Bargain appeal

Since its launch back in 2010, the Dacia Duster has been making something of a name for itself as a bargain basement compact SUV as Simon Davis reports

For the 2017 model year, the Romanian manufacturer has added a top-of-the-line trim level – known as Prestige – as well as the new 1.2-litre, turbocharged fourcylinder petrol engine, which we tested on our mid-range Laureate-specification car. LOOKS AND IMAGE The Dacia Duster has always been a very utilitarian-looking car. Its no-nonsense exterior is devoid of any chintzy detailing or over-the-top styling. While this might sound like a recipe for a dull-looking car, in reality the opposite is true. The Duster is a handsome thing, and a handful of very subtle updates on the 2017 model year version, such as squarer headlights and a revised front bumper, help keep the car looking fresh. NEW FOR 2107 Dacia has also introduced some optional styling features to the Duster range that will allow customers to add that little bit extra. These include 16-in Tyrol alloys, a Pennine Green paint scheme and part-leather upholstery. All the surfaces are either plastic or soft-touch plastic, but then you wouldn’t expect luxurious materials in a car that costs as little as £9,495. SPACE AND PRACTICALITY The Dacia Duster offers all the space an average-sized family really needs. There are five seats, plenty of headroom, a decent amount of legroom in the back and a 475-litre boot. With the rear seats folded down, cargo space in the boot is increased to 1,636 litres. Thanks to a low boot lip, loading and unloading those heavier items in and out of the Duster is made easy. Children will find the three rear seats more than comfortable enough on those longer journeys. BEHIND THE WHEEL Surprisingly for a car that is so basic, the Duster composes itself well. It does have heavy steering and the controls don’t provide a good level of feedback but through the corners there isn’t a huge amount of lean and its handling feels predictable. It rides well over bumps and is comfortable at motorway speeds. VALUE FOR MONEY If all you’re after is a means of getting from A to B, the Duster is hard to beat. It is basic, not terribly well equipped and by no means the most exciting car to drive, but it does the job of being a car well. It’s far cheaper than alternatives like a Nissan Qashqai or SsangYong Tivoli.

IN A NUTSHELL Families looking for a robust workhorse for the school run, dashing to the shops or even long-distance travelling will find the Duster an appealing proposition.