Automobile: Renault Duster. Asks: Vladimir Shpakov. Essence of the question: Chevrolet Niva vs Renault Duster, which is better to buy?
Hello. I’m thinking about changing my car, I need a model that is not afraid of city potholes and can go out of town without any problems. I choose between Renault Duster and Niva Chevrolet. The Niva seems to be completely indestructible, which has been proven over the years, but the Duster also has only good reviews, and it’s prettier. What about breakdowns? Which one is cheaper to repair and maintain? Help me decide.
Technical characteristics of Renault Duster and Niva Chevrolet models
Both crossovers are equipped with all-metal monocoque bodies designed to carry 5 people. If we compare the capacity of car interiors, the French competitor has a trunk with a capacity of 408 liters versus 320 liters for the Russian Chevy Niva. The folded row of rear seats increases the advantage of the Duster - the interior capacity is 1570 liters versus 650 for the Chevrolet Niva. A comparison of the dimensions and a number of technical parameters of machines produced in 2022 is shown in the table.
| Parameter | Renault Duster | Niva Chevrolet |
| Body length, mm | 4315 | 4056 |
| Width (excluding rear view mirrors), mm | 1822 | 1800 |
| Height (without crossbars for cargo), mm | 1625 | 1652 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2673 | 2450 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 210 | 200 |
| Fuel tank capacity, l | 50 | 58 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 167-180 | 140 |
The Russian car is equipped with an in-line 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1690 cm³, which develops 80 hp. The engine is built on the basis of a cylinder block from a classic Lada. Due to design improvements, installation of a distributed fuel injection system and a catalytic converter, the unit complies with Euro-5 toxicity standards. The engine is characterized by increased fuel consumption (A-95 gasoline), reaching 13.2 liters per 100 km in urban conditions. When driving on the highway, the parameter drops to 8.2 liters per “hundred”.
The plant produced small batches of cars with a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter Opel Z18XE engine, developing 122 hp. The engine was paired with an original 5-speed Aisin gearbox. The modification was supplied to dealers under the designation FAM-1; in total, about 1 thousand copies were assembled. The car featured improved dynamics, but due to its increased cost it was not popular on the market, which led to the cessation of production in the spring of 2008.
The Renault Duster uses 2 types of naturally aspirated gasoline engines of 1.6 and 2.0 liters and a diesel unit with an adjustable turbocharger.
The power of the 1.6 liter unit is 114 hp, and fuel consumption in the city does not exceed 9.3 liters (version with front wheel drive). The 2.0 liter engine develops 143 hp, the increase in displacement led to an increase in fuel consumption to 11.3 liters per “hundred” (version with automatic transmission). A 1.5-liter diesel unit consumes only 5.9 liters of fuel in urban conditions; when driving on the highway, the value drops to 5.0 liters.
Visual component
If we talk about the American car, then in comparison with the standard Niva it has undergone quite a lot of changes. First of all, it looks much better from a visual point of view. There are a lot more European accents here. The car's interior is designed in a classic style. There's nothing special here.
In the standard version of the car, only everything necessary is installed. The interior is lined with the simplest version of fabric, so in this regard, the domestic counterpart lags significantly behind its foreign counterpart. The dashboard looks quite good, although it clearly lacks quality elements.
Photo of Renault Duster interior
French Renault offered a much more stylish and high-quality version of the car. Very interesting and unusual elements appeared here, such as LED headlights, a high-quality bumper and larger wheels compared to the Niva. The car's interior also looks much more attractive, although in this case there is no particular luxury in the elements.
Both cars really deserve attention, and you should choose only based on your own preferences and taste.
Car comparison
Crossovers are available in several trim levels, which differ in the level of equipment. The French manufacturer provides for the installation of additional elements at an additional cost at the factory. The Russian SUV receives additional devices (for example, a radio or protective screens) at the dealership. The buyer purchases the components on his own, while some dealers install the equipment as a “load”.
When choosing, you should take into account the difference in transmission and control methods. For example, the Niva uses levers, while the Duster uses a rotary washer. There are also differences in the chassis and interior trim. The French crossover has an enlarged base, which made it possible to increase the length of the cabin and free up legroom for the driver and passengers.
By configuration
The standard L modification of the Niva car involves the installation of stamped wheels measuring 15 inches. Standard equipment includes hydraulic power steering, power windows in the front doors and central locking. There is a heating and ventilation system for the cabin with an electric fan, and there are additional air ducts for supplying heated air to the feet of the rear passengers. The cabin has cables for installing a multimedia system, and there is a USB plug for charging phones.
To increase safety, an ABS anti-lock braking system with electronic force correction is installed, and there is an airbag in the steering wheel. In accordance with the requirements of the standard, there is an ERA-GLONASS system that automatically informs emergency services about a traffic accident. The LC modification is distinguished by the installation of air conditioning, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, and 15-inch alloy wheels with a chrome-plated outer surface.
The maximum equipment (LEM version) includes 16-inch wheels and headlights with darkened elements. The car is equipped with a standard security system with a control panel in the ignition key head, a factory multimedia system and front seats with 2-stage heating are installed.
An additional benefit is the front passenger airbag. A camera mounted on the trunk lid makes reversing maneuvers easier in tight spaces.
The basic version of the Duster Access is equipped with an ABS unit with an additional assistance module for emergency speed reduction. The manufacturer has used an airbag in the steering wheel, and the front seat belts are height adjustable. The buyer can order the installation of a multimedia center with a USB port and a Bluetooth controller (a remote control is placed on the steering column).
The list of options includes metallic paint and a protection package that includes steel sheets under the engine, fuel tank and transmission units.
Starting with the LIfe modification, an airbag for the front passenger has been introduced into the basic equipment of the Duster, and the Drive Plus version is equipped with additional side airbags in the seat backs. For an additional fee, the ESP exchange rate stability system is installed (together with a hill-driving assistant and a traction control unit on the drive wheels). The buyer can order the navigation system with an additional rear view camera.
According to the transmission design
Niva cars use permanent all-wheel drive with a center differential equipped with a forced locking mechanism. Torque is transmitted by a 5-speed manual gearbox. To distribute the power flow between the axles, there is a 2-stage gearbox, which contains a differential lock.
Basic versions of the Duster have front-wheel drive, with a 4x4 system available for an additional fee or standard on the Drive and Drive Plus trim levels. The modification with front-wheel drive and a 114-horsepower engine comes with a 5-speed transmission. Versions with a 2.0-liter engine and a diesel engine have a 6-speed gearbox (the 2 highest stages are overdrive), which reduces fuel consumption. Some modifications are equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission with a hydraulic transformer.
Torque on the Duster and ShNiva is transmitted to the front wheels using axle shafts with constant velocity joints.
The box is connected to the rear wheels by a driveshaft, but the Russian car uses an axle, while the French counterpart is equipped with a gearbox mounted on rubber cushions. The output shaft of the gearbox is connected to the drive wheels by axle shafts with elastic couplings that allow the wheels to move within the limits of the suspension travel.
By chassis
The Niva is equipped with an independent front suspension, and a beam with longitudinal links and a stabilizer bar is used at the rear. The suspension design includes coil springs and double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers.
Renault designers used McPherson-type front suspension, the rear wheels are mounted on levers and shock absorbers. On the basic version with front driving wheels, a semi-independent suspension on springs is used at the rear, complemented by hydraulic struts and a transverse stabilizer.
Chevrolet Niva is shod with tires of sizes 205/75R15, 205/70R15 or 215/65R16. The French competitor is equipped with 215/65R16 tires. The braking system of the crossovers includes ventilated front disc mechanisms with a floating caliper; drums are installed at the rear. The hand parking brake acts on the drum brake shoes.
According to the internal arrangement
The cars are equipped with separate front seats, which are adjustable for backrest angle and move forward or backward on a slide. The adjustment range on the Niva does not allow comfortable placement of a driver and passenger taller than 180 cm.
The Duster has more free space; the manufacturer has provided the ability to adjust the height of the driver's seat.
The Duster and Chevy Niva use a rear sofa with headrests, designed for 3 adults. The seat is equipped with a folding mechanism and there are seat belts for all passengers. The backrest is divided into 2 parts in a proportion of 40-60%, which allows you to simultaneously transport a long load and one passenger. The Duster is equipped with roof rails designed to accommodate an external cargo case. Roof rails on the Chevrolet Niva are available only in expensive modifications (together with a tow hook and snorkel).
Cars differ in how they install the spare wheel. On a Russian car, the spare tire hangs on the outside of the trunk door, with a protective plastic cover on top. The driver gets quick access to the spare element, but re-mounting the wheel will require physical effort. In the Duster 4x4, the tire is located in a niche located on the floor of the luggage compartment, and in the 4x2 modification, the wheel is suspended under the body in the rear overhang. Replacing a punctured wheel in slush leads to contamination of the luggage compartment or driver's clothing.
Interior design of renault duster vs chevrolet niva
The interior of the Chevrolet Niva sends ours back to the end of the last century, and this applies not only to the dashboard, but also to the controls located on the central dashboard, including the interior climate control unit.
The quality of finishing materials is frankly low-cost, although the assembly and ergonomics are at a good level, by the standards of the class.
Front passengers are offered good front seats, but the back row of seats is a bit cramped, so it’s preferable to move around with two people.
The luggage compartment volume is only 320 liters in the standard interior layout and 650 liters with the rear seatbacks folded down.
Compared to its opponent, the Renault Duster interior looks more stylish and attractive.
In front of the driver is a well-readable dashboard with a pair of analog dials and a small trip computer screen, as well as a comfortable multifunction steering wheel, which, however, is available in more expensive versions.
In the central part of the dashboard there is a 7-inch entertainment center monitor, as well as a laconic and intuitive microclimate control unit.
Comfortable seats have been prepared for the front passengers, and the second row of seats can easily accommodate three passengers.
The luggage compartment volume of front-wheel drive Dusters is 478 liters, while for all-wheel drive ones this figure is 467 liters. If necessary, by folding the backrests of the rear sofa, the trunk can be increased to 1623 liters, thanks to which the “Frenchman” puts Chevrolet on both shoulder blades.
Cost of cars
The choice of Renault Duster or Chevrolet Niva is also based on cost analysis.
- The basic version of the Duster with front-wheel drive will cost the buyer 719 thousand rubles, the all-wheel drive version will cost 840 thousand rubles. The Russian analogue has a cost of 687 thousand rubles. Dealers offer a discount of up to 85 thousand rubles, but the buyer must take out a loan (with mandatory CASCO insurance) and return the old car under the “trade-in” scheme.
- Duster cars with a 2-liter gasoline engine are priced at 1.007 million rubles, and diesel modifications cost 30 thousand rubles. expensive. The maximum version of Duster is supplied by dealers at a price of 1.153 million rubles, additional options (metallic paint, ESP system, multimedia center and underbody protection) bring the cost to 1.23 million rubles. The top version of the Russian SUV will cost 819 thousand rubles, while the plant does not offer any additional elements.
Ride quality
In tests in the city, Duster shows much better dynamics. 10.7 seconds to 100 kilometers per hour versus 19 for Chevrolet. Also, the Duster suspension handles road unevenness, such as speed bumps, more gently.
The Niva shows the best results off-road. Thanks to the differential lock and shorter wheelbase, it overcomes climbs with a large approach angle. The only drawback may be the need to frequently switch the transfer lever, depending on road conditions.
What is better to choose
If you compare off-road cars, the Russian car gets the advantage. Due to the use of a lower row and permanent all-wheel drive with the ability to lock the center differential, the Niva can move on swampy roads.
On the Duster, torque is transmitted to the rear wheels using a clutch that fixes the slipping of the front axle. Renault's strength is the engine, which has a reserve of power, which is used to overcome obstacles on the road on the move.
For those who like to travel through wetlands, a diesel Duster with a 6-speed gearbox with a short first stage is suitable. But if you frequently use the car off-road, it is recommended to change the oil in the power take-off gearbox to the rear axle, which is prone to overheating. An additional advantage of Renault is the precise operation of the gear shift mechanism - the Chevrolet Niva experiences vibrations while driving, and the shift mechanism needs periodic adjustment.
The cost or availability of spare parts is taken into account when choosing a used crossover.
Please note that parts for Duster are more expensive, and repair work may require special tools or equipment. But the cheapness of parts for the Chevy Niva is “compensated” by the risk of purchasing low-quality products that will break after a few days of use.
A comparison of cars shows that Russian and French crossovers allow you to move around the city and rough terrain. To overcome deep off-road conditions, modifications to the vehicles are required (for example, installing tires with a special tread pattern and increasing ground clearance). Chevrolet Niva has a reduced cost, but the buyer will have to come to terms with the lack of a number of additional options available on the Renault Duster.
Exterior appearance of renault duster and chevrolet niva
Both cars are in the budget class, which, one way or another, is reflected in their appearance.
However, Renault Duster looks much more attractive and modern. However, this is not surprising if we remember that the design of the Chevrolet Niva has remained virtually unchanged since 2002. But let's look at the exterior in more detail.
In 2022, Renault Duster underwent a planned restyling, during which the car received new front and rear optics, a modified false radiator grille and a more stylish plastic body kit.
The crossover profile sports blown wheel arches, a large glass area and roof rails. External dimensions of Renault Duster:
- length – 4.315 m;
- width – 1.822 m;
- height – 1.625 m;
- wheelbase length - 2.673 m.
Compared to the “French” model, the Chevrolet Niva looks a bit boring, and this despite the fact that the SUV underwent its last update in January of this year.
Also interesting: Renault Duster and Chevrolet Niva comparison of cross-country ability video
The “face” of the car is greeted by large head optics, a neat false radiator grille and a laconic front bumper, while the rear flaunts a hinged tailgate and laconic vertically positioned side lights.
The car's profile captivates with large wheel arches and a wide plastic trim that reliably protects the lower part of the side doors from damage. The external dimensions of the domestic “American” have the following parameters:
- length – 4.056 m;
- width – 1.8 m;
- height – 1.652 m;
- wheelbase - 2.45 m.
The Renault Duster's ground clearance is 205 and 210 mm for the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, respectively, but the Chevrolet Niva's ground clearance is noticeably higher - 240 mm, which allows one to count on better geometric cross-country ability.
