After years of proving itself as a fun, capable, and budget-friendly small SUV over in Europe (badged as Dacia Duster), the 2025 Renault Duster has now landed in Australia.
This is a unique proposition in Australia, where many compact SUVs are leaning heavily towards urban lifestyles rather than actual adventure. Local buyers are offered both 2WD and 4WD, and manual and auto options – rare for this class.
After sampling both variants at the national media launch, we can see it’s clear the Duster brings something refreshingly different to the segment.
2025 Renault Duster Evolution 2WD: Specifications
Engine: 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder
Output: 113kW@5500rpm / 270Nm@2250rpm
Gearbox: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 17×6.5, 215/65
Kerb weight: 1309kg
Official consumption: 6.5L/100km
0-100km/h: 8.83 seconds*
Starting price: $31,990
2025 Renault Duster Evolution 4WD: Specifications
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder mild hybrid
Output: 96kW@4500rpm / 230Nm@2250rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed manual
Drive type: Four-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 17×6.5, 215/65
Kerb weight: 1422kg
Official consumption: 5.7L/100km
0-100km/h: 11.94 seconds*
Starting price: $36,490
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 Renault Duster: How much does it cost?
This is such a great entry price, kicking off from just $31,990. Renault could have easily charged more, being a European-made (Romania) vehicle. You can check the UK prices and do a straight conversion and you’ll see there isn’t much margin left in it. Unlike plenty of other Euro rivals.
It is a somewhat confusing lineup. Basically, you have 2WD (FWD) and 4WD, and these are available in base Evolution and flagship Techno trim level. The 2WD is only available with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, while the 4WD is only available with a six-speed manual.
This setup is going to cut off a portion of the market because, in Australia, automatics far outweigh manual vehicle sales. When asked about the possibility of an auto 4WD option, Renault basically said we will probably have to wait for a major update or next-gen package for that.
All four variations are available to order now but the top-spec 4WD Techno isn’t set to land in showrooms for a few more months. And speaking of showroom entry, the initial batch is only a small allocation for Australia with more scheduled to roll in from 2026. See below for the full pricing (excludes on-roads):
Dacia Duster Evolution 1.3T FWD auto: $31,990
Dacia Duster Evolution 1.2T AWD manual: $36,490
Dacia Duster Techno 1.3T FWD auto: $36,990
Dacia Duster Techno 1.2T AWD manual: $37,990 (due in December)
2025 Renault Duster: Interior & packaging
The Duster isn’t about lavish materials or cutting-edge tech, but about clever, functional packaging. There’s an honest feel to the cabin that matches the Duster’s general happy-go-lucky character. You’ve got upright seating providing a commanding view outside, yet, it also feels like a conventional and comfortable wagon.
Storage is well thought out, with large door bins, a centre armrest cubby in the front, multiple cup holders, and Renault’s unique YouClip accessory points that let you attach everything from phone holders to detachable torches to various points in the cabin.
Unfortunately, rear passengers miss out on a flip-down arm rest and cup holders, and the door pockets are not really designed to fit bottles. But with a relatively long wheelbase of 2658mm, legroom is superior to what most competitors offer in this class.
The rear seat folds 60:40 and drops almost flat for extra versatility. You can adjust the boot floor height as well for extra space or to keep smaller items secure. In the 2WD auto, boot space is rated at 472L/1564L (VDA) thanks to a simpler torsion beam rear axle, while the 4WD’s multi-link setup and rear differential eat into that, reducing to 358L/1424L – still decent, but worth noting if you regularly haul big items.
Materials are largely hard-wearing plastics, with an emphasis on durability and eco-friendliness over sheer plushness. However, no area in here feels or looks cheap and nasty. There is some aesthetic going on in here, helped by varying surfaces and textures. Even the roof lining presents a cool, livingroom-style fabric.
The dashboard houses a 10.1-inch touch-screen with wired and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, complemented by a 7.0-inch digital instrument display. These screens aren’t the most user-friendly out there, or the most in-depth for that matter. But they do the job and they present fitting graphics and clear fonts for the Duster.
2025 Renault Duster: Powertrain & handling
With the two drivetrain configurations you also have two engines. The 4×2 auto runs a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder paired with the dual-clutch transmission, producing 113kW and 270Nm. Neither of these figures stand out in this class, but they aren’t exactly buried by way more powerful options.
We had a chance to do some 0-100km/h tests during this media launch event to see what’s on offer. The auto managed a brisk 8.83 seconds, while the manual 4WD did it in 11.94 seconds. These numbers don’t really tell the full story, though.
Out on the handling circuit, which is more of a country road than anything else, the auto feels fast enough to be fun. Peak power is reached at 5500rpm, so you don’t need to rev it high to get the most out of it, and even peak torque is availably from a low 2250rpm.
In the manual with its petite three-cylinder engine you need to get the engine spinning, as per typical of a small three-cylinder. However, with mild-hybrid assistance in the mix it does not feel as boggy as some three-bangers out there. This engine produces that distinctive and charming thrum, which is quite enjoyable. You don’t need to rev this one either, and actually even less so than the 1.3L.
Peak power is reached at just 4500rpm and peak torque comes in at the same 2250rpm point. It’s a smaller ‘powerband’ window but it rarely feels strained or under stress. Part of that is thanks to the Duster’s relatively low kerb weights; 1309kg for the auto and 1422kg for the manual 4WD.
Both engines offer decent refinement and quietness. Fuel consumption is better in the manual as well, with an official rating of 5.7L/100km versus 6.5L/100km in the 2WD auto. Keep in mind the 1.2T manual does require 95 RON fuel at minimum while the 1.3T can digest 91 RON.
The 1.3T also gets a smaller fuel rank, at 50L compared with 55L in the 4WD. This means the theoretical average range is 769km in the 2WD compared with 965km in the 4WD manual. That’s a pretty big difference and worth noting if you do a lot of longer-distance trips. You then have to consider the slightly higher petrol price of 95 RON.
The 4WD manual is the enthusiast’s choice because it delivers a lively and exciting soundtrack and a willingness to get on with it that seems to match the Duster’s plucky personality. It feels far more engaging than most small SUVs. In saying that, it might not be the pick if you spend most of your time in the city in stop-start conditions.
Ride comfort is one of the Duster’s standout traits across both variants. The suspension offers generous travel for absorbing rough backroads, yet retains excellent body control around corners, avoiding the wallowy feel that often comes with softish compliance/longish travel suspension.
On gravel and corrugated surfaces, it feels surprisingly secure and composed, particularly the 4WD with its multi-link rear suspension and higher ground clearance (up to 212mm compared with 174mm in the 2WD). Honestly, it feels like the Duster was tested and tuned in Australia. It is perfect on our crummy roads.
Going with the 4WD also adds hill descent control and selectable terrain modes. These features give it genuine light-to-moderate off-road ability — more than most rivals in this segment. We had an opportunity to have a play in concept prototype during the event which Renault had fitted with hardcore all-terrain tyres. It tackled stuff most rivals would ran away from.
There is a ‘lock’ mode for the all-wheel drive system, which essentially tries to force four-wheel drive. But it is an on-demand system so it’s not going to be as heavy-duty as something like a Suzuki Jimny, if absolute terrain-conquering ability is high on your priorities.
And lastly, the steering is light but predictable, and while neither version aims for sports-car precision, the Duster’s balance between comfort, stability, and capability makes it a confident companion in both city and country settings. It’s no wonder the Duster is one of the most popular vehicles in Europe, outright. It can do almost anything.
2025 Renault Duster: First impressions
The 2025 Renault Duster arrives as a welcome breath of fresh air in Australia’s small SUV market. While rivals chase ever-sleeker designs and tech-heavy interiors, the Duster doubles down on honesty, practicality, and the ability to handle whatever road – or track – you throw at it.
It’s not perfect, with a few quirks that may limit its mainstream appeal, such as manual-only 4WD and the fact it is not a well-known model here. But, for those seeking an affordable and cheerful SUV backed by real capability and utility, this is one of the most endearing options you’ll find right now.
2025 Renault Duster: Video
