Renault Australia is betting on increased stock availability to boost Duster sales, even as rival Suzuki sees strong demand for its recently refreshed Jimny. Despite launching in mid-2025, the Duster has seen modest sales with only 302 units delivered in the past eight months, lagging behind Renault’s van lineup and the popular Jimny.
Jimny Dominates Despite Supply Issues
The Suzuki Jimny has already sold 1,207 units in 2026 alone, including roughly 600 pre-orders for the three-door model after a near year-long hiatus. This demonstrates the Jimny’s sustained appeal, even with limited supply. The Duster, by comparison, has yet to make a significant impact on the market.
Renault’s Strategy: More Stock, More Variants
Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey states that the arrival of additional Duster stock, including previously unavailable variants like the Techno 4×4, should drive sales upwards. Demand for both the 4×4 and the 4×2 models is growing as more vehicles become available.
“When we launched Duster, we were short on stock, and we said that; we didn’t think we’d get stock until this year,” Sealey said.
Regulatory Challenges: The NVES Factor
However, Renault faces an additional hurdle: Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Scheme (NVES). The scheme penalizes manufacturers for exceeding strict CO2 emission limits. The Duster emits 129g/km of CO2, slightly higher than the current NVES target of 117g/km, potentially limiting future sales volumes. Suzuki also acknowledges the pressure from NVES but remains committed to affordability with hybrid and EV models.
Price Competition and Vehicle Differences
Both vehicles are similarly priced, with the Duster ranging from $31,990 to $37,990 and the Jimny from $31,990 to $37,490 before on-road costs. However, the two SUVs differ fundamentally in construction: the Duster uses a unibody design while the Jimny is a more traditional body-on-frame off-roader. The Jimny’s price has increased by $8,000 since its 2019 launch, driven by specification updates.
Can the Duster Catch Up?
Whether the Duster can significantly challenge the Jimny’s sales remains uncertain. Renault is relying on increased stock and appealing variants, but the Jimny’s established popularity and Suzuki’s commitment to affordability present a formidable obstacle. The impact of NVES regulations could further complicate the competitive landscape.
