Hello everyone!

I'm excited to share my experience with our family's trusty dachshund car, the Renault Duster (Renault Duster Diesel).

Renault Duster dieselWe bought it in March 2018, replacing our trusty UAZ Patriot, which you can read about here for 460,000 rubles in Veliky Ustyug from an official dealer.

The car is a lovely brown color in its original paint job. In my opinion, it looks stylish and understated. One thing to note is that the rear arches have some scratches (a common issue with Dusters). Due to their unique shape, they're prone to getting damaged by stones and dirt kicked up by the front wheels. Over time, the paint on the rear arches will start to flake off, so it's a good idea to cover them with a protective film from the get-go, which we did.

The car is a 2013 model with 67,000 kilometers on the clock when we bought it. In the two and a half years since, we've added 20,000 kilometers, bringing the total to 87,000 kilometers.

Renault Duster mileageDuring this time, we've had no major issues, just routine maintenance visits for oil changes.The engine is a 1.5-liter diesel K9K, producing 90 horsepower, designed back in 2001 and used in various Renault models, as well as some Infiniti, Mercedes, Suzuki, and Nissan models. What really surprised me is that these engines have been produced in massive quantities over the years, and all the kinks have been ironed out.

Engine of the Renault DusterI'm confident in the engine's reliability, as long as you change the oil regularly – ideally every 7-8,000 kilometers. If you don't, you might end up with costly repairs, such as worn-out piston rings. I've been changing the oil on time, so we've avoided any issues. It starts up like a charm in even the coldest winter weather, never failing to start, even with the cold start check lights on. When you turn the key, the dashboard light flickers for a few seconds before the engine roars to life. Just make sure your battery is in good condition.

The 6-speed manual transmission

Renault Duster Manual TransmissionOne thing that really stood out to me about the Renault Duster's manual transmission is how short the first gear is. It's perfect for tackling rough terrain, and the sixth gear is a real lifesaver on the highway, allowing me to cruise at lower engine speeds and save on fuel. The gear shifts are smooth and precise, and the diesel engine provides plenty of torque at low revs. I'm averaging around 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway, which is impressive for a 4x4 crossover, if you ask me. In the city, I tend to start shifting from second gear, and my fuel economy is around 8-9 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on the traffic.

Ground clearance is 210 mm

The high ground clearance makes it easy to navigate rough terrain, which is exactly what I needed for my daily commute to the dacha. The roads are often rough and uneven, but the Renault Duster handles it with ease. The suspension is surprisingly comfortable, especially after driving the Lada Patriot, which felt a bit harsh. The Renault Duster's suspension soaks up bumps and potholes like a champ, making it a joy to drive on rural roads. And on the highway, it's stable and confident at speeds up to 120 km/h. The 4x4 system has three modes: 2WD (front-wheel drive only), auto (rear-wheel drive engages when the front wheels start to slip), and 4WD (full-time four-wheel drive). I've been driving in auto mode, and it's been working great for me.

I like that when the 4x4 system is disengaged, the car becomes a front-wheel drive, which makes it much more manageable in the snow. It's a big improvement over the Lada Patriot, which is rear-wheel drive and tends to understeer in the snow.

The interior is surprisingly spacious, with plenty of room for four adults. It's a bit cramped for five, but only if you're a larger person.

The plastic trim is a bit budget-friendly, but it doesn't make any annoying creaking sounds.

The sound insulation is decent, but you can still hear the engine and road noise. It's not bad, considering this is a budget car.

One thing to watch out for is the step-up height when getting in and out of the car. I've gotten used to it, but my friends still manage to get their clothes dirty on the sills, especially when it's slippery outside.

Winter's warmth in the cabin. The electric heater in the dashboard kicks in right away, even before the engine warms up, which I love, as I'm a fan of being cozy, and our trim doesn't have heated seats.

We've got the standard stereo with a USB input and Bluetooth for my phone, and it works great, plus the front electric windows.

Trunk:

The trunk is spacious, just as the manufacturer claims

408 liters, 1570 in the folded state

The rear seat back folds down, giving us even more room, perfect for hauling all sorts of stuff, including firewood from the woods.

Now, I'll give you the lowdown on the pros and cons I've experienced with my Duster.

* Low fuel consumption;

* Great ground clearance;

* Reliability;

* Comfortable suspension;

* Ample interior and trunk space;

* The paint job.

* A 3-star safety rating from crash tests.

The verdict:

I'm happy with the car, and so is my family – no plans to change it anytime soon. It's handled all our needs, and nothing's broken down on us during the time we've had it. It's also been kind to our wallet.

I highly recommend the diesel Renault Duster.

With its comfortable suspension, low fuel consumption, and great ground clearance, I think it's particularly well-suited for people living in rural areas with less-than-perfect roads.