Dacia Duster

Dacia's best seller, the Duster has carved out a solid reputation since its appearance in 2010. Accessible with a varied range of engines and finishes, the low-cost SUV has been renewed in 2023 with a more attractive bodywork, a more technological interior and a new hybrid version debuted thanks to a new technical base.

The look and dimensions of the Dacia Duster

The Duster has little to envy to the aesthetics of its higher-class competitors. Inspired by the Bigster concept car, this generation skilfully handles marked shapes: horizontal hood, vertical grille, muscular fenders, high body line, imposing bumpers... The SUV gives an impression of robustness. The bodywork is clad in recycled plastic elements, on the front doors, wheel arches, bumpers and rocker panels? The whole reinforces the adventurous side. The "Y" light signature is taken from the Sandero and Jogger.

There is also a change in size inside with a completely redesigned dashboard. Horizontal, it is slightly oriented towards the driver, a bit like a BMW. As a reference, there are worse things. A 10.1-inch touchscreen sits in the center. Offered from the second trim level (a smartphone holder is standard), it integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions. On the tall versions, a navigation system is integrated into the whole. The traditional needle counters are replaced by a 7-inch digital module on the second trim. As on previous models, hard plastics are legion but the assemblies are serious. As imposing as its predecessor, this generation offers plenty of space and storage. The volume of the boot varies depending on the version (presence of an LPG tank, all-wheel drive or hybridisation). Thus, the minimum volume is 453 dm3 on the LPG model and can climb to 517 dm3 on the two-wheel drive petrol version.

The engines of the Dacia Duster

The third-generation Duster skips diesel. It nevertheless offers a 1.0 ECO-G three-cylinder engine with 100 hp compatible with LPG. This block, offered with a front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox, is supported by another 1.2 TCe 130 hp three-cylinder engine already present under the bonnet of the Renault Austral. Combined with a 48V micro-hybridization, this engine is available in 4x2 and 4x4.

The hybrid version of the Dacia Duster

Thanks to a brand new technical platform, the Duster III benefits from a new non-plug-in hybrid version. Offered on the Clio E-Tech, it combines a 1.6 four-cylinder petrol engine with 94 hp, a 49 hp electric motor and a starter-generator to offer 140 hp combined. As on the city car with the diamond, the whole thing is managed by a 6-speed dog gearbox. A 1.2 kWh battery is added to the whole.