We take a look back at the Renault H79 project, the one that will become, in 2010, the Dacia Duster. Its first prototypes showed strong inspiration from the Renault 4, which will return to the Renault range in 2025, in a 100% electric version. Rediscovery.
Known internally as code H79, the first generation Duster was initially only to be a vehicle marketed under the Renault badge. It then “passed” to Dacia but Renault Duster 1s were sold on the Russian and South American markets.
Renault 4: the inspiration for the Duster?
Closely derived from the Dacia Logan, the Duster also takes over the cabin and front doors of its short version, the Sandero. The first Duster of the name is a robust and rustic vehicle. A philosophy that clearly evokes that of the Renault 4 launched in 1961. A legitimate kinship which moreover immediately inspired the designers of the Duster, in particular for the treatment of its extremities. On the grille, the parentage could not be more obvious. For the tailgate, it is a little more subtle, however the outline of the lights and their circular pattern texture also recall those of the 4L. In addition, the stampings in the corners testify to the kinship with the illustrious grandmother.
The Renault 4 will be back in 2025
Finally, the dress of the Dacia Duster gradually moved away from that of the 4L. In 2010, Renault had not yet decided to go into retro design. However, in fact, the Romanian adventurer has taken, in the countryside and mountain areas in particular, the place of the legendary Renault 4. It will be back in 2025 in the range in a 100% electric version and in the form of a Crossover-type model. There will also be a utility version on the program: the Renault 4 Express. The two models will share their CMF-B EV base with the R5 and will have a local battery manufactured in Douai by the Sino-Japanese Envision.
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