What's the difference?
If there ever was a modern BMW that captured the essence of the classic 1602-2002 and pre-Bangle-era 3 Series, it's the 2 Series coupe.
From the lowly 118d diesel to the sublime M2, this model line is the reincarnation of everything that the old 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' company tagline stood for.
Now there's a third-generation 2 Series (if you also count the crisp E82 1 Series of 2007), and right now the M240i is giving off the sort of exciting vibes you might have felt as a teenager looking at a bedroom poster of a 2002ti or 323i.
Does the G42 2 Series deserve to sit alongside such esteemed ancestry? Let's take a deep dive into this most intriguing of BMWs to find out.
The Duster is finally in Australia! Anyway, moving on…
Dated Top Gear reference aside, Renault has just launched its version of the boxy Duster small SUV in Australia.
Badged as a Dacia in Europe, the Renault Duster features different badging, as well as more noise insulation to create a quieter interior.
This is the first new Renault passenger model to launch in Australia for a while now, following the Megane E-Tech electric SUV and updated Arkana ‘coupe’ SUV in 2024.
Balancing a fine line between the bland-looking Subaru Crosstrek and the hardcore Suzuki Jimny, is the Renault Duster worth considering? Read along to find out.
When BMW is on a roll, the world needs to watch out.
And, as our Thundernight metallic-hued M240i so literally demonstrates, its purple patch continues after a string of modern marvels like the latest 4 Series and iX, distilling the essence of compact sports coupe and luxury cruiser with dizzying confidence.
Joining the pantheon of back-catalogue greats like the 2002ti and 330Ci, we're missing it already now that the keys have been returned. Isn't that the true sign of the quintessential BMW experience?
The Renault Duster looks set to put the French carmaker back on the map here in Australia.
While there will likely be general appeal thanks to its cool looks, it holds special appeal for us off-road enthusiasts as a new, cost-affective option that’s filled to the brim with character and charisma.
While it may not be perfect, it also doesn’t matter. In fact, this makes me like the Duster even more.
The manual AWD feels like the purest and most correct way to experience the Duster as it’s so smile-inducing. However, this isn’t to discredit the automatic FWD version as it’s arguably more liveable day-to-day.
Pick your poison. You’re bound to love it no matter which way you go.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.
What is happening with BMW design? It's as if the Germans have run out of ideas.
Though we're eternally grateful it exists, the G42 is the least pretty of the three 1 and 2 Series coupe generations, as well as the most aggressively styled. All the usual macho tropes are present – cab-backward long-bonnet/short boot silhouette with an exaggerated dash-to-axle ratio, huge front air intakes, bulging bonnet and diffuser-heavy rear end.
There's also a beady eyed look to this M240i, with its squinty headlights and angry tail-light shapes further piling on the attitude. It's a far cry from the simple elegance of the E82 original, let alone the classic E30 of the Eighties. We wonder how much extra the M2 version will be when it surfaces later on.
That said, the G42's design is in keeping with something wearing an M-something-something prefix. In the optional purple of our press car, it certainly turns heads. That said, in the Bangle era, BMWs didn't have to rely on paint to do that.
Bangle, by the way, refers to BMW's late '90s/early '00s head designer Chris Bangle, an American with a bold aesthetic, scant regard for tradition and a taste for the controversial. His effect on vehicle styling, starting with the 2001 7 Series, is still felt today.
Dimensionally speaking, comparing the length/width/height/wheelbase measurements of the M240i (4548mm/1838mm/1404mm/2741mm) with a 2000 E46 330Ci (4488mm/1757mm/1369mm/2725mm) shows how today's coupe is palpably larger.
Over the previous (F22) 2 Series, the newcomer is 105mm longer, 64mm wider and 28mm lower; the wheelbase has been stretched by 51mm, while the front and rear tracks are 63mm and 35mm further out, respectively. Result? More space inside for today's lucky occupants.
When you see a Renault Duster parked up or on the road, you’ll instantly be able to tell what it is.
This small SUV is essentially a rebadged Dacia for international markets and the design changes are minimal.
The most noticeable departure is the front grille has ‘Renault’ badging written out instead of a Dacia badge. It’s a departure from any other current Renault model on offer locally and gives the car a tough, unique presence.
There are also Y-shaped LED daytime running lights that look cool and modern.
Depending on the Duster version you opt for, the lower section of the front bumper looks different. All-wheel drive (AWD) versions sit higher to improve the approach angle and ground clearance.
Around the side there’s plenty of plastic cladding to drive home that this is a tough all-terrain machine and not your everyday crossover. I prefer it to the glossy and chrome accents on rival SUVs as it's no-nonsense.
The black body cladding around the wheel arches and along the door sills is recycled and has a fleck throughout it. There’s also a recycled icon near the side mirrors which is a touch too on the nose for my liking.
Towards the rear there are angular haunches that make the Duster look tough, as well as hidden rear door handles on the C-pillar.
At the back there are even more angles that make the Duster stand out. The most obvious is the triangular tail-lights which look funky and cool.
There’s little else to note about the rear design besides a subtle Renault badge and Duster written out on the bottom of the tailgate. I appreciate how clean the rear is because some carmakers can go over the top with badging.
Inside, the Duster defies its budget roots with a high-tech and modern-presenting design. The Y-shaped air vents continue the motif from the headlights, while the 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system is mounted prominently on the dash and is smartly tilted towards the driver.
After spending some time behind the wheel, however, you start to notice a lot of the Duster’s finishes inside are hard, scratchy plastics. It’s most noticeable on the dashboard.
Depending on which version you opt for, the door armrests are also finished in hard plastic. The top-spec Techno gets a softer padding on top, however.
While there is a lot of hard plastics, it’s nowhere near as noticeable as a Suzuki Jimny.
Interior dimensions may not be paramount to most coupe purchasers, but a stylish one with quality fittings and generous equipment levels certainly is, and here the M240i is bang-on brand.
For a compact two door, the M240i is pleasingly accessible. Long doors and a tallish roof help entry/egress, into a 2+2 cabin that obviously prioritises front-seat occupants. And it does that exceedingly well.
There's space to stretch – even if you're two metres tall – up front, as long as the rear seats aren't occupied, as a result of generous leg and shoulder room, while headroom should also be sufficient, even with the sunroof fitted. We're talking about a small coupe, remember, so that's impressive.
Vision out isn't as bad as you might imagine, either, due to the airiness that the elongated side windows provide. There are blind spots, though, with the B-pillar being the worst, but at least the extensive camera and sensor network surrounding the car provide reassuring back-up.
The handsome M Sport front seat option ($2000 extra) look like they mean business, providing all the comfort, support and adjustment most occupants will ever need. They're firm enough when you need them yet restfully supple all the time. Backed up by a multitude of electronics, both buckets will brace people of pretty much all sizes, while the driver has the luxury of two memory settings that also take in mirror positions.
Remember how the new 2 Series comes via Mexico? You'd never know it wasn't built in Germany, from the solid build quality and expensive materials to the extremely welcome absence of squeaks and rattles. No area exposed to the occupants looks or feels cheap.
Also meeting expectations is the dashboard itself, which is essentially a scaled-down replica of every recently released BMW – futuristic and fabulous iX aside – since the current (G20) 3 Series in 2018 broke the Bangle-era curse of disappointing new-millennial models.
If you're hoping for a return to classic analogue instrument dials, forget it. The M240i's instruments are modish electronic items, providing plenty of vehicle and driving data, and supported by an excellent head-up display. Like the switches and buttons, they're easy to fathom, with little familiarisation required.
As we've said repeatedly in other BMW reviews, the iDrive multimedia controller is amongst the best in the business, responding instantly to inputs. The other basics – ventilation, storage, driving position – are also first class. Nothing to complain about here. The company is on a good thing and it's sticking with it.
Accessing the rear seats is aided by electrified front seats that slowly whir forward, to provide a big-enough aperture for your medium-build 178cm tall tester to squeeze in.
Once sat, with legs splayed apart, there's just enough space for another person of similar height and proportions, as well as surprisingly decent levels of vision thanks to the narrow front bucket seats and extended rear glass area, to offset any feelings of claustrophobia.
BMW has also provided several welcome amenities, including face-pointed rear vents with full single-zone temperature control to serve two occupants back there, armrests (with the centre fold-down item also packing in a pair of cupholders), reading lights and coat hooks.
Sadly, however, the rear windows do not retract, and the thick door pillars are fixed, so you cannot enjoy a pillarless hardtop experience. That's what the M4 coupe (and convertible too) is for.
While rear-seat space is adequate, with enough room for shoulders, thighs and feet if the front-seat occupants don't mind raising the cushion a little, the backrest is too upright to be considered comfortable on longer journeys. At least the low cushion is scalloped enough to provide some support, though, again, not over extended periods.
That rear backrest folds, by the way, to a 40/20/40 split, providing access into the 390-litre boot while still able to accommodate a single passenger. The lid opens up and wide, offering up a long, flat and wide space for storage. Along with a 12V outlet and tie-down hooks, you'll find a tyre-repair kit, since no spare wheel is carried.
In terms of practicality, this is one small SUV that punches above its weight.
Up front both the seats are manually adjustable, which is expected at this price point. There’s nothing wrong with this as they still allow you to find your desired seating position.
The entry-level Evolution comes with cloth upholstery which feels nice to touch and allows for decent breathability, whereas the top-spec Techno has a premium textile that almost feels like neoprene (wetsuit material). I’m thankful there’s no leather upholstery option in this car because it wouldn’t suit its character.
Ahead of the driver is a leather-wrapped steering wheel which feels more premium than you’d expect. It feels lovely in the hand and is complimented by the squared-off shape.
Another reason why I like this steering wheel is it offers a generous amount of tilt and reach adjustment. This means people of all different sizes and statures will be able to find a comfortable driving position.
There’s a nice smattering of physical buttons on the steering wheel for critical things like the cruise control and changing the content on the digital instrument cluster, though if you want to change the volume or track, you need to interact with the stubby stalk behind the steering wheel.
This is a classic Renault quirk that’s been in a number of its cars for years. It takes a bit to get your head around, but once you do it’s second nature.
Behind the steering wheel is a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster which looks a little small in its housing. Clear analogue dials for the rev counter and speedometer would have been better and likely more timeless.
As standard, however, there’s a big digital speedometer readout that’s easy to read, as well as a few layout styles and informative pages to cycle through.
I wish the digital rev counter was featured on more of the page layouts and it also had more numbers denoting the rev counter markings, rather than simple lines. This is particularly annoying in the manual.
Moving across, the 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system is clear and bright. It also helps that the native interface is simple and easy to navigate.
There’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the line-up which is fantastic to see and almost expected now. Complimenting this is a standard wireless phone charger at the base of the centre tunnel.
Additionally, if you opt for the Techno, you get a phone mount on the dashboard. I still haven’t decided whether this is helpful or not given there’s already wireless phone mirroring and the phone mount doesn’t provide charge as standard.
Unlike many newer cars, the Duster retains plenty of physical switchgear up front so key functions like the dual-zone climate control and drive modes.
In terms of storage up front there are two cupholders, a handy shelf for stowing things above the wireless charger, a big centre console box, as well as a deep glove box.
Moving to the second row there’s plenty of headroom, though legroom is minimal for adults above (183cm) six feet. You have to remember this is a small SUV so it’s actually not too bad.
The second-row bench seat is laid back, allowing you to get comfortable on longer drives. Two adults can easily fit back there, though pushing it to three would make it squishy.
Second-row amenities include air vents and two USB-C ports. There’s also a special connector on the back of the centre console which allows you to fit a wide range of optional 'YouClip' accessories. These include a cupholder, light or hook.
In the same vein, you can also add a phone or tablet holder to the back of the front-seat headrest. The configurability is to your heart’s content.
A downside of the second row, however, is there’s no fold-down centre armrest. This also means there are no rear cupholders as standard, which is disappointing.
At the back the entire Duster line-up has a manual tailgate, which is fine for the price point.
The boot space itself is decent as there’s no load lip, but if you’re wanting a larger space overall, it’s best to opt for the front-wheel drive (FWD) versions as they have 472L with the rear seats upright. AWD versions, on the other hand, have 358L with the rear seats up.
The Techno 4x2 in particular has a two-tier floor which allows you to stow things underneath the main boot floor, or you can create a partition to stop things moving around.
Boot-related amenities include a light, hooks and a 12V socket. There are also extra YouClip points, including one on the tailgate. This allows you to add extra lights or hooks.
As standard, all Duster variants get a full-size spare wheel, which is fantastic given this type of vehicle may be spending a lot of time out on the open road.
Don't worry. Even though the latest, third-gen 1 Series hatch as well as five-door versions of the 2 Series have sacrilegiously gone all transverse-engined and front-wheel drive on us, BMW knows not to cook the golden goose or poke the bear by retaining the traditional longitudinal/rear-drive set-up for the G42.
For car enthusiasts, that was one of the few pleasant surprises of last year.
Hailing from a new BMW plant in Mexico, the 2 Series coupe comes in two flavours for now: the 220i from $61,900 before on-road costs, and the M240i from $89,900 before ORC. Other grades like a 230i are likely to follow soon.
Both models are decently specified, sharing LED headlights and tail-lights, auto start/stop, paddle shifters, an M Sport Package (including a multifunction steering wheel, selectable driving modes, sports seats and anthracite headliner), M Sport suspension, variable sport steering, 'Hey, BMW' driving assistant, head-up display, auto parking assistance with a surround-view camera, a 12.3-inch instrument display, a 10.2-inch control display, digital radio, wireless smartphone integration, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, emergency services access, three-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, electric heated/folding exterior mirrors, through loading into boot with remote-release backrests, ambient lighting and tyre-repair kit in lieu of a spare wheel.
However, the differences between the two already on sale here are extensive, starting with the M240i gaining a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder (I6) turbocharged petrol engine in lieu of the 220i's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol unit.
There's also all-wheel drive (AWD) for the first time in a 2 Series in Australia, as well as M Sport suspension with adaptive dampers, an M differential, M Sport brakes, body kit, adaptive cruise control with full stop/go functionality, keyless entry/go via BMW Digital Key, electric sunroof, leather instead of Alcantara/artificial leather upholstery, electric front seats with driver's side memory and heaters, adaptive LED headlights with auto high beams, 14-speaker Harman/Kardon surround-sound audio system and 19-inch alloy wheels, among other items, to help justify the extra $28,000.
Standard safety features include six airbags, forward collision warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) front and rear, with front/rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning with passive steer assist, lane keep with active assist, blind spot monitor, 360-degree view cameras, parking assist, parking sensors and road-sign recognition, among other features. More details in the safety section below.
With two-door coupes falling out of favour, four-seater performance rivals to the M240i Coupe include the Ford Mustang GT V8 (from $64,190) and Audi TT S quattro (from $104,500), while there are various two-seater options like the coming Nissan Z (pricing TBC, but the outgoing 370Z kicks off from just $50,490), Toyota Supra (from $87,803) and Porsche 718 Cayman (from $115,900).
Thinking more laterally, the $92,900 Audi RS3 and $99,895 Mercedes-AMG A45 S hyper-hatches are quicker while the Tesla Model 3 Performance Dual Motor sedan from $88,900 will blow the BMW away for performance, so if you don't strictly need coupe style, then the M240i does cop some unexpectedly stiff competition at its price point.
Still, few rivals balance the pricing, packaging, performance and AWD capability with the swagger of our purple coupe, which makes this 2 Series quite a unique value proposition in its own right.
In Australia the 2026 Renault Duster is being offered in two trim levels with two powertrain options.
Pricing starts at $31,990, before on-road costs, for the Duster Evolution 4x2 automatic and extends to $37,990, before on-roads, for the Duster Techno 4x4 manual.
This is competitive pricing for the small SUV segment, especially when you consider the rugged and considerably smaller Suzuki Jimny costs similar.
As standard the Duster Evolution comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, an electric park brake, as well as black and grey cloth upholstery.
Stepping up to the Techno gets you larger 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, privacy glass, modular roof rails, keyless entry and walk-away locking, push-button start, a smartphone holder, as well as black and grey premium textile upholstery.
While the entire Duster line-up has LED low-beam headlights, the high-beams are only halogen, which is a disappointing cost-cutting move.
Despite this, there’s still plenty of standard equipment, even from the base Evolution trim.
If that’s not enough, however, you can further personalise your Duster with a wide range of optional accessories. There are clip-on cupholders, lights, hooks and tablet holders inside, as well as Rhino Rack and Thule accessories outside.
As with all of our current favourite BMWs that aren't electric on full-fledged M cars, the M240i is fitted with a variation of the divine B58 engine – a 2998cc 3.0-litre double overhead cam direct-injection turbo I6. It delivers 285kW at a heady 6500rpm, and 500Nm of torque between a low 1900rpm and 5000rpm.
A kerb weight of 1690kg (200kg more than the 220i equivalent) means the M240i's power to weight ratio is about 169kW/tonne, which may explain why it can manage the 0-100km/h time in 4.3 seconds. V-max is 250km/h.
Power is channelled to all four wheels continuously via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, while the AWD system features a differential to help transmit torque to all four wheels more cleanly.
Controlling all those outputs, the M240i's suspension consists of a two-joint spring strut front and a five‑link rear axle arrangement, with M Sport suspension including variable sport steering, additional front axle struts, M Sport brakes, M Sport differential at the rear axle and adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers.
As noted earlier, the Renault Duster is offered with two different powertrains.
The most affordable option is a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine which produces 113kW of power and 270Nm of torque.
This is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with drive sent to the front wheels only. It’s worth noting this is the same powertrain that propels the Renault Arkana and Captur, as well as certain entry-level Mercedes-Benz models.
Renault claims this version of the Duster can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The second powertrain option is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol with 48V mild-hybrid assistance which produces 96kW and 230Nm.
This is less powerful than the four-cylinder petrol but it’s mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with drive sent through an all-wheel drive system.
Renault claims the AWD Duster can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 11 seconds. That’s not very fast at all…
Claimed top speed for the entire Duster line-up in Australia is 200km/h.
Unfortunately there’s no automatic AWD Duster available globally yet so if you want to maximise your all-terrain capability, you’ll need to opt for this mild-hybrid manual powertrain option.
All versions of the Renault Duster have a braked towing capacity of 1500kg, though it’s worth noting the towball download limit is only 75kg. This could prove to be a hassle if you’ve got a towball-mounted bike rack and you put a hefty e-bike on it as this could easily send it over this threshold.
Over exactly 503km of city, suburban, freeway and performance testing, we managed a credible 9.6 litres per 100km – and that was with the air-con on constantly and regular visits to the 7000rpm rev limiter. No horses were spared in our quest to properly assess this vehicle.
BMW's official combined-average claim for the Euro 6d-rated M240 is 8.0L/100km flat – and 6.6L and 10.3L in the Extra Urban and Urban runs – for a carbon dioxide emissions average of 185 grams/km.
The small fuel tank swallows just 52 litres of E10, 95 or 98 RON (as tested) premium unleaded petrol, meaning an average of 650km between refills is possible.
Renault claims the four-cylinder, FWD Duster consumes 6.5L/100km, whereas the three-cylinder, AWD is claimed to consume 5.7L/100km, both on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle (ADR 81/02).
The former has a 50L fuel tank and requires a minimum of 91 RON regular unleaded petrol, while the latter has a slightly larger 55L fuel tank but requires higher quality 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.
We didn’t get a chance to properly get as-tested fuel consumption figures during this initial first drive, but the FWD Duster has a theoretical range of 770km and the AWD Duster extends that to 965km.
In a word, invigorating.
Stuffing a big old engine in a little-ish car is always an exciting recipe for thrills, and the M240i Coupe does not disappoint.
Press the start button, and the sublime B58 3.0-litre turbo I6 growls into life, setting a rich tone for the level of performance as well as sophistication that's coming.
Even in Eco mode, off-the-line acceleration is stirring, with a hefty shove if you're in a hurry, or a brisk pace if you just long to just take it easy, defined by smooth upshifts from what remains one of the world's greatest-ever automatic transmissions.
That said, Normal is the default operating setting, and here the M240i can take on a Jekyll and Hyde split-personality, that goes well beyond simply possessing a strong throttle response accompanied by a soaring exhaust note. The engine sings sweetly even right up to 7000rpm, while the gearbox is uncanny in its ability to always be in the correct gear, yet will simultaneously hold each ratio in manual mode (via the shifter or paddles) if the driver needs to go hell-for-leather.
Speaking of which, in Sport mode, the 3.0-litre turbo goes into red alert, taking on a louder and more muscular mood, as it roars along with frenetic yet effortless speed. What seems like 90km/h can, in fact, be very much more, and with plenty of extra oomph in reserve.
It's so typical BMW that purists affronted by some of the brand's other niche offerings of late will cry with joy that the art of making a sports coupe has not been lost in Bavaria after all.
And that's before the first turn of that fat little steering wheel. Here the 2 Series Coupe's 3 Series-derived CLAR architecture's DNA is immediately obvious, providing subtle balance and an immersive connection to go with all that bolshy brawn.
The M240i will glide along precisely where pointed, sticking steadfast to the tarmac while cornering at speed without breaking a sweat. That mechanical rear diff helps provide both alacrity and reassuring control. Yes, it remains weighty and planted when punted relentlessly through tight corners, but it's also not as heavy-feeling as before.
Being AWD, there's grip galore to rely on for security, yet the M240i still seems deliberately rear-drive biased in its set-up, so the driver can hang the tail out if wanted with gradual ease in Normal, or with a little more of a sideways flick in Sport. The modes are configurable so the level of engine, steering and suspension responses can be tailored as desired, meaning that in the racy Sport Plus setting, with stability and traction controls on hold, the full oversteer experience is possible if you're game/brave/silly enough.
This car's brilliant performance is also down to incredibly dependable and nuanced braking, adding another layer of driver enjoyment, since it can pull up hard and fast if need be without drama or fuss.
So, it's no surprise to learn that an M-Sport-enhanced BMW can be a deliciously fast and limber along a mountain road.
But the real progress over the old F22 is just how suave and polished the G42 is if you're tired and stressed, isolating its occupants from the rigours of rubbish road surfaces. Kudos to the 'Adaptive M Suspension' and its adaptive dampers for this, for they're standard M240i fare. The resulting cushy ride completely broadens the dynamic bandwidth of this compact sports coupe, making it an everyday commuting proposition.
Ultimately, it's a bit of a struggle to find fault in the 2 Series' drivability and dynamic make-up. The usual Euro luxury car bugbear of too much coarse-chip tyre noise applies, but as this is a sports coupe, that's not such a big deal here. Even wind noise levels are subdued – all the better to drink in that glorious turbo engine wail.
BMW, you got the M240i delightfully right.
Depending on which version of the Duster you opt for, they’re rather different beasts. The most ‘normal’ version is the FWD auto.
This powertrain combination with the 1.3-litre turbo four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic immediately feels familiar if you’ve driven a current Arkana or Captur.
There’s enough power underfoot to get moving along briskly, though you won’t be breaking the land speed record anytime soon. There’s also a wealth of torque allowing the engine to feel like it’s not working hard.
It’s fun to listen to the turbo spool up during moderate acceleration, though the four-cylinder engine note doesn’t necessarily inspire you.
For the most part the seven-speed dual-clutch operates smoothly, though it can get caught out during low-speed manoeuvres. It’s also clearly tuned for economy as it likes to shift up to the next gear quickly.
The AWD Duster, on the other hand, is where the fun and true character of this quirky SUV shines. With the three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and the manual transmission, it’s far from the quickest vehicle out there. It’s faster than a Suzuki Jimny, though.
While progress may be relatively docile, the gruff three-cylinder engine note is addictive. There’s also plenty of torque on tap, so you don’t need to downshift to get things moving.
The manual selector feels chunky in the hand and the clutch biting point is easy to get your head around. Unlike some petrol-powered manual cars, this one’s hard to stall. Even if you do, once you put your foot back on the clutch, the car restarts automatically.
Where the AWD Duster gains extra character points is by having a 48V mild-hybrid system. It doesn’t do anything to drastically alter the driving experience apart from adding a tiny boost to acceleration and extending and smoothing the engine idle stop-start system.
During our launch drive program we had the opportunity to drive the front- and AWD Duster off the beaten path, as well. While you’d expect the latter to be good, the former surprised me in terms of just how far it could go. It’s clear the platform is set up for all-terrain capability, no matter the powertrain configuration.
For added peace of mind off-road, however, the AWD has a higher ground clearance (212mm vs 174mm), as well as a range of terrain modes, including a ‘Lock’ setting that splits torque evenly between the front and rear axles.
The AWD Duster is pretty unstoppable off-road. It’s not quite a Jimny tamer in terms of outright off-road-ability, but I estimate the Duster could do 80 per cent of what a Jimny could do.
While the Duster mightn’t be an outright off-road beast, it well and truly makes it up with on-road finesse. The most noticeable element is the suspension. It feels supple, balanced and controlled no matter the surface. Sure there’s some body roll in the bends, but this isn’t trying to be a sports car.
There are some differences between the front- and AWD Duster when it comes to the rear suspension. The former has a torsion beam set-up, while the latter has a multi-link arrangement. In practice, however, it’s hard to tell any difference between the two.
The steering is direct and on the lighter side which helps with manoeuvrability, though there’s a general lack of feel. It’s considerably better than the Jimny’s vague steering, though.
In terms of parking the Duster has a tight turning circle. Rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are standard in the Evolution, though the Techno adds front and side parking sensors, as well as a surround-view camera.
The camera systems in this car are poor. They’re mushy-looking with poor resolution and horrible colour balance. It’d be great to see higher quality units installed, especially because the multimedia screen is so high-resolution.
Forward visibility from the driver’s seat is fantastic through the rather upright windscreen. You also get a good view of the muscular-looking bonnet.
Side visibility is great, which helps make checking blind spots easier, plus the rear envelope is sizable.
The safety systems in this car are largely easy to live with, though the lane-keep assist can grab at the steering wheel a bit too much on roads with tight lanes or poor lane markings.
Thankfully there’s a button on the dashboard that turns this, and any other safety system that annoys you off, so you can keep on motoring without safety nanny intrusion.
Lastly in terms of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), the Duster is impressively quiet at low speeds. You can even travel at 60-80km/h along gravel roads and in the cabin it sounds like you’re on a sealed surface.
Once you get out on the open road at highway speeds there’s noticeable road and wind noise, but I’ve experienced much worse in small SUV rivals at a similar price point.
There is no ANCAP rating for the BMW G42 M240i Coupe, but over at EuroNCAP, a 2022 220d coupe scored just four out of five stars.
Areas singled out needing improvement include better pedestrians/vulnerable road user protection (especially for cyclists) and a 'marginal' rating for the emergency lane keeping's effectiveness.
Standard safety features includes six airbags (dual frontal, side chest and head-protecting airbags for the first row and side chest protecting airbags for the second row), forward collision warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB, operational from 5km/h to at least 210km/h and with cyclist and night-time operation), front/rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning with passive steer assist (operational from 70km/h), lane keep with active assist, blind spot monitor, driver attention monitor, 360-degree view cameras, parking assist, parking sensors, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, stability control, traction control, corner braking and rain-sensing wipers.
There are also two ISOFIX points as well as two top tethers for straps in the rear seats.
The Renault Duster hasn’t been crash-tested by ANCAP just yet, though the Dacia Duster did receive a three- out of five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2024.
As standard there are six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
Stepping up to the Techno gets you blind-spot monitoring, front and side parking sensors as well as a surround-view camera.
Notably absent from the entire line-up is rear cross-traffic alert, as well as adaptive cruise control. There’s only standard cruise control on offer.
There are two ISOFIX points, as well as three top-tether child seat anchorage points on the rear seat bench.
Trailing all of its main luxury car rivals (except Porsche) by two years, BMW only offers a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, as well as three years of roadside assistance.
BMW says its vehicles' servicing is condition-based, depending on how they're driven and other factors, with a dash warning appearing to let the driver/owner know when it's time. We advise servicing your M4 annually or at every 10,000km
No capped-price servicing system is offered. However, as long as the first one is paid for before the first service on a new vehicle, the 'BMW Service Inclusive Basic packages' is available at extra cost, covering scheduled servicing for three years/40,000km or five years/80,000km. A 2 Series should cost from $1700 for the five-year/80.000km package.
The Renault Duster is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with five years of roadside assistance.
Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 30,000km, which is mainstream for the commercial vehicle segment, but incredibly rare for a regular car. These long intervals are handy for those who travel long distances.
The first five services have capped pricing. All up these cost $2685 for FWD Dusters or $2475 for AWD Dusters. These average out to $537 and $495, respectively, per service.
Alternatively, you can purchase a five-year, pre-paid service plan for $2150 for FWD Dusters or $2100 for AWD Dusters. This is a saving of over $500, depending on the version, compared to pay-as-you-go.