Marko Hanželic
Dacia Duster, the Romanian automaker's flagship model, has entered its third generation, which aims to improve on the features that made it so popular in the first place. The subcompact SUV now boasts a more robust appearance like its predecessor, it uses stronger and more sustainable materials, has a more spacious cabin and is now available with electrified powertrains to replace the discontinuation of the diesel engine. Despite these significant updates, Dacia promises that the Duster will deliver at the most affordable prices in its segment, and designates it as "bargain offer".
New Dacia Duster it uses the automaker's latest design language and looks like a smaller version of the concept bigster. The sculpted body features a large amount of plastic trim made from a new material called Starkle (20% recycled polypropylene), while pronounced fenders, boxy wheel arches and oversized skid plates complete the off-road stance. In addition, slimmer and updated light units include Y-shaped LEDs, which is one of Dacia's (and Lamborghini's) hallmarks.
The B-segment SUV measures in length 4,34 m, with a width of 1,81 m and a height of 1,66 m and is 14 cm longer than the previous generation.
Inside, the new Duster is equipped with a digital cockpit that includes 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 10,1-inch infotainment screen. These features are standard on all trims except the base version Essential. An important addition is the Dacia accessory system YouClip, which includes up to five holders located throughout the car. These holders can accommodate smartphones, tablets, storage pouches, cup holders and more.
In addition to improved practicality, Dacia adds that the new generation offers 30 mm more legroom in the back and a wider interior in the front. It has a trunk wider opening and lower bottom, and its volume of 472 l is 6% larger compared to the previous Duster.
Adventurous character the Duster model is highlighted by a wide range of accessories that are part of the Dacia collection InNature. The highlight is the camping-friendly Sleep Pack, originally introduced in the hatchback Jogger and adds a pull-out double bed, tray table and storage in a removable 3-in-1 box.
The all-new Duster is designed to CMF-B architecture, which is now the basis of the entire model range of the Dacia brand and many models of other brands of the Renault group. The new platform should bring improvements in ride quality and comfort, while at the same time it should be compatible with mild hybrids in hybrid powertrains, in addition to the option of a dual-fuel drive (gas/LPG) (the diesel drive has been discontinued).
The most powerful version of the Duster model is the variant Hybrid 140 with a hybrid self-supply system that produces a total of 103 kW (140 hp). The electrified powertrain it shares with Dusters, consists of a naturally aspirated 1,6-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, a multi-mode transmission and a 1,2 kWh battery.
Dacia offers a simpler alternative Duster TCe 130 with a 1,2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine that has a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain and a smaller 0,9 kWh battery. Mild hybrid Duster can do it 96 kW (130 HP) and should deliver 10% lower emissions and fuel consumption compared to a non-electrified engine of the same power. Renault engine it is mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission that sends power to the front or all four wheels.
Optional 4×4 version it has five selectable driving modes (Auto, Snow, Mud / Sand, Off-Road and Eco) and best-in-class ground clearance of 217 mm, which makes the Duster one of the most off-road capable models in the subcompact SUV (B-SUV) segment.
Last but not least, the entry-level Duster is available with 1,0 liter TCe 100 Bi-Fuel engine with a turbocharger that can run on both gasoline and LPG. This configuration allows the SUV to between refueling stops transports up to 1.300 km, if the gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas tanks are full of 50 l each. The LPG tank is located under the floor of the trunk so it doesn't reduce the volume of the luggage compartment (although we suspect it takes up space for the spare tire).
Despite the fact that Dacia is an affordable car manufacturer, approx 70% of buyers choose higher equipment levels. The new Duster aims to cater to both ends of this spectrum with a streamlined offering consisting of four variants. Basic model "Essential” sets the starting price of the line, and comes standard with fixed roof racks, six airbags and rear parking sensors. To a higher class Expression a digital cockpit, 17-inch wheels, a reversing camera and more are included.
Better equipped Journey it has 18-inch wheels, fog lights, automatic climate control, wireless smartphone charger, Media Nav Line infotainment system and Arkamys 3D sound system with 6 speakers. Finally, the showpiece Extreme has modular roof racks, washable TEP upholstery MicroCloud, rubber floor mats, YouClip 3-in-1 system, electric mirrors and copper brown accents.
While Dacia has historically prioritized economy over advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the new Duster now has to meet legal requirements. It therefore offers a range of security features including automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, speed warning, rear parking assist, emergency stop signal, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, warning to the driver's attention, automatic headlights and emergency calls.
Pricing hasn't been revealed yet, but Dacia has promised the Duster will "the most affordable prices in its segment", where he is the director of the company Denis Le Vot stated that the price of the new generation in Europe will start below the 20.000 EUR limit.
Like its predecessor, the SUV will be manufactured at the factory Pitesti in Romania. According to the company, each day it leaves the factory approx 1.000 Dusters, which means that since the premiere of the first generation in 2010, the total production amounted to 2,2 million units.
