The Duster has been the go-to choice for low-cost motoring over the years, but what can this new third-generation car bring? Jack Evans finds out.
What is it?
The Duster has been the car to prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get behind the wheel of something useful. Famously value-focused, the Duster has been a car to put many more expensive off-roaders to shame while simultaneously providing hard-wearing family-focused transport.
We’re now into the third generation of Duster, which arrives with some bold new styling, more interior tech and hybrid assistance to help reduce running costs. But does it cover the same areas that its predecessors did so well? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
As before, the Duster starts from an attractively low price – something which feels a little unusual in today’s new car market. You’ll pay £18,850 for an entry-level Duster with a bi-fuel engine setup – which brings the option to run on either LPG gas or petrol – and means that this Dacia is still one of the cheapest cars on the market today.
It’s good news underneath, too, as the Duster has switched away from the older B platform to a shiny new CMF-B setup, which as well as bringing the possibility of sharper dynamics also means that this car can now be specified with hybrid assistance.
What’s under the bonnet?
We’re driving the ‘full hybrid’ Duster which combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a teeny-tiny electric motor and battery. It’s a front-wheel-drive setup, too, so not the best option for those looking for a true off-roader – switch to the 130 4×4 mild hybrid version if you’re after something that’ll take on rougher terrain.
But since a lot of Dusters spend their time on-road, this full hybrid version could be a good option for plenty of drivers. With 139bhp and 148Nm of torque, it isn’t enormously powerful, but its 9.9-second 0-60mph time is adequate enough and about right for the segment. However, at just over 55mpg its fuel efficiency is excellent for this size of car, while CO2 emissions of 114g/km are low, too.
What’s it like to drive?
While that new platform may have brought the addition of hybrid technology, it doesn’t now mean that the Duster is some kind of sportscar. Instead, it delivers a more relaxed driving experience and is the kind of car that doesn’t feel at its best when hurried. Step on the throttle and the engine bursts into a chaotic roar, having been relatively subdued and quiet at slower speeds. There’s no way of managing how and when the car uses electric power, either, though the Duster does a great job of making sure you run on its batteries whenever possible. For around-town driving, it’s very efficient.
The view out of the narrow rear screen is quite compromised but elsewhere visibility is decent and you still get a slightly raised view of the road ahead which many drivers will find confidence inspiring. Above all this stands the Duster’s ride, which is supple enough to deal with the worst of the potholes and imperfections on the road. As a result, it feels as if it is practically floating along.
How does it look?
With plenty of chunky features, the Duster has the look of an old-school off-roader, albeit one spruced up with some more modern touches. You’ve got Dacia’s new logo at the front and there are boxy wheelarch surrounds which should fend off scratches and grazes – or prove relatively inexpensive to repair if they don’t.
Many elements of the Duster get a more eco-friendly approach, too, thanks to a new material called ‘Starkle’. Made from 20 per cent recycled materials, it has a lower environmental impact than plastic alone, which is why you’ll find it used on areas such as the aforementioned wheelarches, as well as the front bumper and underbody shields.
What’s it like inside?
Dacia models have come on leaps and bounds in terms of quality over recent years and while the interior of the Duster may not have reached ‘premium’ levels just yet, it’s still a very pleasant place to be. Sure, there are harsher plastics dotted here and there, but the overall perception you get is of assured robustness – it’s the kind of car that can handle the rough and tough of the everyday.
Space is good in general – though the rear seats are a little upright – and the boot room on offer isn’t bad either. You’ll get 430 litres as standard in this hybrid version, though drivers after the most amount of space will want the standard petrol as this brings 517 litres of standard load room.
What’s the spec like?
As mentioned earlier, prices for the new Duster start from £18,850, meaning that you can get behind the wheel of a new SUV for well under £20,000. It’s not without its features, either, as you still get rear parking sensors and air conditioning – though the main media functions will be handled by your smartphone – it’s held in a cradle within the car and connects to the Duster’s system via Bluetooth.
Our test came in more luxurious Journey grade, which you can get with both the ‘full’ and ‘mild’ hybrid engine options. Key additions include 18-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera and a full infotainment system which does help to make the Duster feel a little more modern. After options our test car came in at £26,595 which still isn’t bad – but mid-level Expression trim which starts from £21,350 seems to bring the best blend of value and equipment.
Verdict
The Duster still brings all the same key values that it always has to this latest generation. It feels robust, easy-going to drive and remains good value, providing you don’t start going too high up the list of specifications.
This hybrid powertrain does bring the scope for some lower running costs too but, as it isn’t the sole engine option available, there should be something for all types of drivers with this new Duster.
Facts at a glance
- Model as tested: Dacia Duster Journey Hybrid
- Price: £26,595
- Engine: 1.6-litre petrol hybrid
- Power: 139bhp
- Torque: 148Nm
- Max speed: 105.6mph
- 0-60mph: 9.9 seconds
- MPG: 55.39
- Emissions: 114g/km