Driven: 2020 Duster 1.5dCi Techroad EDC 4x2
The Renault Duster has been around since 2010 and it seems that it won’t be going away anytime soon. It has grown to become a loved family vehicle, offering great value for money while still ticking all the boxes as a daily drive. We managed to spend some time with the French brand's latest Duster 1.5dCi Techroad EDC, and its practicality is quite impressive.
Muscular exterior
It seems that the Duster Techroad EDC does get a new muscular appearance. The slight changes were done with the intention to modernize the Duster, offering a more premium feel. To say that the Duster will take a styling award home would be a lie, but its new grill and DRL-equipped headlights certainly help give it a more refreshed look. The front and rear do receive larger skidplates, and the sharper beltline does show that Renault did make an effort to make the Duster more stylish. But at the end of the day, the Duster Techroad EDC sticks to its family-friendly appeal.
Power boost
The Duster Techroad EDC 4x2 does offer an impressive drive, making one feel that this power boost was a long time coming. Yes, the EDC-paired variation sits on top of its range which means it gets a power output of 80kw and 250Nm of torque. This all powered by its 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that gets paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Duster does maintain its low fuel-consumption of 4.8-litres per 100km, thanks to its diesel engine.
Spacious interior
The cabin of the Duster Techroad EDC doesn’t see too many changes but offers great space and practicality, considering its low price tag. The Duster sticks to a family-friendly layout and once you do become familiar with the layout, it's not too bad. The inside isn’t exactly something to brag about, but it certainly is comfortable. The rear bench seat features a 1/3 - 2/3 split-fold function; while the boot gets a loading capacity of up to 478 litres, and 1600 litres when the rear seats are dropped down. Ample space for the entire family.
Safety
The Duster does offer satisfactory specs in terms of safety. It features your safety basics such as ABS, EBD, EBA, Hill Start Assist, and Rear Park Distance Control. In terms of airbags, Renault made sure to save a buck or two as it only comes with airbags for the driver and front passenger, which is questionable considering the Duster's main market being families.
Verdict
Overall, there is nothing to fault the Duster Techroad EDC 4x2 on. It's comfortable, practical, and makes a great run-around vehicle. It's family orientated and the biggest take away here is its budget-friendly price tag. The power boost certainly helps, although it may look outdated in some areas, it certainly proves to be a well-rounded vehicle with a hard to ignore price point.
Pricing
Duster 1.5 dCi TechRoad 4x2 - R327 900
Duster 1.5 dCi TechRoad EDC 4x2 - R361 900
The Renault Duster Model range comes standard with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000km intervals, and a standard 3-year/45000km service plan applies.
Also worth a look: the New Renault Duster Arrives in South Africa: Pricing & Detail and the New Renault Duster: Tech, Turbo, and Tougher Than Ever.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2020 Renault Duster 1.5dCi Techroad EDC cost in South Africa?
The 2020 Renault Duster 1.5dCi Techroad EDC 4x2 retailed for around R389,900 when new, making it one of the more affordable compact SUVs with a diesel engine and dual-clutch gearbox in the South African market.
Q: Is the Renault Duster 1.5dCi Techroad EDC worth buying?
The Duster Techroad EDC is absolutely worth considering if you need a practical family SUV with excellent fuel economy of 4.8L/100km and decent power output of 80kW, especially given its competitive pricing and proven reliability record in South Africa.
Q: How fuel efficient is the 2020 Duster 1.5dCi compared to petrol SUVs?
The Duster's 1.5-litre turbo-diesel delivers an impressive 4.8L/100km, which is significantly better than most petrol SUVs in its class that typically consume between 7-9L/100km in real-world driving conditions.
Q: What are the main advantages of the Duster Techroad EDC over other variants?
The Techroad EDC sits at the top of the range with 80kW and 250Nm from its diesel engine, plus you get the convenience of a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, updated styling with DRL headlights, and larger skidplates for a more premium feel.
Should You Buy It?
The best practical family SUV under R400,000 in South Africa is definitely the 2020 Renault Duster 1.5dCi Techroad EDC at R389,900. Yes, you should absolutely buy this Duster if you prioritise fuel economy, space, and value for money over flashy looks. The combination of 80kW diesel power, 4.8L/100km fuel consumption, and that smooth dual-clutch gearbox makes it a brilliant daily driver for South African families. Sure, it won't win any beauty contests, but your wallet will thank you every time you fill up at the petrol station, and the spacious interior means the whole family travels in comfort.
