Renault Duster 1.6 Privilege Manual6 4x4
Total mileage - 20,000 km
Mileage since the start of the test - 15,000 km
Duster is a budget and unpretentious car. You can make allowances for the low cost of service and its good qualities as a rogue, but it would be wrong to hush up his shortcomings.
During long-term use of many things, one gets the feeling that the engineers deliberately underdeveloped them. For what? In order for customers with "demands" to gravitate toward products that are more thoughtfully designed, user-friendly, and therefore more expensive models. And the point here is most likely not in the simple design and inexpensive finishing materials - it’s about ease of use and logic, if you like.
Duster does not like tall drivers - fact. I'm 190 cm, and I noticed a few miscalculations, so:
There is little room for a tall driver's feet. The toes of my boots (I have a size 44-45) every now and then catch the felt carpet covering the bowels of the “torpedo”. What about those who have even larger feet? In shoes with a large welt it will be even more difficult to pedal.
The knees rest against the steering wheel, and there is no reach adjustment.
The headlight adjustment knob is in the blind spot, and you need to reach for it
When you look “down” on the dashboard, the lower part of it glares. Glare eats up a good third of the information. It’s not entirely clear why the transparent plastic of the shield is installed at such an angle... By the way, dust very readily settles on it. The location of the heated rear window and mirrors indicator is beyond logic - why it was stuck in the tachometer field among a number of important warning and emergency indicators, despite the fact that the activation button itself is on the central panel, it is not entirely clear
The design of sun visors is also not intended for tall people. I want to block out the setting sun, but the visor does not tilt forward as much as I need, but is fixed far below the line of sight. Because of this, everything further than 15 meters from front bumper. Why does a car, the price of which can exceed 700 thousand rubles, make me duck, stoop and adapt to it? Why does he dictate his demands, and not me?
What else? The axes of the handbrake and joystick of the electrically adjustable mirrors intersect. Access to the joystick is very inconvenient - a solution straight from Logan. We have already criticized the “blind” climate control knobs on the center console, which cannot be operated by touch.
Among a number of misunderstandings is the downright inhumane trunk curtain. It is impossible to fix it in the landing slots, even if you know about its features. The flimsiness of the curtain is cause for concern - I’m not sure that in an accident ( frontal collision, coup) it is able to hold back the onslaught of luggage. But there are a couple of pleasant moments.
At the very least, the sockets that secure the seat belt buckles of the rear outboard passengers can be considered a plus - the belts are always at hand. In addition, the rear seat upholstery can be quickly removed (there is a zipper along the perimeter) and washed - a very practical solution, especially when you have to deal with building materials or animals.
In the luggage compartment with folded rear seats fits a couple of “adult” bicycles with an “XL” frame, and the front wheels of the bikes don’t have to be removed! The narrowed arches and the not very wide opening of the fifth door do not add convenience, but, once you get the hang of it, bicycles can be loaded/unloaded without any problems. However, for these purposes it is better to use external systems fastenings. Both more convenient and safer.
What about body protection? Warranty against drafts – six years. The chips that formed on the hood a little less than a year ago are not yet “blooming.” Although body iron Sandero and Loganov have not had good corrosion resistance until now. The bottom and sills are treated with a thick layer of mastic, but full-fledged lockers are installed only in the front arches. IN rear arches small plastic shields protect only the back side - strange and short-sighted for budget crossover, which was originally designed for use on dirt roads. However, this can be solved - full-fledged rear fender liners can be installed at dealers - labor plus material will cost a maximum of 2,500 rubles. But keep in mind that the fender liners will not be original... China works.
Dacia Duster (the crossover is sold under this brand in Europe) is far from being a model of safety.
Euro NCAP in 2011, during testing, assigned Duster
). Protection for adult riders and children is not bad - 74 and 78%, respectively. But pedestrian safety is low - only 28%. The work of assistants was rated at 29% - also a low result.
The low strength of the interior “cage” is confusing. Look how much the A-pillar deforms during a frontal impact. This is generally typical for all models built on the B0 platform. Duster was no exception.
The base Duster boasts one airbag for the driver and ABS. Frontal passenger airbag available optionally (+4000 rubles) in more expensive versions, however, as well as a pair of side airbags (+11,000 rubles). There are no curtains, but they would significantly increase the level of protection for the heads and necks of riders during side impacts. The seat belt warning light is for the driver only.
In Europe, it was possible to install ESP on the Duster from the moment it appeared; we have the system dynamic stabilization It was added to the list of options quite recently. They are asking 13,000 rubles for it - quite reasonable money. Investing them in your safety is a smart decision
The Duster service frequency is once every 15 thousand or once a year, whichever comes first. The first maintenance cost us 8,400 rubles. The list of works includes changing the oil, oil and fuel filters, air filters engine and interior ventilation systems, chassis diagnostics. The rods, levers, hinges, supports, bearings, tips, silent blocks, shock absorbers and struts have been shaken - so far everything is fine. For order, we checked the wheel alignment angles (adjustable on both the front and rear axle), fortunately, even for the officials this operation is not so expensive - 2500 rubles.
Further, the frequency of this type Maintenance- 30, 45, 75 and 105 thousand kilometers, and its cost is fixed. Everything would be fine if it weren’t for the work on 60 and 120 thousand for 11,799 rubles, which involves replacing the timing belt with rollers. Many people choose to service their car themselves, even though it may void their warranty. So, for them, let’s say that in Europe the regulations provide for replacing the timing belt and tension rollers with half the frequency, that is, once every 120,000 km. In no case do we recommend ignoring Renault's recommendations; this is just food for thought.
Duster is still a scarce commodity. At the official prices set by Renault, it is actually impossible to buy a crossover now - demand is significantly higher than supply. If you order a car for yourself now, the delivery time will be about a year. But dealers, taking advantage of the situation, are warming their hands. They sell existing vehicles with additional equipment installed on it. Delivery time is a week. Additional equipment for a quick purchase you will be required to set it at 70-85 thousand rubles. Dealers offer several options to choose from rubber mats in the interior and trunk, seat covers, central armrest between the front seats, anti-theft systems various levels of protection, parking sensors, towbars, video recorders, navigators, external luggage racks and even rims(!)...
Then we part with the silver Duster. Winter is coming, and so we will soon take a variation with diesel engine and a dynamic stabilization system, let's see how good the engine is in cold weather and how adequate the electronics are in slippery surface. Working in the ESP shell traction control system How much it improves the crossover's cross-country ability on off-road and snow remains to be tested.
Vitaly Kabyshev
Photo: Vitaly Kabyshev
Starting the review of Renault Duster, it should be noted that in Russia this car quickly gained popularity among car enthusiasts and took quite a large segment car market. In 2015-2016, the crossover was the most popular car among budget SUVs on the Russian market.
Review of Renault Duster features
We will start our review of the crossover with the appearance of the car. The main external difference between the updated Duster and previous generations was the new radiator grille, the design of which was completely redesigned by the manufacturer. Now on top of the black plastic grille there is a chrome strip with the Renault logo. The headlights are flush with the radiator grille, and their massive size gives the car solidity.
Wide sills were included in the design, which made the car even more presentable. Optics updated: appeared running lights, the aesthetics of the rear lights and the quality of the front optics have improved.
The headlights are made in a modern style
Taillights resemble zigzag lightning
When the car engine starts, the instrument panel lights and running lights automatically light up. Side mirrors, as well as the rear view mirror of the car are quite compact, but this does not harm the view in any way. Due to the fact that the seats are located high, as well as the frontal and rear window have big size, visibility increases significantly.
The car has spacious salon with high noise insulation, which can accommodate five adult passengers. Therefore, it is considered a truly family car.
The Duster's interior is quite roomy
The trunk volume has not changed. As in previous generations Renault Duster, the trunk has the same 475 liters, but with the seat backs folded back row the volume will increase to 1630 liters. Read more about the features of the trunk.
It is worth noting that the crossover went on sale in four trim levels:
- Authentique;
- Expression;
- Privilege;
- Luxe Privilege;
Diesel engine with a volume of 1.5 liters and a power of 109 Horse power Available in only one trim level - Expression. This package is perfect for city driving or highway driving.
The car is equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission gears, 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission transmission Each Duster configuration has its own gearbox.
- new alarm system;
- opportunity remote start engine;
- Cruise control;
- multimedia system with the ability to configure climate control, auto engine start and navigation;
- Bluetooth and hands-free system;
- heated seats and windshield;
- rear view camera;
- triple parking sensors.
All these innovations are available in Privilege and LuxePrivilege versions.
Basic equipment will cost almost 600 thousand rubles, but the most expensive equipment will cost 970 thousand rubles, and if you add accessories, such as: a rack for skis or bicycles, cast chrome wheels, branded children's Car seat, then the cost will increase to 1.0 million rubles.
Renault Duster through the eyes of auto experts
Auto experts noted that like any car, Duster has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The main advantage is that there is now a timing chain drive under the hood. Experts say that an engine with such a drive is more reliable than a belt drive. The belt deteriorates faster and needs to be replaced more often. Also a nice bonus: when you open the hood, the gas strut, which is rare even for Premium cars.
Unfortunately, the updated Renault Duster also has its drawbacks. One of them is the lack of steering wheel reach adjustment. In the city, this drawback is almost unnoticeable, but during a long drive, for example, outside the city, it makes itself felt, as the back and arms get tired.
In general, experts in their reviews speak of the Duster’s handling as quite good. Power steering, good brakes and the ability to lock wheels give the Renault car the ability to drive comfortably on a high-speed highway. The maximum comfortable speed, according to experts, is 160 km/h, although the Duster can accelerate to a maximum of 180 km/h.
Duster will give a car enthusiast a lot of positive emotions. Although the car belongs to the class budget cars, the updated crossover has many of the qualities of a premium-class car.
What crossover owners say
The updated Renault Duster entered the Russian market in 2015, and during this time managed to win the trust of car enthusiasts. In general, reviews about it are positive. Here are a few of them:
Alexander:
“I bought a Renault Duster two weeks ago. I liked the fact that the developers at Renault expanded the interior of the car. I have a family of 6 people, everyone fits perfectly into the car, I don’t even have to take up the trunk, it’s an excellent car.”
Michael:
“I’ve been with the crossover for a month now. When I was just about to buy a car, the car dealership offered to give me a test drive. I was captivated by the good ergonomics of the cabin and the comfort of the driver's seat. I drove a car from Moscow to Voronezh, on-board computer helped me calculate the most optimal path.”
Vadim:
“I’ve been driving a Duster for three months now. Overall, I'm pleased with the purchase. All-wheel drive allows you to drive perfectly on our roads. The engine produces a claimed 143 horsepower. Excellent family car. In the city the dynamics are more than positive, but on the highway fuel consumption is slightly higher than stated. I specially calculated: at 80 km/h the consumption per 100 km is about 11 liters.”
Concluding our Renault Duster review, we can say that this is an excellent crossover that is suitable for large families. The updated car has additional features, and its price makes the car affordable for most buyers.
Renault Duster car and its prospects on the market. A brief description is given technical parameters new items The range of engines, handling and comfort of the model is described.
A crossover is the car with this type of body that most of our compatriots dream of. And they are quite understandable. There is snow on the streets of our cities for half a year, and when there is no snow, holes and potholes of the most varied sizes and shapes do not allow our car enthusiasts to live in peace. The only way to cope with all this horror is with the help of a crossover. That's just even the most affordable Korean crossovers, not to mention Japanese and European ones, not everyone can afford them. What to do? Don't despair ahead of time. After all, there is the lifesaver Renault Duster, which costs no more than golf-class hatchbacks, but at the same time offers all-wheel drive and impressive ground clearance.
Naturally, the Renault Duster was initially developed with an eye on not the richest car enthusiasts, but this does not prevent us from recognizing the fact that when developing this car they did not save much on its design. And even if it’s a stretch to call Duster one of the most beautiful compact crossovers, but it still has a certain charm. Developed wheel arches and laconic body lines make appearance This car is very serious. If you choose the right color and don’t skimp on branded alloy wheels, then it is quite possible to decide that the Renault Duster costs one and a half to two times more than its real price. I can't think of a better compliment for a budget car.
But inside the crossover it is already clearly noticeable that you are in far from the most expensive car. The plastic on the front panel is extremely hard, although its appearance itself is quite nice. You shouldn't expect any design delights from the interior either. The instrument cluster is already familiar to us from the Logan and Sandero models, and the simple center console consists of a simple air conditioning control unit, a small monochrome display and a number of small buttons. And if you can still put up with such modesty, then it’s much more difficult to put up with flaws in ergonomics. The same “lambs” for controlling the air conditioner are located at the very bottom of the central panel. You have to reach for them, and when the first or third gear is engaged, this is even more difficult. You can also criticize the seats, the back profile of which is far from optimal. But if you remember the price of the car, these flaws will not seem so significant at all. Moreover, even much more eminent and expensive crossovers are not without shortcomings, so there’s no point in reproaching the Duster developers too much. They did an excellent job.
Those who will have to ride in the second row of seats in this car will not find any reason for reproach. It's quite spacious even for three passengers. This was achieved mainly thanks to the flat rear seat cushion. And the transmission tunnel has quite reasonable limits and will not cause any particular inconvenience to those who have to sit in the center. But the trunk, if you are going to travel in this car, may not seem large enough. This is true. If you load things up to the window line, then you will have only 408 liters of free volume at your disposal. Another thing is that most often such cars are loaded under the roof. And in this case, the available volume can be safely doubled. And if you fold the rear seat backs, you will have 1570 liters at your disposal. free space. So the Renault Duster can be safely recommended not only to travel lovers, but also to those who are building a house or go to the country every weekend with the whole family.
But you can’t go particularly fast in a Duster. Base Gas engine, which has a volume of 1.6 liters, develops only 102 “horses”. Even in combination with a manual gearbox, which is not offered for a car with this engine, the Renault Duster is quite slow. So it’s better to opt for a two-liter gasoline engine, which develops 135 horsepower and can be combined not only with a manual transmission, but also with an automatic gearbox. And more recently, the Renault Duster appeared with a 1.5-liter diesel engine producing 90 horsepower. This unit is paired only with a manual gearbox.
On diesel crossover You won't be able to move quickly either. Renault Duster is simply not made for this. And it was created in order to move safely and comfortably from one point to another. And these are not empty words. In all driving modes, the car pleases with unambiguous reactions, and the amazingly energy-intensive suspension copes excellently even with serious holes and potholes. So for our conditions, perhaps best car and can't come up with it.
And the rush demand for this model just confirms these words. People who want to get their hands on this car are lining up for the Renault Duster. And car enthusiasts are quite understandable. For very reasonable money they get a very nice, simple design and very roomy car. There is simply nothing else like it on the market. And it’s unlikely to happen in the near future. So the queues for Renault Duster will not disappear. Who is last?
The Duster model appeared on European market in 2010 under the Dacia brand. Two years later, the same SUV, receiving the Renault logo and whole line changes in design and construction, reached Russian market, causing a serious stir. Dealers accepted orders several months in advance, and Moscow Renault plant, where production of this model was launched, simply did not have time to satisfy everyone. But buyers were ready to wait patiently for the car, since, in fact, there was no alternative to it.
Five years have passed since then, Duster has many competitors, but, despite everything, it still remains the best-selling SUV in Russia. Looking back to history creation of Renault Duster, as well as its subsequent modernization, let's try to figure out what is the reason for the success of this model.
What has changed in the Russian Renault Duster compared to the European version?
Duster was initially conceived as a global project, and Russia immediately became one of the key markets for this model. The Russian office of Renault presented its requirements for this car at the earliest stages, and these requirements turned out to be higher than European ones. Thus, taking into account the experience of sales of the Logan and Sandero models, serious work was carried out to improve the interior, sound insulation, and design. In particular, the Russian Renault Duster of the first generation differed from its European “namesake” by a more attractive interior.
In addition, a version with a two-liter engine, all-wheel drive and automatic transmission was developed specifically for Russia – it accounted for up to 20% of sales. Also, “Duster” was a huge step forward compared to previous ones. Renault models from the point of view of the level of localization of production in Russia. As a result, thanks to precise compliance with customer expectations and a high degree of local integration, Russia has become the No. 1 market in the world for Renault Duster.
Impact of the Duster launch on the Renault plant in Moscow
First of all, for the capital plant, Duster turned out to be a real growth driver, becoming the first Renault car with three types of engines (including turbodiesel), all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, as well as three types of transmission, the production of which was mastered in Russia. Second important aspect– localization of component production.
It was Duster that became the catalyst for deep local integration, when Russia not only established the processes of welding, painting and assembling the car, but also found wide application materials locally produced– metal, alloys, plastics, etc. This made it possible to simultaneously maintain competitive prices, despite currency fluctuations, and ensure export potential.
Today Renault Duster Russian production exported to Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam and the Gulf countries. Especially for export to the Middle East, the Russian Duster was modified taking into account local climatic conditions and market specifics: it received 139 original parts and a new, beige, interior color.
The total production volume of Dusters in Russia over 5 years exceeded 350 thousand copies. During this time, a lot has changed at the plant; a number of technological solutions have been introduced that affect product quality. In particular, the plant has introduced innovative self-driving carts (their localization level exceeds 50%), which are used to deliver parts to the conveyor along a fixed route. Now, in-plant logistics take place without human intervention - completely safely, and by the end of the year, 110 such trolleys will be running around the plant.
Robotization has not bypassed the painting shop: now there is a single line where robots apply primer, base and varnish. In the welding shop on the central line, 4 robotic cells were introduced. In addition, in December last year, the Moscow Renault plant successfully implemented the so-called SAO (Systeme Anti-Oubli) system against operator forgetfulness, which helps ensure critical serviceability. important nodes vehicle, affecting its safety.
What changes has the updated Renault Duster received?
In mid-2015, Duster was subjected to deep modernization, which went far beyond the concepts of “facelift”.
For example, the range of engines has been seriously updated. Base gasoline engine 1.6 has been replaced by a completely new one, with chain drive Timing, increased efficiency and improved efficiency. The two-liter gasoline engine received a phase regulator, which improved its elasticity and fuel efficiency, and the new turbodiesel provided a 20 percent increase in power and torque thanks to the use of the latest fuel equipment and turbines with variable geometry. As a result, popularity diesel version increased more than threefold: today every fifth Duster is sold in Russia with a turbodiesel. By the way, exactly diesel Renault Duster today is the most economical SUV on the market: in mixed cycle it consumes only 5.9 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km.
The second direction of modernization is equipment. The Duster received a Media Nav multimedia system with navigation, a rear view camera, a heated windshield, cruise control with a speed limit function, a gear shift prompt and many others. useful features. In addition, the Duster became the first model in the Renault range in the world to receive a remote engine start system.
This system was developed specifically for Russia and ensures that the engine starts and warms up before the start of the trip - just issue a command from a special button on the key or set the vehicle's readiness time on the Media Nav system display. The design has also been seriously updated - new design of the front and rear of the car, daytime running lights and tail lights with LED elements, new front panel, steering wheel, finishing materials, a convenient system for opening the gas tank flap from the passenger compartment and much more.
What is the secret of Duster’s popularity in Russia?
The reason for its success lies in the very concept of the model. “Duster” is a very balanced car: design, capacity, technical characteristics, cross-country ability and, of course, price are in complete harmony. From the very beginning of the project, “Duster” was conceived not as a crossover, which has versions with all-wheel drive as an “add-on”, but as a durable and reliable SUV.
Excellent geometry (short overhangs, large obstacle overcoming angles), ultra-short first gear, successfully replacing transfer case in most cases, special setting electronic systems to overcome serious off-road conditions (4WD LOCK mode up to 80 km/h, special algorithm ESP operation to combat diagonal hanging, etc.), a high-torque turbodiesel - all this provided the level of cross-country ability that put the Duster on a par with the off-road “icons” of the Russian market.
In Russia, the Duster is primarily an SUV: over 90% of sales are for the all-wheel drive version, while owners regularly use it on serious off-road conditions.
Since 2013, Duster has been the undisputed leader in the SUV segment, and is still the most popular four wheel drive vehicle in Russia and a leader among diesel SUVs in the mass segment. And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the reliability, which has been confirmed by hundreds of thousands of owners, as well as independent tests.
Although the crossover rides well on hills and rough roads, it still lacks power off-road. It’s not even enough in second gear, and serious obstacles will have to be overcome already in the lowering first gear.
The conclusion suggests itself. Having driven the Renault Duster off-road, you begin to understand the advantages of this SUV. I don't feel sorry for him. And another more expensive and respectable crossover, not like the Renault Duster, may pass through the same places, but it will lose its appearance and, maybe, something else. “French”, on the contrary, in terms of design, the car is all-wheel drive, which is made with an emphasis on country life.
Appearance and other characteristics
In pursuit of a test drive, we missed the main thing - the appearance of the car. For many buyers, it is this parameter that is decisive and, of course, the technical characteristics of the Renault Duster.
| Car model: | Renault Duster |
| Manufacturer country: | France (assembly: Russia) |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Number of places: | 5 |
| Number of doors: | 5 |
| Engine capacity, cubic meters cm: | 1461 |
| Power, l. s./about. min: | 90/4000 |
| Maximum speed, km/h: | 156 |
| Acceleration to 100 km/h, s: | 15.6 (mechanics); 11.2 (automatic) |
| Type of drive: | front with connected rear |
| checkpoint: | 6 manual transmission, 5 automatic transmission |
| Fuel type: | diesel |
| Consumption per 100 km: | city 5.9; track 5.0 (mechanics) city 11, highway 6.7 (automatic) |
| Length, mm: | 4315 |
| Width, mm: | 1822 |
| Height, mm: | 1625 |
| Ground clearance, mm: | 210 |
| Tire size: | 215/65R16 |
| Curb weight, kg: | 1375 |
| Total weight, kg: | 1875 |
| Fuel tank volume: | 50 |
When viewing a provincial town, I want to take my hat off to the designers. The car is completely different from its brother - short-haired and completely unfashionable. Only, perhaps, the doors with the familiar wide frames give away the “Frenchman”. Otherwise, the crossover is quite original. The front of the Renault Duster looks beautiful, highlighted by a chrome radiator grille and headlights with black trim. Everything in the car signals practicality, and this is pleasing. On the most expensive versions, the lower sections of the bumpers are made of unpainted plastic, which is a big advantage for many Russian drivers.
The car doesn't seem damaged at all either. As for the size of the gas tank cap, it can even cause an inferiority complex among owners of expensive and large SUVs. The lid is very large, but again, made for the sake of practicality, because under it you can hide the gas filler neck, although you can order a car from the factory with it already installed. gas equipment impossible, oddly enough.
Let's go further and admire the hydraulic hood stop. If the owners of some crossovers, swearing, fumble with the bar, trying to find the stop socket, hydraulic system Renault will do everything herself. Agree, it’s nice, although it’s a small thing. And even more so for more expensive cars There is no such option at all.
It’s interesting that the designers of the French model, as if knowing in advance what they would like to domestic consumers It was precisely the discrepancy between the new product and Logan that made everything according to an individual program. Yes, our buyer is smart and cannot sell him the same model, but in Europe or fraternal Ukraine, the concern’s marketers decided to supply the car with dashboard, which completely copies Renault Logan.
On our, so to speak, Duster, the dashboard looks more noble and the plastic, which on old models seemed too hard, has been replaced by a texture that is soft and pleasant to the touch. And the center console where the buttons are located air conditioning system, a large 2DIN radio and other important buttons have become much more interesting.
But no matter how hard the developers tried, the similarities with Logan could not be completely hidden. Steering wheel, air ducts, dashboard and a whole bunch of small nuances - all this speaks of the close relationship of the “French”. Although only the driver who has driven Renault Logan for more than one year can notice all this.
And finishing the conversation about the finishing, I would like to point out the only mistake that the designers made: the finishing of the console in all modifications is only black, and as you know, even the lightest coating of dust can be clearly visible on dark plastic. It is clear that for those who like to use a rag in the cabin, such a trifle will become a serious disadvantage.
Ergonomics
No obvious disadvantages were identified during testing. Very comfortable fit, adjustable backrest without unnecessary twists and much more. A convenient control unit is located under the steering wheel, and the only unfortunate location is the handles of the heater with air conditioning.
But it’s incredibly comfortable to sit in the back of the Duster. Three headrests make it clear that the developer has provided everything in terms of comfort. In addition, the middle passenger will be pleased here, for whom there is a flat pillow, and not a bulging one, as on other cars. As for the free legroom, there is plenty of it and a person 180 cm tall will feel comfortable here, even if the driver’s seat is pulled out all the way.
Lastly, there's the trunk, which looks quite impressive. It holds about 430 cubic meters. cm of usable space, and the rest goes to accommodate a full-size spare wheel. Although this is only on all-wheel drive versions, and on single-wheel drive versions the wheel fits under the bottom. And numerous positive reviews Renault Duster: it is the spaciousness of the trunk that is praised.
Snow testing
Having driven a Renault Duster, now snowy roads, you begin to understand that if under normal conditions you can start driving a crossover right from second gear, you won’t be able to do this in the snow with a “French”. The modern Duster is equipped with a first speed - “low”. You can drive at this speed in the snow, no matter how deep it is (within reasonable limits).
Even with front-wheel drive, the car easily overcomes small snowdrifts, but if necessary, it is not difficult to connect all four wheels. But after 60 km/h the car automatically releases the lock. And the good news is that you can completely trust the choice of drive intelligent system machine by switching the special selector to the appropriate mode.
The video shows a Renault Duster test in the snow:
Winter, with all its deep ruts and holes, partly explained that the price of Renault Duster is not an amount of income invented by the developers, but a justifiable cost. There was no way to get buried or stuck even for a minute in snow potholes and pits during the testing process. As the developers explained, much of the credit goes to the “French” suspension, which works perfectly, and other elements that do not rattle and are reliably protected.
In a word, Renault Duster is a car that can handle our roads. He tries to be different from his brother Logan. But our “Frenchman” still had one drawback. And even without this it would be uninteresting. In order to get a crossover for personal use, you need to wait about 12 months.
Our "Frenchman" in the city
The diesel version of Renault Duster, as a crossover in the urban jungle, most likely showed itself as a guest and a provincial. It is the “French” fuel that emphasizes this fact most of all. Instead of first gear - “lower” general disadvantage traction and much more make this car and crossover a little awkward, tractor-like and almost out of place in a metropolis.
For example, let's start with the acceleration dynamics of the “French” crossover. Diesel Renault Duster is completely unfamiliar with these words. And if the advantages of a crossover on rural roads and off-road are clearly visible there, then in urban conditions they are not. At every start, the horns of the cars driving behind make dissatisfied sounds, and you must admit, no one wants to catch the reproachful glances of their neighbors. The Duster crossover does not like the city driving style, and it cannot suddenly and smoothly jump into the next row or accelerate when necessary. Only shortcomings and disadvantages!
But it's not all bad. At fourth speed, when the French crossover picks up speed, it no longer differs from neighboring cars and there is no sharp contrast. The advantage of the so-called physical data, like that of a rural provincial over a resident of a metropolis, is obvious in the crossover.
In the absence of traffic jams and congestion, on the roads, the crossover feels free and it prefers the provincial rhythm of movement.
It’s interesting, but after driving this crossover for three days, in the city, you understand that it is sad, conveying its melancholy to the driver. You no longer want to start abruptly, quickly pick up speed or go into an open lane, and why would you, because it won’t work anyway.
On video - test drive Renault Duster:
As a result, we draw the following summary: -the crossover is ideal for driving on rural roads and off-road. It showed itself well on the highway, but in the conditions of city traffic jams and congestion, this model is not suitable at all.
Crossover advantages:
- high off-road safety;
- excellent adaptability to suburban driving conditions;
- good engine.
Crossover disadvantages:
- feels unsure in city driving mode;
- poor acceleration dynamics.
In any case, if you hope to find true friend, with whom you can go to long journey, where after a hundred kilometers the asphalt ends and off-road begins, better than Renault Duster, this provincial crossover, cannot be found.
