After years of anticipation, the Renault Duster has finally arrived in Australian showrooms. This compact SUV promises genuine off-road capability at an accessible price point, positioning itself as a unique player in the competitive small SUV market.
What Makes the Duster Different
The 2025 Renault Duster isn’t your typical city-focused SUV. While most competitors prioritize urban comfort, this French-designed vehicle (sold as Dacia in Europe) emphasizes adventure-ready capability. With substantial ground clearance and genuine 4WD systems, it’s built for drivers who want to venture beyond sealed roads.
Renault Australia’s Glen Sealey explains the vehicle’s positioning: “Unlike many other vehicles in the small SUV segment, the Renault Duster has a level of genuine off-road ability for those who want to escape the urban jungle.”
Pricing and Model Lineup
| Variant | Price (excl. on-road costs) |
|---|---|
| Evolution 4×2 | $31,990 |
| Evolution 4×4 | $36,490 |
| Techno 4×2 | $36,990 |
| Techno 4×4 | $37,990 |
The entry-level Evolution 4×2 starts at just $31,990, making it one of the more affordable options in the small SUV segment. For a limited time, Renault is offering the base model at $34,990 drive-away, though the duration of this promotion hasn’t been specified.
Engine Options: An Unusual Approach
Front-Wheel Drive: Traditional Power
The 4×2 models come with a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 113kW of power and 250Nm of torque. This setup pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering claimed fuel economy of 6.5L/100km.
All-Wheel Drive: Mild-Hybrid Technology
Here’s where things get interesting. If you want all-wheel drive capability, you’ll need to step down in engine size but up in technology. The 4×4 variants use a 1.2-litre mild-hybrid turbocharged three-cylinder engine generating 96kW and 230Nm. However, this powertrain comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission – an unusual combination in today’s automatic-dominated market.
The mild-hybrid system includes automatic stop/start functionality and helps achieve better fuel economy at 5.7L/100km, despite the smaller engine size.
Off-Road Capability
Ground Clearance and Approach Angles
The 4WD Duster models offer up to 212mm of ground clearance – significantly more than most competitors. This substantial clearance, combined with well-designed approach and departure angles, enables the vehicle to tackle challenging terrain that would stop other small SUVs.
Terrain Management System
All-wheel drive models come equipped with five selectable drive modes and hill descent control. These systems automatically adjust throttle, braking, and traction control settings to optimize performance across different surfaces, from loose gravel to steep descents.
Interior Space and Technology
Despite its compact external dimensions (4345mm long, 1813mm wide, 1650mm tall), the Duster offers generous interior space. Rear passengers enjoy up to 204mm of knee room, while the modular rear seats can be folded to maximize cargo capacity.
Tech Features
Both trim levels include:
- 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity
- 7.0-inch digital instrument display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Multi-view camera system (Techno variant)
- 4×4 terrain monitoring display
The innovative YouClip system deserves special mention – it provides up to seven mounting points throughout the cabin for accessories like tablet holders, cup holders, and hooks.
Safety and Warranty
The European Dacia Duster received a three-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2024, though ANCAP testing for the Australian market is still pending. Standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance, and blind spot warning.
Renault backs the Duster with a comprehensive five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty. Servicing intervals are set at 12 months or 30,000km, whichever comes first.
Cargo Space Trade-offs
There’s an interesting compromise between the two drivetrain options. While 4×2 models offer 472 liters of boot space, the 4×4 variants sacrifice some storage capacity, dropping to 358 liters due to the all-wheel drive system components.
Color Options and Availability
Seven paint colors are available: Solid White (standard), plus Cedar Green, Sandstone, Terracotta, Shadow Grey, Khaki Green, and Pearlescent Black (all metallic/premium finishes cost an additional $750).
Supply Considerations
Renault warns that initial availability will be limited due to strong European demand. The company ordered as many vehicles as possible for the Australian launch but expects supply to improve significantly in 2026.
Competition and Market Position
The Duster enters a crowded segment but carves out its own niche by emphasizing genuine off-road capability over urban refinement. While competitors like the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 focus on all-weather confidence, the Duster targets buyers who want actual adventure capability.
Its closest competitor might be the Jeep Compass, which also emphasizes off-road ability, though the Duster undercuts it significantly on price.
The Manual Transmission Question
The decision to offer only manual transmission with the all-wheel drive system might seem odd in 2025, but it aligns with the vehicle’s adventure-focused positioning. Manual transmissions offer better control in challenging off-road situations and are generally more reliable in harsh conditions.
However, this choice will likely limit appeal among buyers who prefer automatic convenience for daily driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Duster be available in showrooms?
A: The Duster is available to order now, with showroom arrivals beginning in July 2025.
Q: Can I get all-wheel drive with an automatic transmission?
A: Currently, no. The 4×4 system is only available with a six-speed manual transmission, though an automatic 4×4 version may arrive later.
Q: How does the Duster compare to the Suzuki Jimny?
A: The Duster is significantly larger and more road-focused than the Jimny, offering better on-road comfort but without the Jimny’s low-range transfer case for extreme off-roading.
