We tested the new Dacia Duster, the SUV for everyone

With more than 1.9 million units sold since its launch in 2010, right at the height of the SUV boom, the Dacia Duster has carved out a place for itself in most of the 44 markets where it is sold, becoming Europe’s leading seller to private buyers in its category since 2019. One of its main selling points is that it costs less than rival models in the B segment, offering dimensions very close to those of the next category up, and with the option of versions equipped with all-wheel drive, something that is not very common among competing models.

Four years after the launch of the third generation, it receives a restyling that updates its image and improves its positioning, since it starts from 15,000 euros in the Essential trim, rising to 18,000 euros in the most complete equipment level, called Prestige.

Updated look

The changes made to the Duster are not radical, but the new chrome front grille with ‘Y’-shaped LED daytime running lights, as well as the rear lights stand out. The permanent low-consumption lighting, the redesigned rear spoiler and the 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, which are more aerodynamic, contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 5.8 g/km.

Inside, a left footrest, a front armrest with an internal storage compartment – over one litre capacity – with a sliding lid, new headrests, and two versions of multimedia systems with an 8-inch touchscreen have been fitted. The seat structure is not new, but they now feature firmer foams and new upholstery covers that make them more comfortable for longer hours on board.

In addition to the Radio Plug & Dacia audio equipment (radio, MP3, USB and Bluetooth), the new 8-inch central touchscreen is available in two versions: Media Display, with audio equipment and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and Media Nav, with navigation and wireless smartphone connectivity. Using the steering wheel controls, voice recognition can be activated and functions requested via the iOS or Google assistant on the smartphone.

In the 4×4 versions, the “Vehicle tab” provides information on off-road driving (altimeter, inclinometer, compass, etc.), as well as a rear camera with guide lines and front, rear and side cameras for driving in difficult off-tarmac conditions. It is precisely on this type of terrain that the Dacia Duster 4×4 moves with ease, as it has raised body height and specialised M+S tyres.

The chassis dimensions and suspensions are unchanged, although the steering has received a recalibration of the assistance to offer greater precision and guidance at medium and high speeds. Its off-road figures are very appealing, with a ground clearance of 217 mm in the 4X2 versions and 214 mm in the 4X4; an approach angle of 30°, a breakover angle of 21° and a departure angle of 34° in the 4X2 versions, and 33° in the 4X4.

As for safety systems and driver assistance, in addition to the speed limiter/cruise control with steering wheel controls, optional, it offers various driving aids, such as the active blind spot detector between 30 km/h and 140 km/h, a parking assist system, a hill start assist, adaptive descent control between 5 and 30 km/h on the 4×4 versions, and more.

Mechanical update

The engine range has also been updated, now offering a 6-speed EDC automatic gearbox on the TCe 150 in the Prestige 4X2 version, and the ECO-G 100 6-speed variant now has a 50-litre LPG tank.

The diesel offering is the dCi 115, in 4X2 or 4×4 versions, coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the petrol versions are the TCe 90 and TCe 130 with front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox, plus the aforementioned TCe 150 4X2 with 6-speed EDC automatic gearbox. The all-wheel drive system adds 2,400 euros to the price, while the LPG versions only increase the price by 400 euros. Furthermore, a fuel card worth 300 euros of LPG is included, so the real increase is just 100 euros.

The 100 CV ECO-G version carries the DGT ECO label. When running on LPG, it emits around 9.5% less CO₂ than on petrol and offers a range of 1,235 kilometres thanks to its two tanks, which together hold around 100 litres: 50 litres of petrol and 50 litres of LPG. The usable LPG volume increases by 16.2 litres compared with the previous generation Duster LPG, increasing the range by more than 250 kilometres.

Switching from one fuel to the other is immediate and imperceptible. The driver can manually activate the petrol-LPG switch at any time. The changeover to petrol happens automatically when the LPG tank is empty, and the consumption indicator on the 3.5-inch TFT on-board computer display shows the fuel level in both tanks.

Duster Extreme, new limited series

A limited special series will be launched in 2022, taking over from the 15 ans, Techroad and Black Collector series. It will be offered in six body colours: Glacier White, Pearl Black, Comet Grey, Iron Blue, Arizona Orange and Urban Grey, with orange decorative accents on the exterior (front grille, mirror casings, roof bars, tailgate) and in the interior (air vents, door interiors, centre console).

It will also feature a specific TEP fabric upholstery with orange contrast stitching and exclusive black aluminium alloy wheels. As for equipment, this limited series will be close to the Prestige trim level, with automatic climate control and the Media Nav multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation and wireless connectivity compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The price of this special series has not yet been announced.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadDacia Duster24 versions · from 19,990 €