Duster or Arkana - are the differences worth the money spent?

It's no secret that both popular crossovers from Renault - Duster and Arkana - are in many ways the same candy, but wrapped in different candy wrappers. Renault has long been zen in terms of savings, because the entire Russian model range is made on the basis of one platform with some changes from one car to another. Are the Duster and Arkana really almost the same, or is the difference, including the price, worth the money spent? Let's figure it out.

Platform

Both cars are based on the Global Access platform, which in turn is based on the Renault Logan B0. Both Duster and Arkana use the same engines and transmission, and for this reason alone it is impossible to immediately and unambiguously say which of the cars is better.

Renault Arkana was the first to “climb” on the chassis mentioned above, to be more precise, this happened in 2019. Simultaneously with the platform, the 150-liter TCe 1,3 turbocharged engine developed jointly with Mercedes-Benz was born. The second generation Duster entered the Russian market relatively recently, only in the spring of 2021. And now the most interesting thing: the “new” for Russia Duster has been sold in Europe for the fourth year under a different brand - Dacia. It was from there that the second-generation car became a “donor” for the Russian-made Arkana.



It should be noted that the Arcana crafting platform has been heavily redesigned. More than 55% of all chassis elements are new parts. The French made the car body more rigid and safer, replaced the hydraulic power steering with an electric one, and redesigned the suspension. Despite the fact that the same good old subframe is installed at the back, all elastic elements are updated, and the manufacturer increased the stiffness of the stabilizer not by a fraction of a percent, but by 50%.

Design

Here, many will agree that Arkana looks much more stylish and modern in comparison with its opponent. At the back, the car looks like a BMW X6, and the profile looks more interesting than that of Duster, who has already managed to get a little fed up with many.

As for the “internal”, according to the reviews of the owners, we can conclude that the Arkana model is furnished inside more modern and comfortable. It surpasses the competitor in the convenience of seats with heating buttons on the center console, and not somewhere in the nooks and crannies, as well as the presence of a steering wheel adjustable for reach in a wide range. In addition to the design, there are as many as eight color shades of interior lighting to choose from. The configuration and technical equipment of the Arcana are more interesting in comparison with the Duster, for which many options are not available in principle.

Engines

The range of engines for the Duster is much wider than for the Arcana - five options against two. But the most interesting 150 horsepower turbo engine is available to both cars. Arkana this engine comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission, which is one of the best options for measured city driving. Duster, as a more off-road car, can be equipped with a manual gearbox with a super-short first stage. This is 100% exclusive, which is basically inaccessible to the opponent.

An important criterion for comparison is the "voracity" of the engine. In this regard, Arkana outperforms its rival, and significantly. She needs about 7,5-8 liters in highway driving mode, while Duster requires at least 10 liters per 100 kilometers. Because of this, you will have to visit gas stations much more often, which is not the best way for comfort on a long trip.

Drive unit

As we understood, both cars have the same all-wheel drive system. The gearbox on the Duster and Arkana machines is equipped with an integrated transfer mechanism. In the event that the wheels begin to slip, it transmits torque to the rear gearbox equipped with a GKN clutch. There are no complaints about Renault here - the unit has been used on cars for more than a year, it is distinguished by reliability and durability. Why clean something up if it does its job just fine?

Roominess

The Arkana model has a lower transmission tunnel, due to which the interior seems, albeit a little, but still more spacious. In terms of luggage compartment volume, the compared options are practically the same - 408 liters for the Duster and only one liter more for the Arcana. But rear seat passengers will immediately notice the difference: the Arkana model has more room in the back.

Off road

Here the undisputed champion is Duster. Including in his favor plays a 5 mm larger clearance between the bottom of the car and the road. Additional convenience when overcoming obstacles is created by short overhangs and truncated crossover bumpers. Thanks to this, driving into obstacles, as well as leaving them, turns out to be much more accurate, without the risk of damaging body parts, and getting for repairs.



Arkana for off-road driving is much less suitable in comparison with the Duster. Moreover, few people, in principle, will think about driving this car through forests, fields and other types of rough terrain. It's a shame to "spoil" such beauty. If you still take a chance, then you can stay in the first hole - a continuously variable transmission will not help you get out of the trap.

What are the prices?

You can already guess that Arkana costs a little more compared to its competitor, and this is actually the case. The price of the basic Life specification starts from 1 rubles, and the top-end Pulse starts from 306 rubles. At the same time, for the new Duster in the basic version of Access, you have to pay almost 000 rubles less, namely from 1 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

It's time to move on to the results. Renault Duster attracts attention with its excellent off-road capability, large choice of engines and low price relative to its competitor. As for the minuses, in terms of smoothness, the car is clearly inferior to the Arkana model. We draw a logical conclusion: Duster is for those who like to drive on bad roads without a fanatical passion for comfort. Do you need to get to your destination at any cost, albeit overcoming the shaking and vibrations of the cabin? Duster will take you to the right place without any problems, but be prepared for some discomfort.



Renault Arkana significantly outperforms its opponent both in smoothness and in the quality of the electric power steering. Still, new shock absorbers and springs, combined with an increased wheelbase and stiffer stabilizers, make themselves felt in a good sense of the word. On a flat track, on a country and bumpy road, Arkana rides stably, without strong shaking. All this is complemented by a very smooth operation of the steering wheel - it is a pleasure to turn it compared to the "oak" steering wheel on the same Duster.

Conclusion

So, if you need a comfortable and economical car primarily for urban use, the clear choice is Renault Arcana. If you plan to periodically or even with enviable regularity go off-road, for example, fishing or traveling to corners remote from civilization, take a more passable Duster. Thus, the final choice comes down to the purpose for which you need a car. Take a break from that.