For some time now, the French automaker has been promising a restyling of the Duster; after all, it's been years and years of inexplicable sameness. After so many promises, many items were changed, and the 2021 Renault Duster got a new look. However, not everything is perfect in the new model, which also has weaknesses capable of causing disappointment. 

Check out today's article, a true X-ray of the 2021 Renault Duster that we at Senhor Carros have done. If you're thinking of buying one, we suggest you read our analysis first.

After much anticipation, the 2021 Renault Duster finally arrives renewed to face strong competitors, such as... Chevrolet Tracker and the Volkswagen Nivus. Right away, you can see new lines, more comfort, and some brand-new features in its top-of-the-line version, called Iconic.

As soon as you sit behind the wheel, you can notice the first difference. The switch from hydraulic to electric power steering solved a chronic problem in the Duster line: handling. 

Previous models had noisy and dangerously imprecise steering, but by simply replacing the component, this problem was solved. The 2021 Renault Duster became more enjoyable, precise, comfortable, and stable. 

The 2021 Duster retained the same platform but gained a series of structural reinforcements to improve comfort and, especially, safety.

According to the manufacturer, the changes are sufficient and justify calling the model the "new generation". 

In terms of design, it's impossible not to look at the 2021 Renault Duster and compare it to its previous versions, since many lines have been retained, although the body panels are all new. 

The angle of the A-pillar and windshield is more inclined to improve aerodynamics and airflow, which resulted in a smaller glass area.

The taillights are now all LEDs and resemble those used on the Jeep Renegade. The daytime running lights in the headlights are also LED.

The 2021 Renault Duster features two accessory packages that are installed directly on the car's production line: the Tech and Outsider packages. 

The Tech package costs R$ 3,000 and includes six additional speakers, an 8-inch multimedia center, 16-inch alloy wheels, and fog lights.

The Outsider package, on the other hand, includes front protection, long-range headlights, door moldings, fender flares, roof bars, and black-painted mirrors, but is restricted to the top-of-the-line Intense and Ionic versions. The price is R$ 2,300. 

Another highlight of the 2021 Renault Duster is the range of accessories available at dealerships, which creates a total of four kits. 

The first kit, named "comfort," includes a tilt-down function for the side mirrors, a center armrest, and a carpet floor mat.

The second kit, called the family kit, includes an 8-inch multimedia center, a rear-view camera, and trim pieces.

The third kit, named "travel," includes a roof rack, bicycle carrier, trunk mat, and organizer bag.

And the fourth and final kit, the adventure kit, offers front protection, long-range headlights, side moldings, and fender flares. 

This is a clever move by Renault, providing owners with an exclusive model, at least from an aesthetic point of view, promoting functionality in addition to mere aesthetics. 

The interior space of the 2021 Renault Duster is another positive point. There is no more functional and spacious trunk in the compact SUV category; the compartment has a total volume of 475 liters. 

The legroom and headroom for rear seat occupants are also a highlight. Overall, the model boasts a 2.67-meter wheelbase and a nearly flat floor.

Furthermore, being wider than its competitors, it allows three people to sit comfortably in the back seat. 

And here we arrive at the weak point of the 2021 Duster: the single engine option. The model only has the 1.6 Sce engine capable of generating 120 horsepower and 16.2 kgfm of torque when fueled with ethanol.

In its most basic version, the Zen, the model features a five-speed manual transmission. The other versions have a six-speed CVT automatic transmission. 

The acclaimed 2.0 naturally aspirated engine was discontinued, as was the 4x4 drivetrain, which was not very popular. The natural replacement for the engine would be the 1.3 turbo, which has not yet appeared on the Brazilian market. 

The outdated 1.6 engine's only new feature is the Start-Stop system for fuel economy in traffic. Even the archaic cold-start tank is still present in this engine. 

In speed tests, the 2021 Renault Duster went from 0 to 100 km/h in 14.2 seconds, being "only" 0.1 seconds slower than the 2020 model. According to the manufacturer, the expectation is that the 2022 model will be equipped with the new generation of 1.3 turbo flex engines. 

The 2021 Renault Duster comes in 4 versions. Let's now look at the differences between each one. 

This is the simplest version. It features stability and traction control, hill start assist, perimeter alarm, LED daytime running lights, 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, keyless entry, sound system with Bluetooth and 4 speakers. The price for this "entry-level" version starts at R$ 71,790. 

The Renault Duster Zen is equipped with all the features of the previous version, plus a 6-speed CVT transmission. The price for this version starts at R$ 77,790.

The Renault Duster Intense comes with all the equipment of the Zen CVT version, plus an 8-inch EasyLink multimedia system, two tweeters, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, and cruise control. The starting price for this version is R$ 83,490.

Finally, the Renault Duster Iconic CVT includes all the features of the Intense CVT version, plus 360º cameras, blind spot sensor, automatic headlight activation, keyless entry card, push-button start, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and armrest. The price for this version starts at R$ 87,490.

It's important to mention that all versions, except the top-of-the-line model, can be enhanced with accessory and equipment packages provided by dealerships. 

Furthermore, Renault has already announced that there will also be a line... intended for people with disabilitiesHowever, there are still no confirmed figures. 

According to InMetro, the fuel consumption figures for the 2021 Renault Duster are:

1.6 engine with manual transmission:

1.6 engine with CVT automatic transmission. 

In terms of dimensions, the 2021 Renault Duster has grown 47 mm in length, 10 mm in height, and 10 mm in width. Its wheelbase is 1 mm shorter. Therefore, the model's measurements are:

Although it has undergone changes that may catch the eye of those looking for aesthetics, it's important to keep in mind that the 2021 Renault Duster is still the same car. 

In terms of the market, the 2021 Duster will face tough competition with the arrival of the Nivus and the redesign of the Tracker. 

There is a natural trend towards the arrival of new engines in 2022, but the pandemic may delay the production of these new engines under the hood of the Duster. 

Although it hasn't undergone major changes, the Renault Duster remains powerful, spacious, and extremely functional for its owners. 

This model can be considered both a car for singles who enjoy traveling and facing new adventures with friends, and a vehicle for large families who need space. 

But what's it like to have a Renault Duster for everyday use? Does the SUV perform well in daily routines?

If you are thinking about buy a 2021 Duster You can't miss the article we've prepared especially for you, where we'll show you the pros and cons of SUVs. 

Curious to know what it's like to have this model in your garage? Then just click the button below and see for yourself what it's like to own one!