Tortoise: Duster may not be the flashiest 4×4, but it’s efficient and safe.
The Tortoise and Hare. This is a classic story that you may be familiar with, that carries important life lessons. Still, I’m sure the author never intended to use in a motoring story similar to Renault Duster for turtles.
Renault Duster 1.5dCi Intense, I drove from Johannesburg to Gqeberha recently, it looks cute and close, but that’s not it.
See, there’s a common misconception that speeding to your destination is faster. But you might just need something from the corner cafe.
Over 50km distance, you will be lucky to win five minutes – if you don’t get stuck in load-shedding-entering traffic jam next to the poor soul that cut off 15 minutes ago.
Over 1,200km, driving at 145km per hour, you will be the slowest on the road. However, you must refuel every two hours. This is not based on newly published AA data but based on observations.
I left Johannesburg with a brimming Duster tank and, before long, found myself amidst the chaos of holidaymakers risking life and limb in their premium SUVs, towing boats, caravans and dirt bikes to be the first to arrive at the infamously congested first toll gate. The catch? Due to poor planning, consumption, or a combination, they are forced to stop at the filling station before the toll gate. Counterintuitive, if you ask me.
On the other hand, Duster soldiers on at a steady and comfortable pace, soaking in the scenery in the middle of the chaos of the annual pilgrimage. Filling stations are a pleasant respite, with the diesel powered 700km between refills, with a quarter tank to spare.
This inherent economy, with some sensible driving, easily makes the Renault Duster one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road – registering an impressive 4.7 liters per 100km, a smidgeon according to Renault’s claim of 4.8.
This is when I realized – Renault Duster is like a tortoise in a story. It may not be the fastest or fastest vehicle on the road, but it can get you to your destination safely and efficiently, without burning a hole in your pocket. Slow and steady really wins the race.
But there’s more to the Renault Duster 1.5dCi Intense than fuel economy. This small SUV is adept at climbing hills with its 1.5 liter turbo diesel engine with 80kW and 250Nm of torque, giving it enough grunt to climb steep roads.
Furthermore, the updated interior is not the only modern place to occupy. Renault listened to its customers by providing the top-of-the-line Duster with an intuitive media interface and clean graphics, as well as all the bells and whistles you could want. Infotainment is easy to operate, with an uncluttered approach.
If I have a problem, it’s the lack of storage space in the cabin for holiday gear. This extends to cupholders, especially those with side doors, which are not well thought out. Cooldrink cans, it seems, don’t count.
Cooldrink spillage aside, the Renault Duster is truly the modern-day equivalent of a tortoise. It makes steady progress, it’s smart with tech upgrades and, despite only front-wheel drive, it will climb over most smooth-road obstacles that are put in front of it.
With a price tag of R409 900, it’s also a worthy contender if you’re shopping around.
Did I mention it’s pretty cute?