In the Renault group, for almost the same price, you can choose between a top-of-the-range Dacia Duster and a first-price Renault Captur. Turbo writing helps you make up your mind!
Low-cost! Reduced cost, in French: we couldn’t be clearer! It almost sounded like a magic formula, when Renault put Dacia back on track more than 15 years ago. Box guaranteed, for Logan, Sandero, Duster… which are today the champions outside the category of automobile purchasing power! The economic argument, obviously, hits the mark.
The best example is undoubtedly the Dacia Duster! A small SUV capable of transporting the family, with a lot of luggage, at this price it does not exist. 20,000 euros for a fully equipped model, he is alone in the world, well, it all depends on how you see things!
The Renault Captur is its distant cousin, and it is above all the best-selling urban crossover. Dynamic, comfortable and now more technological with this second generation. In short, it is versatile and that is why it is one of the yardstick in the category.
So there is a real dilemma that looks like a class struggle: should we prefer an over-equipped low-cost, or the first prize of its best generalist rival? At the price of a top-of-the-range Duster, you can afford a basic Captur. Unless it’s the other way around!
Two rooms, two atmospheres
€ 19,600is the price of Duster 1.5 dCi 115 hp with all-wheel drive in Prestige finish. It’s almost the most expensive Duster! How much for the Captur? € 20,900 for our TCe 100 hp version with Zen finish (the real entry-level Life starting at € 18,600 is not available for testing). But be careful, it is not necessarily stripped down. What then explains this price difference?
Already the style. The second generation of the Duster has modernized its adventurous look, even if the result remains a little rustic… And more economical! Obviously, the sculpted edges and styling details of the new version of the Captur cost more to manufacture. And we obviously do not talk to you about the high-end Initiale Paris version.
On board too the difference is very clear. From the design of the much more modern dashboard to the materials of much better quality, the Captur proves to his cousin that they do not box in the same category. Not to mention the few storage tips (generous glove box, large side pockets) unavailable on the Duster.
The latter makes up for it thanks to its space on board and its trunk (443 l against 422 l), much larger. From a very practical point of view, the Duster gives a lot more for its money! Penalized by its smaller size (4.23 m against 4.34), the Renault must bow despite its very practical sliding rear seat (and folding 2/3 1/3) on 16 cm.
A generation of gap
On the road too, we had to grab some euros somewhere. Behind the wheel of the Duster, the difference is obvious and this for many reasons. The driving position is more upright in a utility style, the controls are less precise with notably hard pedals and a box that grips and the overall behavior is not very dynamic. Nothing dangerous, rather comfortable even, but a road approval that can be considered as dating from a generation.
On the other hand, he is much more gifted in all ways thanks to its descent aid and its all-wheel drive. Equipment that does not even exist on the Captur! Only, the simpler design of the Duster deprives it of a few modern security systems. Pedestrian detection, keeping in line for example: standard on the Renault side, not available at Dacia.
The Duster Prestige compensates for its safety deficit with comfort equipment such as the reversing camera, automatic air conditioning or even the 7-inch touch screen multimedia system incorporating GPS France. These elements are not supplied as standard on the entry-level Zen and Life levels of the Captur.
By deliberately forcing the line, we could say thatby driving the Captur, you are behind the wheel of a real car! Better held, benefiting from a more precise direction, its vocation is clearly more road. It will also flatter the driver more with a much finer road feel.
