Since 2013 the Duster has been a robust and capable mainstay in the South African compact SUV segment. We revisit Renault’s tough little tyke as a used proposition and list two rivals for comparison.
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Since its arrival in South Africa more than ten years ago, the Renault Duster has carved a niche for itself as a practical, rugged, and budget-friendly SUV. Launched at a time when compact SUVs began gaining traction in the market, it was a one of the few offerings in the segment capable of meeting that hard-to-find combination of affordability, durability, and genuine off-road capability, making it an appealing option for a wide range of consumers.
The Duster was offered with multiple engine options, catering to different types of drivers. Entry-level models were powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine, which, while sufficient for daily commuting, was not a particularly strong performer. However, it was the turbodiesel engine that really made the Duster stand out. As time drew on, the 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel unit became the heart of the range, offering an appealing balance of torque and fuel economy.
Today, the 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel remains the sole engine option in the Duster lineup, and for good reason. The engine delivers 80 kW of power and 250 N.m of torque, the latter available at a lowly 1 750 r/min. These figures might not seem overly impressive on paper, but the Duster’s lightweight construction help make the most of the engine’s outputs. But it was this unit’s fuel efficiency that became one of its biggest selling points. In our 2018 test of the dual-clutch, front-wheel drive Intens model, we achieved a 100 km fuel route figure of 5.8 L/100 km, making that particular model one of the most economical SUVs on the market at that time.
The Duster’s off-road capabilities are another major reason for its loyal following in South Africa. Available with both front- and all-wheel drive configurations, the 4×4 version proved a genuinely capable little SUV. Equipped with selectable driving modes (2WD, Auto, and 4WD Lock), the Duster can handle a variety of terrains with ease, aided by its 210 mm of ground clearance, short overhangs, and impressive approach and departure angles. The 4×4 system is intuitive and can engage automatically when needed, but it also allows drivers to manually lock it into 4WD mode for more serious off-road situations.
Despite 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, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.
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However, like any vehicle, the Duster is not without its potential shortcomings. The cabin’s build quality has come under scrutiny owing to its hard plastics and somewhat basic materials. This is not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s something potential buyers should be aware of. City-bound diesels have been known to suffer from clogged DPFs (Diesel Particulate Filter) as short journeys don’t give the unit sufficient time to reach its optimal temperature, causing the car to go into limp mode, so try to work in longer, high-speed trips from time to time. Electrical issues aren’t common, but owing to the Duster’s simple architecture they can often be traced to easily accessible wiring or a fuse. Some later-generation (2018 onwards) cars have been subject to issues with the ignition switch, hampering start-up, requiring a replacement of the faulty unit.
Another potential issue is the diesel engine’s performance at higher altitudes. South Africa’s varied terrain means that in some regions, particularly in areas with higher elevations, the 1.5-litre dCi engine can feel slightly underpowered, particularly when fully loaded or when overtaking at speed. Light-footed drivers will not necessarily bemoan this aspect, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Renault Duster remains a formidable contender in the compact SUV segment and may just be a reckoned consideration if you’re in the market for a second-hand gravel eater. An all-new model is expected in Q1 of 2025, which will also mark the end of the road for the praised turbodiesel engine.
Kia Seltos
The Seltos made its South African debut in 2020 and quickly captured the attention in the competitive compact SUV segment. Its arrival was well-timed, as consumers were increasingly seeking stylish, versatile, and affordable SUVs. The Seltos’ design stood out, boasting a modern look that included Kia’s signature “tiger-nose” grille and a well-sculpted body that gave the vehicle a confident presence on the road. A heavily revised model arrived locally in 2024, which includes a range starting price of around R470 000.
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Pre-facelift, three engine options were offered. The entry-level model featured a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine which produced 90 kW and 151 N.m of torque, paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. Kia also offered a 1.4-litre turbopetrol that generated 103 kW/242 N.m, mated exclusively to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 1.5-litre turbodiesel was – and still is – also available, offering 86 kW/250 N.m.
One of the key reasons the Seltos has resonated with South African consumers is its blend of practicality and technology at a competitive price. Specification is generous, often including a large infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse camera, and various safety systems such as ABS and electronic stability control. Higher-spec models included premium touches like leather upholstery, climate control, and a sunroof.
Overall, the pre-facelift Kia Seltos is a solid choice for South African buyers looking for a compact SUV. Its attractive design, versatile engine options, and tech-laden cabin made it a standout in a crowded market segment, offering a well-rounded driving experience at a reasonable price.
Mahindra XUV300
Launched in 2019 and built on the same platform as the SsangYong Tivoli, the XUV300 was Mahindra’s attempt at making a bold statement in a segment dominated by well-established brands. Its arrival met with considerable anticipation, as it promised a combination of style, practicality, and safety at an affordable price.
Under the hood, Mahindra offered the XUV300 with two engine options. The first was a 1.2-litre turbopetrol that produced 81 kW/200 N.m, and the second a more robust 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine generating 86 kW/300 N.m, while returning a fuel economy of 6.0 L/100 km. Both engines were mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
One of the XUV300’s standout features was its 5-Star Safety Rating from Global NCAP. This accolade set the SUV apart from many of its competitors, especially in the South African market where vehicle safety is an increasingly important consideration. The XUV300’s safety credentials were bolstered by features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, corner braking control, and ISOFIX child seat anchors, all standard across the range.
However, by 2024’s second half, the XUV300 was phased out and replaced by the all-new Mahindra XUV 3X0. This model brought with it updated styling, a range of advanced features, new powertrains with the option of automatic transmissions and improvements in performance and technology. While the XUV300 had set the bar high for compact SUVs in terms of safety and especially punchy diesel engines, the XUV 3X0 aims to take that legacy forward, appealing to a new generation of drivers looking for a modern, tech-savvy compact SUV.
In its time on the market, the Mahindra XUV300 left a significant mark in South Africa, offering a strong value proposition with its powerful engines, affordable pricing, and top-tier safety features.
Find the full feature in the December issue of CAR Magazine.
