GOOD NEWS! (If you know, you know!) The long-awaited 2025 Dacia Duster is officially coming to Australia, but it will arrive under the Renault badge when it launches in the second half of the year.
Renault Australia has confirmed the rugged small SUV will finally make its way Down Under, following years of speculation. Though sold in Europe as a Dacia, the Australian-market version will wear Renault badging.
Australia isn’t the first country to apply the Renault badge to the Dacia Duster, following multiple global markets that include India, South America, and South Africa.
“The Renault brand has a rich history in Australia, and we are proud to announce that the Duster will be part of our next chapter as we continue to bring unique vehicles to the Australian market,” said Renault Australia Managing Director Glen Sealey.
The Duster will enter a segment including keenly priced Chinese models such as the GWM Haval Jolion and MG ZS, as well as well-known nameplates including the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross. But unlike those cars, the Duster has a particular off-road focus.
Powertrains and Specifications
Australian buyers will have two powertrain choices: the first is a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (shared with the Renault Captur and Arkana) producing 113kW and 250Nm. This front-wheel-drive variant will be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
But for those seeking more of an off-road beast, a four-wheel-drive version will be available, featuring a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder mild-hybrid engine delivering 96kW and 230Nm. It will come exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. If Renault can get the pricing right for this variant, you can expect to see one on many driveways.
European versions of the Duster also offer a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with dual petrol-LPG capability, as well as a 1.6-litre hybrid. However, these options will not be available in Australia, at least to start with.
Design, Dimensions and Features
The 2025 Renault Duster measures 4345mm in length, 1921mm in width (2069mm with mirrors extended), and 1650mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2657mm. In comparison, the Suzuki Jimny XL is significantly smaller in length and width but taller overall.
Two trim levels will be offered locally, with a choice of seven exterior colours. Inside, the Duster will come equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
As an off-road-focused model, the four-wheel-drive Duster will feature five selectable drive modes and hill descent control.
Safety and Technology
All Australian-delivered Dusters will come equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems including:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Driver attention alert
- Traffic sign recognition
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot warning
- External cameras
The Dacia Duster unfortunately scored a lacklustre 3-star safety rating in Euro NCAP’s testing.
Pricing and Availability
While pricing and full specifications for the 2025 Renault Duster will be announced closer to launch, Australian Renault dealers are now accepting expressions of interest. In the UK, the Dacia Duster retails for between £18,850 (A$37,500) and £23,850 (A$47,400).
With its reputation as a no-nonsense, affordable off-roader, the Renault Duster is set to be something truly new in Australia’s growing compact SUV segment when it arrives later in the year and car that we’ll be dying to drive here. Stay tuned to further updates on the Renault Duster here at DiscoverAuto.
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