Asian brands, EVs dominate 2025 Best Buy Awards
The 2025 Best By Awards, announced by Kelley Blue Book, reflect the rapidly shifting landscape of the automotive market not only in the USA, but also elsewhere.
- Industry News
- 17 April 2025
Renault added two models to its Duster range, both called Techroad with an emphasis on the off-roader look.
The Duster has proved to be very popular in South Africa with a remarkable 21 000+ units sold locally to date since its initial launch in the country back in 2013.
Both TechRoad models will be 4x2s, one with a manual gearbox and the other with the French manufacturer’s automatic EDC transmission. They will slot in below the only 4x4 in the range, the 1.5 dCi Dynamique and the flagship 1.5 dCi 4x2 Prestige EDC.
Both TechRoad models boast the 1.5 litre turbo diesel mill that is used in a wide range of vehicles from Renault and Nissan. The TechRoad EDC model is only the second automatic in the range, making this transmission option more accessible to customers.
The TechRoad displays modern exterior styling, exuding a robust off-roader look. This includes 17” Diamond Cut wheels with blue caps and class-leading ground clearance of 210 mm.
The TechRoad’s exterior is enhanced by bespoke badging, black shiny door mirrors and patterned stripping on the side doors, with the new Iron Blue colour bound to be a popular choice. There are prominent silver roof rails and front and rear skid plates that support its adventurer credentials. The chrome trim of the grille, alongside a raised waistline and the powerful C-shaped light signature, complete the more powerful stance.
The new additions also offer a host of state-of-the-art equipment, including on-board GPS navigation and with smartphone mirror compatibility for Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto. Each provides functionality off your phone’s system that runs on your car’s computer interface, allowing drivers and passengers to control music, navigate and communicate by way of voice commands.
The diesel 1.5 dCi 4x2’s engine has outputs of 66 kW and 210 Nm and consumes only 5.1 l/100 km according to Renault. The 6-speed Dual-Clutch EDC automatic gearbox with the same engine boasts a consumption figure of only 4.8 l/100 km.
As is standard across Renault’s entire product range, the new range comes standard with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000 km intervals, and a standard 3-year/45 000 km service plan applies.
Competitors include the Ford EcoSport, Haval H2, Honda BR-V and the Hyundai Venue.
Prices (August 2020):
Duster 1.6 Expression 4x2 (R278 900)
Duster 1.5 dCi TechRoad 4x2 (R316 900)
Duster 1.5 dCi TechRoad EDC 4x2 (R350 900)
Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4x4 (R350 900)
Duster 1.5 dCi Prestige EDC 4x2 (R363 900)
The 2025 Best By Awards, announced by Kelley Blue Book, reflect the rapidly shifting landscape of the automotive market not only in the USA, but also elsewhere.
Kia took the top honours for the second consecutive year when its all-electric compact crossover was named World Car of the Year during the New York International Auto Show in the USA this week.
The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) is strengthening its commitment to the industrialisation and development of Africa’s automotive sector with the establishment of a new regional office in Tunisia.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I always do like seeing other people dance in their cars. It's one of the things that makes me happy.
Ariel Gore
DFSK South Africa has announced the roll-out of the DFSK EC35 Electric Panel Van, an electric vehicle designed to meet the demands of South African businesses while contributing to a greener future, says the manufacturer.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Vito Select, the second Mercedes-Benz van to join the passenger car network in South Africa.
With the all-new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology, the brand with the three-pointed star presents the first fully electric variant of its off-road icon.