Renault Duster

Review

Taking on a brand new identity in the Turkish market, rolling off the Bursa Oyak Renault production lines and proudly wearing the Renault logo on its grille, the new Duster has practically transformed its old "farmer's SUV" image into a miniature Land Rover Defender. With its Y-shaped signature LED headlights and recycled "Starkle" body plastics, it is no longer a vehicle bought out of necessity, but for its style. It is one of those rare cars that allows you to drive clients to land or project sites in Silivri and Ispartakule without the fear of scraping the bottom, while also looking extremely stylish in the city on the way back to the office.

Looking under the hood with my service and mechanical background, we see the 1.2-liter TCe 130 horsepower mild-hybrid (mHEV) unit taking the place of those famous dCi diesels. The slight thrust provided by the 48V battery during takeoffs successfully masks the lifelessness of the 3-cylinder engine at low revs. In particular, the shortened first gear in the 4x4 version creates a true climbing monster on the toughest construction site roads. Thanks to the new CMF-B platform, chassis rigidity has increased incredibly, and body roll has been largely brought under control. However, regarding insulation, the Duster is still a step behind its premium rivals; at high speeds on the highway, wind noise and the hum of A/T tires echo in the cabin.