The new Dacia Duster is set to arrive in November, starting at a price of £18,745. This makes it one of the cheapest SUVs available in the UK and a great bargain for consumers. The base level Expression trim comes with a 99bhp four-cylinder Bi-Fuel (petrol/LPG) engine, which allows the Duster to travel around 800 miles without needing to refuel, according to official tests.
The previous model’s entry-level 88bhp three-cylinder turbo petrol has been discontinued, along with the diesel options. Dacia has instead introduced hybrid powertrains for the first time in the Duster, made possible by its transition to the CMF-B platform, also used by the Nissan Juke. This move has improved the Duster’s practicality, refinement, and dynamics without compromising its compact size.
There are two electrified powertrains available: the mild-hybrid set-up, priced from £21,245, includes a 1.2-litre turbo petrol triple, a 48V electric motor, and a 0.9kWh battery. This variant is also available with a four-wheel drive system, which operates similarly to the previous Duster. The Duster now features hill descent control, 8mm more ground clearance than front-wheel-drive models, and impressive approach and departure angles of 31 and 36 degrees, respectively.
The headlining model in the new Duster range is the Hybrid 140, priced from £24,245. It combines a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 138bhp. The Duster’s 1.2kWh battery can be charged through regenerative braking and allows for 80% of city driving to be completed on electricity alone.
In terms of design, the new Duster reflects the significant styling change seen in the 2021 Bigster concept. It features wide haunches and Y-shaped lighting signatures, giving it a more modern and aggressive appearance. The Duster’s underbody, wheel-arch, and bumper claddings are made from Starkle, a durable plastic composed of up to 20% recycled material. Dacia has made efforts to increase the use of recycled plastics in the new Duster, with around 20% of the plastics being recycled.
Inside, the Duster offers a durability-focused interior with a color-contrasting dashboard panel and a chunky steering wheel equipped with physical buttons. The car’s software can be updated over the air, eliminating the need to visit a dealer for bug fixes and new functions. The boot space has also been increased to 472 liters, surpassing competitors like the Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq.
Dacia has introduced a new accessory system called Youclip with the Duster. It consists of square-shaped mounts throughout the car capable of withstanding around 8kg of force. These mounts can be used to attach various accessories such as a tablet stand, cupholder, bag hook, induction-charging phone holder, and portable torch. Dacia expects owners to start 3D-printing their own accessories in the future.
In conclusion, the new Dacia Duster offers an affordable and practical SUV option for consumers. With its hybrid powertrains, updated design, and increased use of recycled materials, it provides a compelling choice in the market. The Duster’s versatility and durability-focused interior further enhance its appeal.
