Dacia Duster [UK] (2022)

As well as the CO2 reduction, these features have also helped to deliver lower fuel consumption, providing another welcome benefit for customers.

The versatility of the New Duster, for both every day and off-road use, is evident by its high ground clearance of 217 mm on the two-wheel drive version and 214 mm on the 4x4.

INTERIOR

The New Dacia Duster improves the comfort of its occupants with a more inviting cabin. It is equipped with new upholstery, new headrests, and a high centre console with a wide retracting armrest. The New Duster also offers two multimedia systems with a new 8-inch touchscreen.

The upholstery for the seats on the New Duster is 100 per cent new, and the fabric and shape of the enhanced headrests offer improved comfort and support. The new, slim profile of the headrests improves the visibility in the passenger compartment for rear passengers looking to the front and vice versa.

A notable new feature is the inclusion of a high centre console with a wide armrest that retracts 70mm. Available on selected models, it houses a closable, 1.1-litre storage compartment and two USB charging sockets for the rear passengers.

The comprehensive standard equipment includes an onboard computer screen, automatic main beam activation and cruise control and speed limiter with backlit controls on the steering wheel.

Automatic climate control with a digital display, heated front seats and a hands-free card are available on higher specification versions.

TECHNOLOGIES AND SAFETY

The New Duster is available with a choice of two new user-friendly multimedia systems, in addition to Dacia's Plug & Radio audio system that incorporates MP3, USB, Bluetooth® and DAB capability, accessible through the Duster's full complement of backlit steering wheel controls.

Media Display, offered as standard on Comfort models, comprises an 8-inch colour touchscreen mounted within easy reach of the driver, through which can be accessed a host of features including both Android Auto® and Apple CarPlay®. The system also adds a pair of USB ports and six speakers, including two 'boomer' speakers and a pair of front-mounted tweeters.

Prestige models, meanwhile, see a further upgrade to the new Media Nav system. With a full-featured on-board navigation function, the system also offers wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® over Wi-Fi.

Both systems feature an innovative Vehicle tab that can be used to access driving and economy information, while four-wheel-drive versions also offer a 4x4 Monitor to display an altimeter, inclinometer, and a compass. The monitor is also able to display the pitch angle, Hill Start Assist and Adaptive Hill Descent Control data to keep the driver informed during steep descents and climbs. After driving off-road or in the mountains, the 4x4 Monitor displays a summary log of the journey.

The New Dacia Duster extends the use of technology to make drivers' lives easier with a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). All models are fitted with tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control, and Emergency Brake Assist, while Blind Spot Warning - standard on Prestige - warns the driver of a risk of collision during lane changing by flashing a warning light within the door mirror if another vehicle is detected.

Hill Start Assist prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when pulling away on a hill, while Park Assist uses ultrasonic sensors mounted in the rear bumper to detect obstacles while reversing before warning the driver with an audible signal. On selected models, this is joined by a rear camera that displays its output on the central touchscreen, complete with useful guidelines.

Adaptive Hill Descent Control on 4x4 models uses the brakes to automatically regulate the vehicle's speed and prevent it from running away, even in low-traction environments. Operating in first and reverse gears, the system can maintain a driver-configurable speed of between 3mph and 18mph.

Range-topping Prestige models are equipped as standard with Dacia's Multiview camera system. Activated instantly when reverse is engaged or manually via the MVC button, the system uses four cameras mounted around the vehicle to help the driver identify obstacles during parking or in tricky off-road situations.

ENGINES

The New Duster's engine line-up has been comprehensively renewed and now offers a wide range of petrol, diesel, and even Bi-Fuel versions - which features a 50 percent larger LPG tank - plus the choice of an innovative new six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with the TCe 150 engine.

The EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) gearbox delivers the comfort and ease-of-driving of a traditional automatic transmission, combined with the superior fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions associated with a manual gearbox.

By using a pair of clutches, one for the odd gears and another for the even gears, the EDC gearbox can pre-select the next likely ratio and imperceptibly switch between them when the time comes. With no interruption to the flow of power, the result is a smooth and seamless ride for the passengers. In addition, the EDC system constantly ensures the optimal gear for the prevailing conditions has been selected, leading to improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

The New Duster's range of Euro 6D Full-compliant engines comprises three TCe petrol units of 90, 130, and 150hp outputs, all driving the front wheels through either a six-speed manual gearbox or, in the case of the TCe 150, Dacia's new EDC six-speed automatic.

The torquey and efficient Blue dCi 115 diesel, meanwhile, is available with a choice of two- or four-wheel-drive, while the six-speed manual gearbox enables precise control in off-road situations.

The TCe 100 Bi-Fuel features Dacia's proven factory-fitted LPG technology to offer a CO2 reduction of up to 9.5 percent when running on gas, as well as a combined petrol and LPG range of up to 767 miles thanks to its larger tank.

Dacia is the only manufacturer to offer the Bi-Fuel (petrol-LPG) option across its entire range of internal combustion engine models. The length of the manufacturer's warranty, the service intervals, and boot capacity are identical to the petrol-only version. The LPG tank is fitted beneath the floor of the boot, in place of the spare wheel.

Behind the wheel, the switch between fuels is immediate and imperceptible. The new petrol-LPG switch, which is more ergonomic and better integrated, can be operated manually by the driver at any time. The switch to petrol occurs automatically if the LPG tank is empty.

Stop&Start, which automatically turns the engine off when the vehicle is stationary, is standard on all New Duster models and delivers both improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

UK SPECIFICATIONS AND PRICING

The New Duster range epitomises Dacia's no-nonsense approach to delivering quality for the best value, with a straightforward, simple-to-understand model line-up of three trims - Essential, Comfort, and Prestige.

Just two options are available across the range, honouring Dacia's promise to keep things simple: a spare wheel can be added to all Dusters except Bi-Fuel models for £250, while metallic paint - including the striking new Desert Orange - is available across the range for only £595.

Kicking off the range at just £13,995 OTR, the New Duster Essential wears durable 16-inch steel wheels, new Y-shaped LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, and black roof bars, while inside there's a height and reach-adjustable steering column, cruise control with speed limiter, seven-function on-board computer, DAB Radio and manual air conditioning.

Available from £15,495 OTR, Comfort adds 16-inch alloy wheels, black-painted heated and electrically-adjustable door mirrors, body-coloured door handles, front fog lights, and hill descent control. The interior, meanwhile, gains upgraded upholstery, height-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, leather steering wheel, electric rear windows, rear parking sensors with rear camera, and an 8-inch Media Display infotainment system complete with Android Auto® and Apple CarPlay®.

At the top of the range, from £16,695 OTR, the Prestige only adds to New Duster's already generous value-for-money proposition with 17-inch alloy wheels, Grey Quartz door mirrors and roof bars, dark-tinted rear windows, and an acoustic windshield. Building on the Comfort specification, the Prestige goes further with automatic air conditioning, keyless entry, Multiview camera, front parking sensors, blind spot warning system, heated seats, and an 8-inch Media Nav on-board navigation system with wireless smartphone connectivity for Android Auto® and Apple CarPlay®.