Barely revealed that the new restyled Dacia Duster is already being tested on Auto-Moto! Discover our first opinion on the low-cost SUV.
If you are interested in automotive news, you probably know that restyling is not necessarily an opportunity for manufacturers to completely revolutionize their models. On the contrary, it is a slight pushback, aiming to modernize a car arriving at mid-career, without investing too much money and above all changing everything, while waiting for a next generation. While the changes are generally visible anyway, this is not really the case with Dacia, who unobtrusively unveiled the restyled Duster, who decided to do the bare minimum in terms of developments. But after all, is it worth it to radically change a model that meets such success, sold more than two million copies worldwide since 2010? Not necessarily, but we were expecting a little more new than a simple grille motif and a redesigned light signature, which reinforces the character of the autp. Note, however, the arrival of a new color “Arizona Orange”, as well as 17-inch aluminum rims inherited from the Dacia Sandero Stepway. In addition, the Comet gray of our test version contributes to give a very chic and refined air to the SUV. We love !
Same thing when we sit aboard this Dacia Duster, whose interior has not changed one iota compared to the previous version, launched in 2017. Or almost, because looking closely, we discover then the presence of a new eight-inch touch screen, offering better responsiveness and now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The design of the dashboard remains strictly identical, as do the dimensions, with a length which remains established at 4.32 meters. The wheelbase is still displayed at 2.67 meters, allowing passengers to be comfortably seated, especially since they can now take advantage of two USB sockets at the rear. At the front, a new armrest has been installed, sliding by 70 millimeters and accommodating storage with a capacity of 1.1 liters. The trunk volume does not change, still displayed at 445 liters for the standard version and 376 liters for the version equipped with all-wheel drive.
Restyled Dacia Duster test: first grip
As is most of the time the case during restyling, the evolutions focus very largely on the exterior aesthetics on this new Dacia Duster. You will therefore not be surprised to learn that the brand’s engineers have not touched anything under the hood of the SUV, which therefore retains excellent driving pleasure, which we had already praised in previous tests. While the range of engines does not change one iota, we have taken the wheel of the version equipped with three cylinders. 1.0 liter Eco-LPG, then developing 100 horsepower for a torque of 170 Nm. Unchanged compared to the previous pre-restyling version, this one is still intended to be very coupler and pleasant, offering great flexibility which obviously benefits general comfort. The links to the ground are also very well worked, so taking care of our back despite the optional 17-inch rims. Displaying only 1,252 kilos on the scale, this Dacia Duster is very voluntary and rather agile, as was already the case on the previous version. Finally, its six-speed manual gearbox is pleasant to handle, thanks to a well-thought-out and very correct control. The only real downside of this bi-carburation engine essence/GPL ? Its consumption, raised to around 8.0 l / 100 km during our test, on a mixed course.
Stay tuned to discover the rest of this test, with our detailed opinion, as well as the complete technical sheet!
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
New Dacia Jogger 2021: first teaser of the 7-seater station wagon
Restyled Dacia Duster: the full range and prices
New Dacia Duster 2021: first contact in VIDEO
