The Dacia Duster is a success story from the first moment it was marketed. It is the most iconic best-seller of the Renault group brand and its saga continues with the arrival of the third generation.
Everything is new in the Duster that the brand has just presented, starting with its image and the new, modern logo. But, yes, it is still a family SUV with an attractive and convincing relationship between price and value.
Launched in 2010 and renewed for the first time in 2017, it has been recognized with more than 40 awards and more than 2.2 million units have been manufactured. And in 2022, it was the best-selling SUV in Europe. Almost nothing.
The new Duster is manufactured with the Renault group’s CMF-B platform, the same one used for the Dacia Sandero, Logan and Jogger. A more modern platform, which has allowed the introduction of new driving assistance systems (ADAS), improvements in soundproofing and mechanics, new suspensions and, above all, a new range of engines that includes for the first time a hybrid version with 140 HP , with the same technology used in the Jogger.
At the same time, an LPG (liquefied natural gas) version is offered with 100 HP and another gasoline version with a 130 HP TCe engine. And, definitely, the diesel versions disappear. Makes sense? Time will tell. On the other hand, the new SUV is somewhat larger, but with measurements similar to those of the previous model.
Dacia chooses to give a tougher, more off-road character to the new Duster. Thus, the free height is 27.1 centimeters, although the 4×2 version is a little lower, 20.9 centimeters.
It should be noted that its design takes features from the Bigster, a prototype that was presented three years ago and that will arrive in 2025. Shorter than the Bigster, it exhibits the same square shapes, with straight and angular lines.
On the front, the brand’s new identity line stands out, with the new logo and the new daytime running light signature, which is accompanied by other small light strips that start from the headlights towards the ends.
The new model is also distinguished by the rectangular wheel arches, which protect the bodywork a little more. They are made of a material called Starkle, made up of 20 percent recycled plastic. And the entire contour of the body is protected with this material. More design details: the door handles are conventional in the front seats and are hidden in the rear.
Likewise, the 4×4 version has a specific screen with data on body inclination angle, slope angle and torque distribution between axles. And it equips the Terrain Control system with 5 driving modes: Auto, Snow, Mud/sand, off-road and Eco. A button is also added to activate descent control.
New and more spacious, with a dashboard that exudes an air of adventure that combines with current digital screens. And practically everything is centered on the large touch screen.
The new 10-inch screen is larger than the previous one and is in a higher position. And the automatic transmission version incorporates a small lever for comfortable and easy handling. The most complete version of the infotainment system, Media Nav Live, includes navigation.
Another certainly original contribution is the “youclip”, a small square-shaped support located in five areas of the cabin that is used to attach accessories. In addition, a mobile phone holder, hooks, a coaster or an accessory light that can be placed on the trunk lid is included.
Having a new platform, the cabin is more spacious, with good ceiling height for rear occupants. The trunk allows a capacity of 472 liters with the second row occupied in the hybrid version without a spare wheel. The trunk includes bag hooks and a power outlet. And the rear seatbacks can be folded down to obtain significant cargo space.
It remains to be known the official price and the discounts or promotions that Dacia is going to apply. But the product is in line with the previous model and can follow the same path of success.
