Duster to get makeover

DACIA is to introduce a revamped Duster range, which is currently the cheapest SUV on the market.

With prices currently starting from under £9,500, the Duster is proving to be a huge hit in the UK, as is the rest of the Dacia range because of the sheer affordability of the vehicles.

Despite the lowly price tags, the cars are high on quality and are proving to be rugged and reliable too, with the only criticism being that they are ultimately less polished and not as lavishly equipped as more expensive rivals.

Now the best-selling Duster is to get a makeover to address any shortcomings, with a sharper appearance and more equipment.

With more than one million sold in seven years, the new Duster gets enhanced styling, more kit and a completely updated interior.

The Renault-owned company says that it will retain “the same low price”, so presumably that means there will be no price rise.

The company said: “The muscular front and rear ends appear wider and the car’s lines are more horizontal with a higher belt line.

“Meanwhile, new roof bars and prominent front and rear skid plates are pointers to the Duster’s adventurer credentials. A new LED front lighting signature further accentuates the Duster’s new look.”

The facia is totally redesigned, with the MediaNav display moved to the upper part of the dashboard. The seats have been revised for improved comfort and support, while careful attention has been paid to the materials, as well as to the fit and finish.

Clever use of spaces has increased the car’s total stowage capacity to 29 litres and there is new equipment that was previously unavailable on any Duster. This includes a multiview camera system, blind spot warning, curtain airbags, automatic air conditioning, hands-free card and automatic headlights.

With global sales exceeding 434,000 vehicles from January to August this year, Dacia posted an increase of more than 11%.

Relaunched by parent company Renault in 2004, the Dacia range includes family vehicles such as the Sandero and Logan. The company was rated as one of the best car manufacturers for reliability in the 2017 Which? Car Guide, out of 36 rivals including many luxury brands. The Sandero has been awarded the title of “Best Small Car under £12,000” by What Car? for five consecutive years and the Duster was named Top Gear magazine’s “Bargain of the Year” at launch. More than 100,000 Dacia vehicles have been sold in the UK to date.