Renault Duster Oroch (South Africa)- rumor
Renault is hoping to introduce the Duster Oroch in South Africa in 2017. The vehicle offers the
practicality of a compact car and the versatility of small bakkie, is very
lifestyle-oriented and fills a particular gap in the market with aplomb.
There are a few countries in which a Dacia Duster is
called a Renault; Brazil and South Africa are two of them. Besides sharing this
peculiarity, the countries also share their need for affordable bakkies.
Recognising a gap between light bakkies and LCV-based double cabs, Renault
Brazil has been launched the Duster Oroch a year ago. Its
availability in South Africa would probably depend on when right-hand-drive
versions go into production in Chennai, India (where the Duster crossover/SUV
is manufactured).
In Brazil, the Duster Oroch is offered with two
engine options. Entry-level derivatives utilise a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder motor
(110 Hp at 5750 rpm and 156 Nm at 3750 rpm) mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Higher-spec derivatives a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine (143 Hp at 5750
rpm and 205 Nm at 4000 rpm), but buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual and a
4-speed automatic transmission. There is no turbodiesel version because
Brazilian law outlaws passenger cars with diesel engines, but considering the current Duster line-up in South
Africa, we expect the local market will get 1.5 dCi derivatives.
One of the best things about the Duster Oroch is
that it is affordable and roomy, just like the crossover. It is cheaper than a
conventional double-cab and, in some cases, can cost even less than a light
bakkie. The Duster Oroch starts at R$ 67,400 in Brazil.
