Bucket Seat: Renault Duster TechRoad 1.5 EDC

Since the launch of the Renault Duster back in 2009, it's been shaking up the SUV/ Crossover market. Coming in as a cheaper alternative and well equipped off-roader its been a firm favourite to many, as it was practical, well built, comfortable and more than capable to tackle most of the challenges thrown at it. With this latest model range, which has seen it expanded to five variants, offering 4x2 and 4x4 models with manual and automatic gearboxes. I had a chance to experience the 1.5 TechRoad for a week, and as per usual, this car just delivered in leaps and bounds. While it is aimed at the lower end of the spectrum and normally badged as a Dacia in Europe, the Duster still encapsulates the Renault ethos which dispels the whole "French car reliability" myth as this thing just keeps going.

 

DESIGN

While the design of the Duster hasn't changed dramatically over the years, the car has grown in stature and looks. Cosmetic changes and nip/tuck to the shape has made the Duster look more robust and bulky, all the right looks for an off-road vehicle. The change in the LED headlamps enhances the cars appearance during the day as well as this particular model having the front and rear bumper scuff plate greyed out, giving it a bull-bar look, making the car look more aggressive. This model also comes with five-spoke 17" alloy-wheels, along with the elevated ride height does make the Duster look pretty imposing when looking at it from the side. Overall the design is very clean and well put, making the car very pleasing on the eye. The interior is also well put together, again not much changes apart from some added accents and colours to give it a pop. 

PERFORMANCE

The TechRoad comes with Renaults diesel turbo-charged 1.5L 4 in-line motor, this delivers 80kW of power with 250Nm of torque. While this motor does seem tiny, coupled to the 6-speed EDC automatic gearbox, the pairing works very well. Whether is urban driving, on the freeway or on gravel the Duster seems to cope well with its surroundings, with minimal fuel consumption which Renault claim to be 5.2L per 100km, I was getting mixed use driving around 6.1L per 100km which still is rather good in my books and translates to over 700km from the 50L tank. While the TechRod isn't a 4x4 it still offers minimal off-road assistance and can tackle a bit more than what others can when venturing off the beaten track like hill descent control, reverse camera, rear park distance control sensors and cruise control. 

COMFORT

As mentioned before, the Duster isn't aimed as your luxury offering but it still managed to give the driver and the occupants a rather comfortable ride both on and off-road. The seating is finished in cloth material but one can notice the extra padding which helps absorb the bumps. The driver seat is height-adjustable with lumber adjustments as well. A pull down arm rest is also installed to make those long distance drives more comfortable The car has single zone aircons which does a great job even on in the Durban humid climate. The Duster has the 7" Media Nav Evolution infotainment with integrated navigation as well as hands-free Bluetooth connectivity. This also comes with built-in mobile apps such as Android Auto and CarPlay for plug and play ease of use. The boot is rather spacious with 478L of loading space to utilize. 

VERDICT

Overall, the Renault Duster is a maverick for its segment and while the changes to the models come frequent to their range, it only shows that the brand is committed to giving the end user the best it has to offer. The Duster has proven time and time again why it is the bang for buck best off-road vehicle and this latest model just keeps the tradition going. While there may be many more newcomers to this segment, I've yet to meet an unhappy Duster owner and that says a lot. After having spending seven days with this car I can honestly say I was just as happy with the car. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5 Turbo-Diesel
Gear Box	6-speed EDC
Torque	250Nm
Power	80kW
Economy	5.2L per 100km
Price	R361,900

 

Holiday Express - Experience

A few weeks back I was invited along with a group of other media personnel to experience the Holiday Express train. As stated in my initial blog post, there is a certain stigma that is associated with using Public Transport in South Africa, there is a general fear of using it and the number one factor is safety. I guess this is one of the reasons we were invited to experience the Holiday Express, to help alleviate this fear from many by telling you about our journey. There were two options available for the weekend, Saturday's trip was a journey to Shongweni where you would visit the farmers market or on the Sunday was a trip to Scottburgh to enjoy the sea side. I opted for the Shongweni Journey as I always wanted to go to the Farmers Market after hearing rave reviews about it. 

I took my mom along with me, as she would love the Farmers Market in Shongweni but also as a child she used to travel by train quite a lot going from Durban back home to her family in the Northern Cape. We both were equally excited for the journey that lay ahead. Upon arrival at Durban Station, we were greeted by our friendly host, the Business Class lounge at the Station serves as a waiting area till you depart on the train. There were beverages and snacks available for purchase as well as tokens that you could use on board the train. Just before 8am we made our way down to the platform to board the KZN Business Express coaches. The coaches are very different from the normal ones, with large cushion seats which can recline, have arm rests and have fold up tray tables in front of you. It was my first trip in Durban on a train so I was looking forward to viewing the city from the rail way tracks. 

The route is slightly different from the main line as it meanders it's way through the city, going through the Jacobs area before turning up towards Queensburgh and Shallcross. Making its way through Marian Hill before reaching Shongweni. During the ride, I took time to explore the other coaches, and I was surprised to find one coach having a bar with light refreshments and snacks, and further back another coach with a full size board room table and kitchen where hot refreshments were served. Along the route there were many tunnels which the train went through, which we all loved going from daylight to darkness and daylight again. The train also makes a stop just before Shongweni to view a waterfall which is only accessible via rail. Even though the total time of the journey took one and half hours, one doesn't really feel it that long with so much to see along the way. 

Once we reached Shongweni Station, it was time to disembark and board the buses that were waiting for us. A short 5 minute drive and we were at our destination, the Shongweni Farmers Market. The market was a buzz of activity, with stalls selling everything and anything, from plants, to fresh produce, crafts and not forgetting, plenty of food! Most of us had built up and appetite by now but were spoilt for choice at the selection on offer. Everything is fresh, tasty and smelt delicious, it's a pity our stomachs could handle only a certain amount of food as I'm sure I speak for all when I say we would have loved to try everything on sale! With the market closing at 12 o clock, we had to be back on the bus by 11.30am, which was ample time for us to enjoy the markets sights and scenes. Once back at the station it was time to make our way back home. 

The journey back, even though using the same route proved to be equally exciting, as you were heading in the opposite direction and gave you saw things that you didn't see on the way there. Once safely back at the station, I asked some of the other travelers what they had though about the experience. Many said that they had booked it mainly for their kids but didn't anticipate themselves having so much of fun as well. It really is a wonderful way to explore and experience this magnificent province and no matter which destination or trip you chose, it's bound to be an out of the ordinary experience for the entire family. The next trips are planned for the 30th of September to the Shogweni Farmers Market and the 1st of the October to Socttburgh. For more information, visit the website www.theholidayexpress.co.za or to book, email info@theholidayexpress.co.za