WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
The adventurous, affordable, award-winning Dacia Duster. For whatever life throws at you
IT CAN’T TELL YOU what’s around the corner. But whether it’s a bump in the road or an actual mountain, the dependable Duster – Britain’s most affordable SUV – will help you over it. Now in its second generation, and completely new inside and out, the Duster does all the things an SUV should do, except for emptying your wallet.
It’s the same compact size of the old one, yet roomier than ever – in the cabin there’s over 28 litres of storage space and up to 445 litres in the boot. And from the clamshell bonnet and chunky wheelarches, to the 3D-effect rear lights, the Duster looks ready for anything. That scratch-resistant front skid plate isn’t just for show, either – the Duster is a genuinely rugged runabout, with or without four-wheel drive.
But go for 4x4 and a whole new world opens up. Grassy slopes, muddy furrows, festival fields… you name it, the Duster can handle it. You also get Hill Descent Control, plus a digital compass and vehicle angle display, making the trip back down that mountain as surefooted as the journey up.
The Duster has you covered for everyday adventures too. The dashboard and interior deliver comfort and quality way above what the price tag might suggest, cabin noise is halved versus the outgoing model and there’s a touchscreen display plus rotary controls and piano-key switches for easy operation.
Keeping you safe are technologies never before seen on the Dacia range – full-length curtain airbags, for example – alongside features such as keyless entry, climate control, blind spot warning system and a multi-view camera.
The MediaNav system – fitted as standard to Comfort trim and above – features satellite navigation, DAB radio plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as Siri voice control.
There are four engine options to choose from: one dCI diesel and three TCe petrol models, including the new three-cylinder, turbocharged TCe 100 with increased performance and responsiveness – yet lower emissions – than the SCe 115 it replaces.
And yet – despite all of this – the Duster remains the UK’s most affordable SUV, with prices starting from just £11,245. No wonder it’s still such a smash-hit with UK buyers, with over 10,000 Dusters finding homes since the start of 2019.