Driving the New Dacia Duster: A Budget-Friendly SUV
Introduction
The Dacia Duster has dominated Europe’s budget-friendly small SUV market for over 13 years, with 2.4 million sales to its name. The third-generation Duster, released earlier this year, offers a combination of rugged styling and a spacious cabin. With a starting price of under €20k, it continues to be an affordable option for SUV enthusiasts.
Exterior Design
The new Duster showcases its rugged charm with a boxier profile, chiseled fenders, and an abundance of plastic cladding (20% recycled). It features modern LED lights and boasts class-leading ground clearance of up to 217 mm (8.5 inches).
Interior and Features
The Duster’s interior is roomy and offers a starting price of under €20k. However, there may be some trade-offs in terms of material quality and safety features. The five-seater SUV provides 30 mm (1.2 inches) more rear legroom compared to its predecessor and has a spacious boot with a capacity of 472 liters (16.7 cubic feet).
Powertrain and Performance
The Duster is available with various powertrain options, including mild-hybrid and full-hybrid variants. However, the press car we tested was equipped with the ICE-only Eco-G engine. This turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine generates 99 hp (74 kW / 100 PS) and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The Eco-G engine runs on gasoline and LPG, providing a combined range of up to 1,300 km (808 miles) between refueling stops.
Platform and Dimensions
The new Duster is built on the modern CMF-B architecture, replacing the old B0 underpinnings. It stretches to 4,343 mm (171 inches) in length, making it one of the larger SUVs in the sub-compact segment. The Duster’s platform is shared with other small hatchbacks and SUVs from the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance.
Conclusion
Over the next few days, we will be thoroughly testing the Dacia Duster on various terrains to assess its performance and improvements compared to its predecessors. If you have any questions about the Romanian SUV with the French heart, feel free to reach out to us.
