Five things you need to know about the new Renault Duster 4x4

The 2019 Renault Duster 4x4 has blind spot detection, hill descent control, a 4x4 monitor and a multiview camera. 

Renault has just launched its new Duster 4x4 in South Africa. Here are the most important things you need to know about it.

1: It has an improved interior with more features.

The Duster began its life as a rough and ready SUV with few features or frills to speak of. How things have changed. The new top-of-the-range 4x4 model gets a touchscreen infotainment system that includes both satellite navigation and smartphone mirroring. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both catered for here, which makes for a safer and more functional driving experience. Other new additions include blind-spot detection, hill descent control, a 4x4 monitor and multiview camera. The latter allows you to monitor terrain in front, behind and next to the vehicle – handy when off-roading. 

The new Duster 4x4 now sports a much smarter interior. 

2:  It comes in one flavour only – diesel.

Powering the Duster 4x4 is Renault's familiar 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine. It's a tried and tested motor that combines good fuel consumption (Renault claims 5.2l/100km on the combined cycle) with a decent amount of both power (80kW) and torque (260Nm). Here it comes mated exclusively to the firm's latest six-speed EDC (efficient dual-clutch) transmission, which is perfect for urban traffic as well as mild off-road applications. 

The Duster's all-wheel-drive system has three switchable modes. 

3: It should be quite competent across the rough stuff.

Just take a look at the numbers. The Duster 4x4 has 210mm of ground clearance, an approach angle of 30 degrees and a departure angle of 34 degrees. Not shabby at all. The all-wheel-drive system provides extra traction across slippery terrain and can be switched between three modes: 2WD, Auto and 4WD. As mentioned before there's also hill descent control, which automatically brakes the car down steep descents. 

Leather seats are a R10,088 option 

4: It looks better than it ever has.

From those smart 16-inch alloy wheels, aggressively styled aprons and snazzy daytime running lights, the new Duster 4x4 belies its blue-collar Dacia roots with a look that's actually quite premium. Add in that new interior and the option of leather seats (R10,088) and you have a capable all-rounder that offers fairly good bang for your buck. 

An economical 1.5-litre diesel motor will let you cover lots of distance between stops. 

5: It's competitively priced and offers reasonable peace of mind.

The new Renault Duster 4x4 has a five-year/150,000km mechanical warranty and three-year/45,000km service comes standard.

Article source: https://www.timeslive.co.za/motoring/new-models/2019-03-14-five-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-renault-duster-4x4/