Good news! (Sorry, we had to!) The 2025 Renault Duster arrives in Australian showrooms this month, pitched as a tougher, more off-road focused compact-SUV. Sold under Renault’s Dacia badge in Europe, the Duster makes its local debut with a quirky powertrain mix, and a focus on ground clearance for those wishing to take their Duster off-road.
The base powertrain is a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard.
In a world where automatics rule, that in itself is not all that odd, but if you want the model above – the all-wheel drive, you have to drop down to a 1.2-litre mild-hybrid turbo-petrol three-pot with less power and torque, and a compulsory six-speed manual.
Both powertrains are offered in both Evolution and Techno trim levels, though the Techno 4×4 isn’t due to arrive locally until the end of the year.
Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey says, “Customer demand for adventure vehicles in Australia remains strong, and the Duster reflects this lifestyle. Its compact dimensions make it easy to park in tight spots, while its tall suspension soaks up bumps and delivers confidence off‑road.”
Pricing
All prices are before on‑road costs.
| Model | Drivetrain | Powertrain | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evolution 1.3T auto 4×2 | FWD | 1.3 L turbo‑petrol, 7‑spd DCT | $31,990 |
| Evolution 1.2T manual 4×4 | AWD | 1.2 L turbo‑hybrid, 6‑spd manual | $36,490 |
| Techno 1.3T auto 4×2 | FWD | 1.3 L turbo‑petrol, 7‑spd DCT | $36,990 |
| Techno 1.2T manual 4×4 (due Dec ’25) | AWD | 1.2 L turbo‑hybrid, 6‑spd manual | $37,990 |
Drivetrains and Efficiency
The Duster offers two very different engine options:
| Specification | Duster 4×2 | Duster 4×4 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.3 L turbo‑petrol 4‑cyl | 1.2 L turbo‑hybrid 3‑cyl |
| Power | 113 kW @ 5,500 rpm | 96 kW @ 4,500 rpm |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 2,250 rpm | 230 Nm @ 2,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 7‑spd dual‑clutch auto (paddles) | 6‑spd manual |
| Drive type | Front‑wheel drive | All‑wheel drive |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 6.5 L/100 km | 5.7 L/100 km |
| Fuel requirement | 91‑RON regular unleaded | 95‑RON premium unleaded |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6 |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 kg (braked) / 695 kg (unbraked) | 1,500 kg (braked) / 750 kg (unbraked) |
The hybrid three‑cylinder also brings mild‑hybrid assist, automatic idle stop/start, plus hill‑descent control and selectable terrain modes for off‑road grip. Front‑wheel‑drive models use a torsion‑beam rear suspension, while AWD cars step up to a multi‑link setup.
Dimensions
Despite identical exterior dimensions, the AWD variants sit taller and sacrifice a little cargo space.
- Length: 4,345 mm
- Width: 1,921 mm (mirrors folded) / 2,069 mm (mirrors extended)
- Wheelbase: 2,657 mm
- Ground clearance: 174 mm (4×2) / 212 mm (4×4)
- Boot capacity (VDA):
- 4×2: 472 L to 1,564 L
- 4×4: 358 L to 1,424 L
Servicing and Warranty
- Warranty: 5 years, unlimited kilometres
- Service interval: Every 12 months or 30,000 km
- Capped‑price servicing: Details pending
Safety
ANCAP testing is still forthcoming, but in Europe the Dacia Duster scored three stars under Euro NCAP in 2024. Standard across the range:
- Autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian & cyclist detection)
- Lane‑keep assist, traffic‑sign recognition, driver‑attention alert
- Front, side and curtain airbags
- Reversing camera + rear parking sensors
The Techno trim adds blind‑spot monitoring, front parking sensors and a multi‑view camera.
Standard Equipment
Evolution trim highlights:
- 17″ diamond‑cut ‘Adventure’ alloys with Continental CrossContact tyres
- LED headlights, rain‑sensing wipers, rear fog lamp
- 7.0″ digital instrument display + 10.1″ touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Dual‑zone climate control, wireless phone charger, Arkamys sound system
- YouClip accessory points throughout the cabin
Techno trim adds:
- 18″ diamond‑cut ‘Exploration’ alloys, rear privacy glass
- Smart key card with walk‑away locking, keyless start
- Premium cloth upholstery, split‑level boot floor (4×2 only)
- Additional YouClip mounts and modular roof rails
Colours
- Standard: Solid White (no charge)
- Optional (extra $750): Cedar Green, Sandstone, Terracotta, Shadow Grey, Khaki Green, Pearlescent Black
All models wear black-and‑grey cloth upholstery.
Renault says local allocations are limited by strong European demand, with the French brand telling punters to pop in their orders early to before stock tightens. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto
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