out there with each front- and all-wheel drive configurations, the 4×4 model proved a genuinely succesful little SUV. Outfitted with selectable driving modes (2WD, Auto, and 4WD Lock), the Duster can deal with a wide range of terrains with ease, aided by its 210 mm of floor clearance, brief overhangs, and spectacular method and departure angles. The 4×4 system is intuitive and may interact mechanically when wanted, however it additionally permits drivers to manually lock it into 4WD mode for extra critical off-road conditions.
Regardless of its off-road prowess, the Duster is impressively composed on tarmac. The suspension setup is well-tuned, absorbing bumps and potholes on uneven roads with aplomb, offering a easy and cozy trip.
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Nevertheless, like every automobile, the Duster is just not with out its potential shortcomings. The cabin’s construct high quality has come below scrutiny owing to its onerous plastics and considerably fundamental supplies. This isn’t essentially a deal-breaker, however it’s one thing potential consumers ought to pay attention to. Metropolis-bound diesels have been recognized to undergo from clogged DPFs (Diesel Particulate Filter) as brief journeys don’t give the unit ample time to achieve its optimum temperature, inflicting the automobile to enter limp mode, so attempt to work in longer, high-speed journeys sometimes. Electrical points aren’t widespread, however owing to the Duster’s easy structure they will usually be traced to simply accessible wiring or a fuse. Some later-generation (2018 onwards) automobiles have been topic to points with the ignition change, hampering start-up, requiring a substitute of the defective unit.
One other potential concern is the diesel engine’s efficiency at larger altitudes. South Africa’s various terrain implies that in some areas, significantly in areas with larger elevations, the 1.5-litre dCi engine can really feel barely underpowered, significantly when totally loaded or when overtaking at velocity. Mild-footed drivers won’t essentially bemoan this side, however it’s one thing to bear in mind.
Regardless of these minor drawbacks, the Renault Duster stays a formidable contender within the compact SUV section and could be a reckoned consideration for those who’re out there for a second-hand gravel eater. An all-new mannequin is anticipated in Q1 of 2025, which may even mark the tip of the highway for the praised turbodiesel engine.
Kia Seltos
The Seltos made its South African debut in 2020 and shortly captured the eye within the aggressive compact SUV section. Its arrival was well-timed, as customers had been more and more searching for trendy, versatile, and inexpensive SUVs. The Seltos’ design stood out, boasting a contemporary look that included Kia’s signature “tiger-nose” grille and a well-sculpted physique that gave the automobile a assured presence on the highway. A closely revised mannequin arrived domestically in 2024, which features a vary beginning worth of round R470 000.
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Pre-facelift, three engine choices had been supplied. The entry-level mannequin featured a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine which produced 90 kW and 151 N.m of torque, paired with both a handbook or automated transmission. Kia additionally supplied a 1.4-litre turbopetrol that generated 103 kW/242 N.m, mated completely to a 7-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. A 1.5-litre turbodiesel was – and nonetheless is – additionally obtainable, providing 86 kW/250 N.m.
One of many key causes the Seltos has resonated with South African customers is its mix of practicality and expertise at a aggressive worth. Specification is beneficiant, usually together with a big infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse digital camera, and varied security methods corresponding to ABS and digital stability management. Larger-spec fashions included premium touches like leather-based upholstery, local weather management, and a sunroof.
Total, the pre-facelift Kia Seltos is a stable alternative for South African consumers on the lookout for a compact SUV. Its enticing design, versatile engine choices, and tech-laden cabin made it a standout in a crowded market section, providing a well-rounded driving expertise at an affordable worth.
Mahindra XUV300
Launched in 2019 and constructed on the identical platform because the SsangYong Tivoli, the XUV300 was Mahindra’s try at making a daring assertion in a section dominated by well-established manufacturers. Its arrival met with appreciable anticipation, because it promised a mix of favor, practicality, and security at an inexpensive worth.
Beneath the hood, Mahindra supplied the XUV300 with two engine choices. The primary was a 1.2-litre turbopetrol that produced 81 kW/200 N.m, and the second a extra strong 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine producing 86 kW/300 N.m, whereas returning a gasoline economic system of 6.0 L/100 km. Each engines had been mated to a 6-speed handbook gearbox.
One of many XUV300’s standout options was its 5-Star Security Ranking from International NCAP. This accolade set the SUV aside from a lot of its rivals, particularly within the South African market the place automobile security is an more and more essential consideration. The XUV300’s security credentials had been bolstered by options like twin entrance airbags, ABS with EBD, nook braking management, and ISOFIX baby seat anchors, all customary throughout the vary.
Nevertheless, by 2024’s second half, the XUV300 was phased out and changed by the all-new Mahindra XUV 3X0. This mannequin introduced with it up to date styling, a variety of superior options, new powertrains with the choice of automated transmissions and enhancements in efficiency and expertise. Whereas the XUV300 had set the bar excessive for compact SUVs when it comes to security and particularly punchy diesel engines, the XUV 3X0 goals to take that legacy ahead, interesting to a brand new technology of drivers on the lookout for a contemporary, tech-savvy compact SUV.
In its time in the marketplace, the Mahindra XUV300 left a major mark in South Africa, providing a powerful worth proposition with its highly effective engines, inexpensive pricing, and top-tier security options.
Discover the total function within the December concern of CAR Journal.
