Polishing the Duster

In a market awash in mid-sized SUVs, a more polished but slightly confused Renault Duster tries to build on the sturdy reputation of its 4x4 predecessor.

- BY JON MINSTER

Since it was launched in South Africa more than a decade ago, the Renault Duster has proved itself as a no-nonsense, go-anywhere vehicle – rugged enough for farm roads, spacious enough for a car seat and a pram, and affordable enough for everyone.

In 2014, after reading a review of the original 4x4 model in go!, I was so impressed that I bought one! Our second child had just been born and it was the perfect vehicle for our growing family.