Cheap thrills with a Duster
FROM now on, any car I review will automatically score a whole star – regardless of all other considerations – purely for having a digital radio fitted as standard. Thus enabling all on board to tune in to Virgin Radio, my new place of work as of January 2019. In which case, one star immediately for the all-new Dacia Duster, a car that doesn’t half scrub up well. Already a legend within its own lunchtime, along with its stablemates the Sandero supermini and Logan estate, Dacia production is now responsible for three per cent of Romania’s GDP. Over 330,000 Dacias were built last year alone. Why? Because they are cheap as chips, and no other car maker in the world is able to offer as much bang for your buck.
Sure, the Duster’s shape apes pretty much everything else out there in one way or another, but because it does so more crudely, it comes across as more utilitarian, more Toyota Land Cruiser 1978 than Hot Wheels 2018, which I like. The four main sections, from nose to tail, may not be beautiful per se, EVERYONE SHOULD OWN A DUSTER ONCE but they are beautifully balanced. Not only that but they are big and bold, the rear end having evolved a signature shape that is unmistakable. I can spot one from miles away with the help of those funky, Red Cross-styled rear lights.
‘Comfort and convenience’ is Dacia’s new slogan, a claim that is nigh-on impossible to dispute. There is just so much spaciousness to this car. Opening the hulking manual tailgate reveals a cavernous boot: deep and wide and tall (Aztec Camera, 1987, sublime track, outstanding band). Full marks, Duster, you rock back there. Plus, grab handles on either side of the tailgate – you’d be amazed how few cars cater for lefties.
Jump in the rear passenger compartment and behold yet more comfort and joy (God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen – it’s nearly Christmas!). With the Brucie Bonus here being a flat bench seat that effectively makes for a proper three-seat affair – even a Bentley Mulsanne can’t boast that. As for the rear leg room, a giraffe would struggle to find fault. The same goes for the (Max) headroom. Bring out the big hair, ain’t nothing gonna ruin the ‘fro here bro’. Full marks again, Dacia. Top, top job.
The only thing missing is anything remotely techy. That said, all windows are electric and the three rear headrests are fully adjustable – in their own, inimitable Duster way. The rear seats also fold down, transforming your low-fi, utilitarian limo into a cargo ship. I know, it’s already obvious – I adore this car.
Hop into the front next and sure, it’s basic but by no means are we talking Eastern Bloc circa 1963, and once again, comfort and capaciousness rule. The seats are like armchairs, complete with folddown armrests that admittedly feel a little cheap but that’s OK, because remember this car IS cheap, very cheap, extremely, unbelievably cheap. There’s yet more humungousness in the shape of a pair of humungous storage bins in the humungous front doors. There are even humungous storage drawers under the seats!
The tech and switches may not be plentiful but everything is clearly laid out and easy to operate, and the functionality of the LG software on the central info screen is excellent.
I have witnessed far worse on cars that snootily purport to be of a much higher standard. My eldest, Noah, was particularly impressed by the extent of options on the satnav and the level of volume on the sound system.
When it comes to start-up, quietly does it – yet another unexpected and pleasant surprise – as the engine gently purrs into life as if it’s not even running. Hereafter providing the only slight chink in the Duster’s armour: it could do with a wee bit more power. Which is a shame, as all it would take is a sneaky turbo hiding in there somewhere to give it, say, at least 50 per cent more boost. Which would make a world of difference.
So there you go, Dacia, add a third ‘c’ of contentment to your already justifiable ‘comfort’ and ‘convenience’. This car is a hero – just a few quid extra for a reversing camera! Yes, the lag between pressing pedals and anything happening is a bit offputting at first and yes, the steering is lighter than candy floss in a hurricane, but so what, who cares?
Everyone should own a Duster at least once in their lives, and if Dacia can come up with a touch more oomph, while keeping the price down, I can’t imagine why anyone with half a brain cell wouldn’t do just that.