Last year October Renault launched its all-new Duster followed by the anticipated Duster 4×4 derivative in February. Four months ago, Renault introduced the Duster TechRoad 4×2 derivative with additional cosmetic features to make the TechRoad a more striking model within the range.
With a ground clearance of 210mm, big spacious wheel arches and 30° approach and 34°departure angles, the Duster coped well with some coarse roads – I’d even go as far as to say that if you are not a serious 4×4 enthusiast this 4×2 is plenty.
The oil burner does sound gruff on starts and pull-offs and you can feel and hear distinct turbo lag from the 6-speed auto transmission during first to second changes. On paper it’s certainly no raging bull with 80kW, but with 250Nm of torque the TechRoad has ample pull and this diesel derivative delivered an acceptable town/urban driving fuel consumption figure of 6.9l/100km with an average speed of 33km/h.
The TechRoad model replaces the Duster Dynamique 4×2 derivatives and has been spruced up with touches of red, as seen in the Renault Sandero Stepway Plus. Red strips have been added to the side mirrors, while red caps are included to the centres of the 17-inch Diamond Cut wheels. In place of black roof rails and skid plates seen on other Duster derivatives, the TehcRoad gets silver coloured ones front and back, plus c-shaped lights with daytime running lamps and chrome trim on the grille are also new additions.
Inside you will find new wide comfy seats covered in a tartan stripe design upholstery – certainly our choice for seat coverings compared to the black leather seats that are available as an option, and came in our Stepway Plus test unit recently. Additional red trim can also be found on the dashboard.
Although interior changes have brought about more comfort and space for passengers, we still shook our heads at the small sized cup and bottle holders especially in the moulded door panels, especially as this is a Crossover/SUV. We also experienced a tight hand squeeze when trying to adjust the front seatbacks as there is hardly any room between the side of the seat, door panel and B-pillar.
These niggles aside, for R332,900 the Duster 1.5 dCi TechRoad EDC 4×2 offers good value with standard features like rear park distance control and a reverse camera, ABS and EBA, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Hill Start Assist, front and side airbags, cruise control and speed limiter, rear parking sensors and reverse camera, electric windows and side mirrors and automatic air conditioning.
Although the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system looks basic it offers integrated GPS Navigation, radio jack and USB ports, audio streaming, Bluetooth telephone connectivity with steering column controls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and ECO driving information.
Certainly a worthy contender against other Crossover/SUVs in the same class like Ford EcoSport and Hyundai Creta.
