COVER Dacia Duster hits Britain
FIRST UK DRIVE New crossover retains bargain price. Does it still add up in UK?
First UK drive of revamped bargain crossover
WHEN Dacia arrived in the UK in 2012, it stunned the industry with its value-packed new cars. Six years later the recipe is unchanged; the Duster is still the cheapest crossover on sale.
For 2018, the firm’s sole SUV has been updated with fresh styling and kit – yet with a similarly tempting price. But is the Duster the bargain it once was? We’ve driven one in the UK to find out.
The first thing you spot is the new face. While the design is an evolution of the previous car, Dacia insists every panel is new. Tweaks include a wider grille, sharper belt line and a revised rear. The lights have been pushed to the corners to try and emphasise a sportier stance.
At launch, this naturally-aspirated 1.6 petrol model is the only version you can buy. There’s no auto box (yet), but you do get a choice of 4x2 and 4x4 powertrains, plus four trim levels. A diesel-powered version arrives later, while the turbo petrol is due in 2019.
As before, it’s the Access model that steals the headlines with its £9,995 sticker price. Opt for the bog-standard Duster and you’ll do without a radio or climate control – although every car now gets LED DRLS, electric front windows and extra bolstering for the driver’s seat.
Next up is the Duster Essential, which adds a DAB radio and air-con. Prices start from £11,595 and open up an extended colour palette, too. Lots of buyers will opt for the Comfort, however, which brings a colour screen, nav and a parking camera, as well as alloys and cruise control. For just £1,500 more (or £20 per month), it’s the trim we’d go for.
Topping the range is the Duster Prestige, which gets premium features usually reserved for cars costing twice the price. Available from £14,395 (or £189 per month with a 10 per cent deposit), this includes everything from 17-inch diamond-cut wheels to part-leather heated seats.
Safety has been boosted, too. The engineers have raided the Renault parts bin to source blind spot monitoring and curtain airbags, plus a multi-view camera and auto lights. While lots of this is only standard on high-spec cars, the body has been reinforced on all models.
Take a seat and you’ll immediately notice how far the Duster has come since 2012. While it can’t challenge the Germans for perceived quality, the cabin feels built to last. The car is much quieter, too, thanks to the marginally thicker side glass and improved sound
“As before, it’s the Access model that steals the headlines with its £9,995 price”
deadening. The front seat cushions are longer, and there’s more adjustability than before. The dash is functional rather than flash, but the touchscreen feels more responsive than the system you’ll find on the latest Renault Captur.
On the road, the 1.6-litre engine still feels wheezy, but it’s not devoid of character. While you have to work it hard, the compliant and balanced chassis makes the car surprisingly rewarding to drive. It’d be a stretch to call the Duster fun, but plenty of SUVS are less involving.
The new electric power steering is light but quick, and grip is good. While the ride is a bit fidgety at slow speeds, it smooths out on faster roads. Of course, the 4x4 versions are pleasingly adept off road.
Few cars offer as much space at this price. There’s still room for the family, with a big rear bench and two Isofix mounts. The rear seats don’t lie flat, but the 1,623-litre load bay (on 4x2 cars) is bigger than a Volkswagen Golf Estate’s.