Comparison of LADA Vesta SW Cross and Renault Duster

With the launch of the domestic sedan Lada Vesta on the market, many foreign-made models unexpectedly had a serious competitor, which immediately became the leader in sales. The car attracted increased attention and became the pride of the Russian car industry, and over time it began to appear in other guises. The most successful variant in the model range is the modification of the LADA Vesta car in the station wagon body with the corresponding prefix to the name SW Cross and crossover habits. In a sense, the appearance of the car shook the position of the most popular car in Russia, Renault Duster, which has not left the podium over the past few years. Many Russian motorists seriously began to think about whether to buy a new Vesta SV Cross instead of Duster, which has long won a strong position in the Russian market due to its excellent cross-country performance and more.

Comparing these models is a little strange, since at first glance they have very little in common, but the dilemma of LADA Vesta SW Cross or Renault Duster arises not so rarely, provoking serious battles on the network. Although Vesta SV Cross belongs to compact small cars and is equipped with front-wheel drive, this does not prevent it from having a crossover character, so this fact makes many people think about buying a LADA Vesta SW Cross. Renault Duster, in the version with all-wheel drive, demonstrates the confident character of an SUV, which is very important in Russian operating conditions. Due to the climatic and road conditions for cars with good cross-country ability in our country, the demand is great, especially if the car is in an affordable price segment. Both the Vesta SW Cross and Renault Duster are the best fit in this regard, so a comparison of the characteristics of the models will allow you to decide on the choice of a car.

Technical features of the models

The domestic model in the station wagon and the VestaSWCross cross-country version has the most important plus - a large ground clearance, its height is 203 mm. Not every modern crossover can boast of such a clearance, but Vesta SV Cross is not one of those. A car with a front engine also received reliable metal protection for the unit and the engine compartment, so important components are protected when driving off-road, the overhangs are moderate, so the geometric cross-country ability is also good. The body is quite rigid, and around the perimeter it is covered with a durable plastic body kit that protects the paintwork from damage. Front suspension Vesta SW Cross independent MacPherson type, on springs, rear - semi-independent, spring.

The most popular SUV in Russia Renault Duster, built on the B0 platform (frameless chassis), is maximally adapted to the difficult operating conditions in our country. It has an impressive ground clearance of 210 mm, durable suspension, short overhangs and large obstacle clearance angles, and important components and assemblies are under reliable metal protection, in addition, the Duster of the Russian version is equipped with a generator and a battery of greater power, so that obstacles prepared by domestic roads and off-road crossover are not afraid. Renault Duster can be equipped with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the layout in any of the options is front-engine. The front suspension of the car is independent of the MacPherson type, the rear, depending on the type of drive, has a different design, in the variation with the 4X2 drive it is a semi-independent frame, and for the 4X4 drive it is an independent suspension.

Appearance

The exterior of all LADA Vesta variations is impressive, but the Vesta SW Cross with increased ground clearance, on 17-inch wheels and with a plastic body kit on the lower part of the bright body, emphasizing the expression in the model's appearance, is simply a masterpiece. The ultra-modern style of the car is not inferior to well-known foreign cars, and this is the merit of the famous designer Steve Mattin, who worked for Mercedes-Benz and Volvo before Auto VAZ. The new model Vesta SV Cross really looks in the best light against the background of Duster, which does not differ in such a bright and original appearance.

With all its appearance, Renault Duster demonstrates its off-road qualities, while it is not too aggressive and fits perfectly into the urban environment. The crossover in the new design is still the same brutal and stylish car, its exterior has been supplemented with running lights, the hood has been updated with reliefs, the radiator grille has acquired a beautiful edging, the bumpers have changed the shape, and the head optics are now trimmed with LED strips. In general, Renault Duster is still recognizable, but the "cosmetic procedures" went to the benefit of the model.

Salon and trunk

The domestic manufacturer also surprised by the implementation of the Vesta SW Cross interior in the European style. There is everything that can be required from a car of this class, and even more - stylish design, well-thought-out ergonomics, high-quality finishing materials and, finally, a large number of modern options. The interior trim of LADA Vesta SW Cross continues the exterior style, emphasizing the character of the model; it can be made with bright orange inserts or, in a more restrained version, with gray inserts. In the presence of a stylish and informative dashboard, a multimedia system with navigation, a 7-inch color touch screen, as well as a climate control system, power windows for front and rear doors, as well as heating of the fifth points of the driver and passengers. The domestic manufacturer decided not to stop there, having implemented LED interior lighting in the Vesta SW Cross, as well as lighting in the front doors, which can be found in premium cars. The luggage compartment of the station wagon is 480 liters, when the seats are folded, the cargo space increases to 825 liters.

The interior of the Renault Duster is designed in a more restrained manner, no frills. The interior of the model is quite spacious, functional and ergonomic. Duster received new equipment, steering wheel and updated seat upholstery. In the updated version of the crossover, the dashboard pleases with a more convenient arrangement of controls and readability in any light. The design of the seats has also been improved, programmable deformation zones have been added, which significantly increases safety in the event of an emergency. In addition, Renault Duster now has a new audio and multimedia system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play support.

The volume of the luggage compartment of Renault Duster holds up to 475 liters, if desired, it can be increased to 1636 liters. by folding the rear row seats, the transformational capabilities of the cabin allow you to transport oversized cargo.

Engines and transmissions

Choosing between two cars, Lada Vesta SV Cross or Renault Duster, you should consider what power plants are intended by manufacturers for these models.

For the domestic model LADA Vesta SW Cross, two variants of gasoline engines are available:

• 16-valve unit with a volume of 1.6 liters, with a capacity of 106 horsepower and a torque of 148 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
• 16-valve 1.8-liter engine with 122 horses with a torque of 170 Nm, working with a 5-speed manual transmission or a robotic gearbox.

In the Renault Duster crossover, the engine lineup consists of the following options:

• A 1.6-liter 16-valve gasoline engine with a capacity of 114 liters. from. and a torque of 156 Nm.
• Gasoline 16-valve 2-liter aspirated with a capacity of 143 liters. and a torque of 195 Nm.
• Diesel 8-valve with a volume of 1.5 liters and a capacity of 109 liters. and a torque of 240 Nm.

All Renault Duster engines are paired with a 5 or 6-speed manual transmission, and an automatic transmission is also provided for the 2-liter unit.

Dynamics and fuel consumption

Continuing the comparison of Vesta SV Cross and Renault Duster cars, we will consider the dynamic characteristics of the models, as well as fuel consumption.

Gasoline engines Vesta SW Cross with a volume of 1.6 liters. and 1.8 liters. up to a hundred are accelerated in 12.6 and 11.2 (13.3 with a 5AMT transmission) seconds, the maximum speed is 178 and 180 km / h, respectively. Fuel consumption in mixed mode from 7.5 to 7.9 liters per 100 km.

The 1.6-liter Renault Duster engine accelerates the car to a hundred in 10.9 seconds, the maximum speed is 167 km / h, and in the 4X4 version - in 12.5 seconds, the maximum speed is 166 km / h, in a mixed rhythm 2 , 4 and 7.6 liters. (for all-wheel drive Duster) fuel per 100 km. The two-liter unit accelerates the crossover in 10.3 (with manual transmission) and 11.5 seconds (with automatic transmission), the maximum speed is 180 and 174 km / h, the mixed consumption is 7.8 liters. and 8.7 liters. respectively. Renault Duster, equipped with a diesel engine, accelerates to a hundred in 13.2 seconds and is capable of picking up speed up to 167 km / h, fuel consumption - 5.3 liters. in mixed mode.

Controllability and security

Considering what is better to buy, Renault Duster or Vesta SV Cross, you should also pay attention to such important characteristics of models as handling and safety.

The Vesta SW Cross model has a fairly stiff suspension and is distinguished by comfortable handling, allowing you to easily maneuver on narrow streets, the car rolls slightly. Stable behavior and high cross-country ability, even despite the front-wheel drive of Vesta SV Cross, allow you to operate a car both on a smooth asphalt surface, and on primers or broken asphalt, while the unevenness of the road does not give to the steering wheel, the grip is good. The anti-lock braking system ABS and the electronic brake force distribution system will also come to the aid of the driver when sliding. The safety of the domestic model Vesta SW Crossо is ensured by a solid body structure, under which an intelligent safety complex is also hidden, permanently connected, and, of course, by numerous means of active and passive protection. There are, including front and side airbags (first used by Auto VAZ on Vesta), as well as the ISOFIX system for attaching child seats.

The Renault Duster crossover with a comfortable suspension and the capabilities of a real SUV also has good handling. He purposefully follows a given course and copes well with road surfaces of varying complexity, as well as in the absence of such, gently and confidently overcoming various obstacles. In addition to the design features that ensure the off-road character of the Duster, the driver's assistance systems are guarding the driving comfort and safety - the stability control system, assistance when starting off on an uphill, assistance in emergency braking, electronic brake force distribution, anti-lock braking system, etc. Parking sensors together with a rear view camera make it easier to maneuver in a confined space, they will come in handy for novice drivers. Among the passive safety elements, there are also front and side airbags, the ISOFIX system for protecting the smallest passengers of the Renault Duster.

Service cost

Owning any of these cars will cost you inexpensively, both models are distinguished by unpretentiousness, reliability and maintainability. But if we compare the Lada Vesta SV Cross station wagon with the Renault Duster crossover, then the service of the former will be cheaper. After all, LADA Vesta SW Cross is a domestic car, the cost of maintenance is lower for it, and spare parts are always available, the price of which is also low. Of course, Renault Duster will not cause unnecessary trouble either, but if the price tag for spare parts is affordable, then the cost of installation work will be much higher.

Price of all configurations

The LADA Vesta SW Cross model is offered in 10 body colors and 11 trim levels:

For the Renault Duster model, 17 color options are offered, and the range of trim levels is much more solid:

* Prices for configurations are indicated without discounts and special offers from LADA and Renault dealers, as well as excluding the cost of additional equipment.

Which car to give preference to

I must say that the alliance with Renault-Nissan has definitely benefited Auto VAZ - this is very noticeable from the latest creations of the manufacturer, and Vesta SW Cross among them. Choosing from two models, which is better to buy, Renault Duster or Vesta SV Cross, the motorist must first of all take into account his own needs. Both cars are in the same price segment, while Renault Duster has gained its army of fans on the market over the years, and Vesta SV Cross has just begun its journey, albeit very effectively. The French Renault Duster is still a crossover with the confident character of a real SUV and better off-road performance than a station wagon, albeit with such an impressive ground clearance. For operation in a city, purchasing a Vesta SW Cross will be an excellent option, and a high ground clearance is needed, even if at least sometimes you drive off the asphalt, although it is useful in a city with curbs not according to GOST, numerous “speed bumps” and other obstacles. The only thing missing in Vesta SV Cross is all-wheel drive. Perhaps it will be implemented later, because the characteristics of the model would well allow for this, but in this case, the car will significantly rise in price.