Here’s the robust new Dacia Duster - coming fresh with a style overhaul and a host of driver assistance systems.
When it comes to that sweet spot where affordability meets capability, there are few vehicles on the road that can hold a candle to the Dacia Duster.
Dacia itself calls the Duster ‘shockingly affordable’. And since it went on sale in Europe back in 2010, more than 1.9 million models have been sold.
It’s not hard to see the appeal - you get all the benefits of an SUV, including 4x4 if you want it, for the price of a small city car.
And with this new incarnation, the Duster looks more than decent, particularly in its new ‘Desert Orange’ paint job.
Let’s start with the exterior.
Dacia talks about a new ‘contemporary design’ which also improves the Duster’s aerodynamics, thus boosting fuel efficiency.
There’s a different front end, complete with new light units, and a 3D chromed radiator grille. The new Duster is also the first Dacia model to be equipped with front LED direction indicators.
Meanwhile there’s also a subtle new rear spoiler that actually allows a reduction of up to 5.8g of CO2 on the 4x4 version of the New Duster.
Dacia also promises a more ‘inviting cabin’, equipped with new upholstery, new headrests, and a high centre console with a wide retracting armrest. The New Duster also offers two multimedia systems with a new 8-inch touchscreen.
The comprehensive standard equipment includes an onboard computer screen, automatic main beam activation and cruise control and speed limiter with backlit controls on the steering wheel.
Automatic climate control with a digital display, heated front seats and a hands-free card are available on higher specification versions.
And if you opt for a four-wheel drive Dacia - 2WD versions are also available - the 4x4 Monitor displays an altimeter, inclinometer, and compass information.
The Duster’s engine range has also been completely overhauled, with a focus on reducing CO2 emissions. There are diesel, petrol and ‘BiFuel’ petrol-LPG powertrains available.
But the pick of the bunch must be the TCe 150 PS petrol, which is mated to an automatic EDC gearbox that reduces the rotation of the engine by ensuring the vehicle is in the highest gear possible for a given speed, thus controlling fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The Bi-Fuel powertrain is also interesting - when running on LPG, the Duster emits on average 9.5 per cent less CO2 than an equivalent petrol engine, while the twin petrol-LPG tanks offer a combined range of 767 miles.
Perhaps most important are the new driver assistance and safety gadgets on board the Duster.
In addition to the cruise control and speed limiter, the new Duster is equipped with the latest-generation ESC as standard. Other systems available include Blind Spot Warning, Park assist, Hill Start Assist, Adaptive Hill Descent Control (4x4 version), and Multiview camera.
Luke Broad, Head of Sales, Dacia UK said:
“The New Dacia Duster is the perfect example of delivering the best-value-for-money without compromising on quality. The New Duster is a sporty, all-terrain vehicle which continues to make the SUV accessible for consumers. It now comes with even more advanced technology, features, style, enhanced driving pleasure and efficiency. Duster’s winning formula has made sure it has led its class in Europe’s SUV market since 2019, and with the New Duster and its unmatched combination of exceptional reliability, comfort and price, we only expect this to accelerate.”
The new Dacia Duster is available to order from late Summer.
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