A couple of weeks ago Renault relaunched the Duster SUV in Argentina. He did so after a period of absence due to the import restrictions in the country. And his return does so with some updates.
The French brand had put this model on sale in our market in 2011. At that time, the compact SUV segment had already ceased to be a fad and had become the first search option for many users. The domain of Ford EcoSport It was total. But the rhombus vehicle quickly gained great acceptance from the public.
Its formula was convincing and was based on one of the most economical options in the category and, at the same time, one of the most recommended in terms of interior and cargo space.
Furthermore, it had a 4×4 version which showed a certain cutting edge in the segment with its independent rear suspension and an efficient four-wheel drive system.
But time passed and more options arrived on the market and the updates that were made to Duster were not enough to once again occupy the place it had as soon as it arrived.
Changes to catch up
The 2021 renovation, which included important mechanical changes and a completely new interior, did mark a relevant leap, but the economic context and restrictions on imports meant that its stay in the sales rooms was not full time.
With new conditions, now the Duster returns to the Argentine market and does so with another update that refreshes a familiar image. Like the last time, the model arrives imported from Colombia.
Among the aesthetic modifications, the incorporation of new LED headlights with daytime running light (DRL) that outline a new design stands out. Additionally, the taillights have also been modified, while the grille now has a gloss black finish. The roof bars also have new shapes.
Clarion tried the version Iconic of the renewed Duster. It has a new wheel design with a blacked-out finish and retains 17” mixed-use tires that had been included in 2023 but that we had not been able to test previously.
The interior showcases the same refreshed styling that was introduced with the 2021 update.The result of the update gives this compact SUV, in this version, an image a little more refined and less grotesque than before, when it included elements that protruded too much from its bodywork. Furthermore, she now wears some orange details which fit him quite well.
The mechanical part was not altered and this mid-range option continues to offer the 1.3 liter turbo and 163 horsepower. It is a propellant developed with Mercedes-Benz with direct fuel injection and turbo, which has electronic pressure management. This eliminates the time that usually exists between pressing the accelerator and the turbine “starting to blow.”
At low revs the engine responds quickly and with the energy necessary to move around the city with agility. And that response remains even in a medium range, because overtaking does not require great efforts.
In the Iconic version, a new upholstery with orange details imitating those of the exterior debuts.But it is especially good at low revs, where the driver quickly finds its great torque. This gives enormous confidence to move in urban environments knowing that it is capable of responding efficiently in any circumstance.
Comes with a automatic transmission with continuous variator (CVT) that simulates 8 speeds in automatic mode and 7 in manual mode. Unlike other boxes of this type, the one fitted to the Duster reduces the sensation of slippage that they usually offer, largely also due to the good torque of the engine.
Its running gear continues to be more oriented towards ride comfort, so body inclinations logically appear when turning quickly, but without compromising stability.
The only driving assistance system it comes with (in addition to the mandatory ABS and ESP) is the blind spot radar. Inside it has no major changes. One of the few that was announced appears in this Iconic version and is a new upholstery in which orange details also appear that combine very well with black.
The greatest novelty in terms of equipment appears among the safety items and has to do with the incorporation of four new airbags: to the obligatory front ones, two front sides and two curtain sides are added.
However, the Duster renewal does not include other driving assistance elements such as autonomous emergency braking or lane maintenance system. In this sense, it only offers blind spot radar.
The price of this Duster Iconic is $ 30.837.151which shows an increase of 3 million pesos compared to the value announced in mid-April, when it was launched.
Versions and prices
- Intens 1.6 MT: $ 28.363.348
- Iconic 1.3 CVT 4×2: $ 30.837.151 (tested version)
- Iconic 1.3 MT6 4×4: $ 32.692.503
Datasheet
- Largo: 4.341 mm
- Ancho: 1.832 mm
- Alto: 1.693 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,674 mm
- Weight: 1,362 kg
- Baúl: 475 dm3
- Fuel tank: 51 liters
- Engine: Diesel, 1.3 turbo
- Power: 163 HP
- Torque: 270 Nm a 1.800 rpm
- Transmission: CVT automatic
- Front-wheel drive
- Maximum speed: 197 km/h
- Accel 0-100 km/h: 10 seconds
- Average consumption: 7.5 L/100 km
Main equipment
- ABS brake system
- Stability control
- Front frontal airbags
- Front side airbags
- Curtain airbags
- Hill Start Assist
- Isofix hooks for child seats
- blind spot radar
- Cruise speed control
- 8” multimedia touch screen
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with wireless connection
- Wireless cell phone charger
- rear parking camera
