Dare to write it down, It is a safe bet that the Duster will eventually become a model as iconic as the landmarks that are the Land-Rover Defender, Jeep Wrangler or the most popular Lada Niva, the Russian cousin whose production will cease and whose replacement will share its base with the… Dacia. Almost two million Duster have passed in the world since the launch of the first generation in 2010, the vast majority under the Renault brand.
Minimal restyling which is limited, at the front, to the adoption ofa new light signature in Y lying, like the Sandero and Spring, with in addition, and for the first time at Dacia, LED indicators – but not scrolling, we must not exaggerate – and new grille patterns. On the side, we are satisfied with new aluminum rims supposed to be more aerodynamic, borrowed from the Sandero Stepway, “aluminum-style” mirror caps – we’re not at Audi! – and black shoes at the ends of the roof bars, now standard equipment. At the rear, we find the same light signature on redesigned lights and a slightly extended spoiler. And that’s all. Still in this sober shade Comet Gray, our Duster has a good face!
On board, changes are just as tenuous. The dashboard did not receive the small facelift that the Renault badged Duster has benefited from in other markets., making it more opulent, notably with the adoption of oblong aerators. Become more responsive and offering better definition, the multimedia touch screen has its diagonal increased to 8 inches and receives a smartphone interface, Bluetooth connectivity and voice command. As for the USB socket, it migrates from the top to the bottom of the center console, and doubles up. Knowing that the rear passengers also now have the right to theirs. As for the seats, they have been redesigned in order to offer better support and increase their seat length while the headrests – like the Volvo – are taken over from the Sandero and Clio. Without forgetting, the height of luxury, a sliding central armrest housing a storage space of 1.1 liters.
This small variable-admission turbo engine however shines more by its flexibility than by its performance.
At the wheel, we find a great smoothness of driving with a light steering but sufficiently precise and good mechanical flexibility. The small entry-level 1.0-liter 3-cylinder – which accounts for nearly 20% of sales – is now only offered in gasoline-LPG dual-fuel. Slightly more efficient when running on gas: 100 hp and 170 Nm, against 90 and 160 with gasoline, this small turbo engine with variable admission however shines more by its flexibility than by its performances, quite modest, but made acceptable thanks to a reasonable mass of 1 256 kg, empty. Note that it does not like high speeds, and in fact does not offer not the same character as the 1.2 liter PureTech Peugeot-Citroën. Equipped with a smooth and well-guided control, its manual transmission benefits from 6 judiciously stepped gears. We can hardly blame him for some tiny jolts in the refit, especially in LPG mode. Nevertheless this block still suffers from poor performance, even more screaming when it runs on LPG, a fuel that increases consumption by around 20%. As a result, it is necessary to have a very light foot to go below 8 liters. During our trial run, including the video session, our average consumption was established at more than 10 liters (and more than 8 in gasoline mode). Fortunately, the capacity of the LPG cylinder has been increased from 16.1 liters, to 49.8 liters, which, added to the 50 liters of unleaded, allows a real range of over 1,000 km. It remains to make a cross on the spare wheel, the location of which is occupied by gas …
This Duster always enjoys a very serene behavior, which this small engine is not likely to harm, as well as excellent cushioning comfort, including with the 17 ” rims of our high Prestige finish. Which one does not much to envy some SUVs otherwise more upscale. Two downsides, however, the new seats still cruelly lack lateral support at the level of the backrests, and some aerodynamic noise disturbs the peace of mind on board on the motorway.
Equipment sides, this high Prestige finish, which represents the vast majority of sales, is enriched in particular by a blind spot alert, a reversing camera, automatic air conditioning, a Wi-Fi interface for smartphones or, externally, 17 ” aluminum rims, front and rear skis and dark-tinted rear windows.
In addition to this basic bi-carburation engine, this “new” Duster still offers the excellent 1.3 TCe gasoline of 130 or 150 hp, the latter being able to be associated with the robotic automatic gearbox EDC, as well as the 1.5 diesel dCi 115 hp which offers the choice between 4 × 2 and 4 × 4 transmission. An all-wheel drive which, despite the absence of a range of short ratios, transforms the Duster into a very efficient franchiser, with a ground clearance of nearly 22 cm.
In terms of prices, the sinews of war at Dacia, the basic Duster finish “quite short” which represented only 1% of sales having been eliminated, the range now begins in Essential, offered from € 14,490, or more or less the same price as before, and peaks at € 22,900 in dCi 115 Prestige. In addition, there are the prices of the “Up & Go” offers, models already manufactured which the customer can immediately have access to, and which also “offer” certain equipment.
Our opinion
With a performance / price ratio that is still unbeatable, this “first price” Duster suffers only from high consumption, partly offset by the price of the LPG pump (€ 0.86 per liter). And only gets 3 stars out of 5 in the EuroNCAP crash test…
Technical sheet
To buy
Dacia Duster ECO-G 100 test
Tested version: € 18,100 (Prestige)
Starting at: € 14,490
Average manufacturer consumption / test average (l / 100 km): 6.3-6.4 (6.8-7 GPL) / 8.4 (10.4 GPL)
CO2 / malus: 125-127 / 0
Fiscal power: 5 CV
Country of manufacture: Romania
Proposed range
LPG : 100 ch, from 14,490 to 18,100 €
Essence : from 130 to 150 hp, from 18,850 to 22,400 €
Diesel : 115 hp, from 16,990 to 22,900 €
Drive
Motor : 3-cylindres, 12 soupapes, injection essence, turbo, admission variable, 999 cm3, stop & start, FAP
Transmission : traction, 6-speed manual
Power (hp at rpm): 90 to 4,400 (LPG: 100 hp at 4,600)
Couple (Nm at rpm): 160 to 2,200 (LPG: 170 to 2,000)
Weight (kg) : 1 256
Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,34×1,84×1,69
Wheelbase (m) : 2,67
Tank : 50 + 49.8 (LPG) liters
Max speed (km/h): 168 km/h
0-100 km/h : 15”1 (LPG 13”8)
0-1 000 m DA : 37”9 (LPG: 36”2)
Standard tires : 215/65 R 16
Test tires : Continental EcoContact 6 (215/60 R 17)
To live
Rear legroom: 70
Front / rear elbow widths: 139/142
Chest at 5 / at 2 (l): 445/1623
Recommended options
Hands-free cards (250 €)
Multi-view camera (300 €)
Heated front seats (200 €)
Main competitors
- Fiat Tipo SW 1.4 95.95 hp, from € 16,790
- Ford Ecosport 1.0 Ecoboost 100, 100 hp, from € 20,900
- SsangYong Tivoli 1.2, 128 hp, from € 15,990
- Suzuki SX4-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet, 129 hp, from € 24,590
- Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Boosterjet, 129 hp, from 23,690 €
WE love
- Unique price-service ratio
- Comfort
- 4 × 4 transmission available on dCi
- Design
We like less
- Consumptions
- Any performance
- Seat maintenance
To read / see also on auto-moto.com:
The future Dacia Duster in pictures
Dacia Duster: what changes compared to the old one?
Dacia Duster vs Suzuki Jimmy – video
The future Dacia Bigster in video
Dacia Duster vs Bentley Bentayga – video
Dare to write it down, It is a safe bet that the Duster will eventually become a model as iconic as the landmarks that are the Land-Rover Defender, Jeep Wrangler or the most popular Lada Niva, the Russian cousin whose production will cease and whose replacement will share its base with the… Dacia. Almost two million Duster have passed in the world since the launch of the first generation in 2010, the vast majority under the Renault brand.
Minimal restyling which is limited, at the front, to the adoption ofa new light signature in Y lying, like the Sandero and Spring, with in addition, and for the first time at Dacia, LED indicators – but not scrolling, we must not exaggerate – and new grille patterns. On the side, we are satisfied with new aluminum rims supposed to be more aerodynamic, borrowed from the Sandero Stepway, “aluminum-style” mirror caps – we’re not at Audi! – and black shoes at the ends of the roof bars, now standard equipment. At the rear, we find the same light signature on redesigned lights and a slightly extended spoiler. And that’s all. Still in this sober shade Comet Gray, our Duster has a good face!
On board, changes are just as tenuous. The dashboard did not receive the small facelift that the Renault badged Duster has benefited from in other markets., making it more opulent, notably with the adoption of oblong aerators. Become more responsive and offering better definition, the multimedia touch screen has its diagonal increased to 8 inches and receives a smartphone interface, Bluetooth connectivity and voice command. As for the USB socket, it migrates from the top to the bottom of the center console, and doubles up. Knowing that the rear passengers also now have the right to theirs. As for the seats, they have been redesigned in order to offer better support and increase their seat length while the headrests – like the Volvo – are taken over from the Sandero and Clio. Without forgetting, the height of luxury, a sliding central armrest housing a storage space of 1.1 liters.
This small variable-admission turbo engine however shines more by its flexibility than by its performance.
At the wheel, we find a great smoothness of driving with a light steering but sufficiently precise and good mechanical flexibility. The small entry-level 1.0-liter 3-cylinder – which accounts for nearly 20% of sales – is now only offered in gasoline-LPG dual-fuel. Slightly more efficient when running on gas: 100 hp and 170 Nm, against 90 and 160 with gasoline, this small turbo engine with variable admission however shines more by its flexibility than by its performances, quite modest, but made acceptable thanks to a reasonable mass of 1 256 kg, empty. Note that it does not like high speeds, and in fact does not offer not the same character as the 1.2 liter PureTech Peugeot-Citroën. Equipped with a smooth and well-guided control, its manual transmission benefits from 6 judiciously stepped gears. We can hardly blame him for some tiny jolts in the refit, especially in LPG mode. Nevertheless this block still suffers from poor performance, even more screaming when it runs on LPG, a fuel that increases consumption by around 20%. As a result, it is necessary to have a very light foot to go below 8 liters. During our trial run, including the video session, our average consumption was established at more than 10 liters (and more than 8 in gasoline mode). Fortunately, the capacity of the LPG cylinder has been increased from 16.1 liters, to 49.8 liters, which, added to the 50 liters of unleaded, allows a real range of over 1,000 km. It remains to make a cross on the spare wheel, the location of which is occupied by gas …
This Duster always enjoys a very serene behavior, which this small engine is not likely to harm, as well as excellent cushioning comfort, including with the 17 ” rims of our high Prestige finish. Which one does not much to envy some SUVs otherwise more upscale. Two downsides, however, the new seats still cruelly lack lateral support at the level of the backrests, and some aerodynamic noise disturbs the peace of mind on board on the motorway.
Equipment sides, this high Prestige finish, which represents the vast majority of sales, is enriched in particular by a blind spot alert, a reversing camera, automatic air conditioning, a Wi-Fi interface for smartphones or, externally, 17 ” aluminum rims, front and rear skis and dark-tinted rear windows.
In addition to this basic bi-carburation engine, this “new” Duster still offers the excellent 1.3 TCe gasoline of 130 or 150 hp, the latter being able to be associated with the robotic automatic gearbox EDC, as well as the 1.5 diesel dCi 115 hp which offers the choice between 4 × 2 and 4 × 4 transmission. An all-wheel drive which, despite the absence of a range of short ratios, transforms the Duster into a very efficient franchiser, with a ground clearance of nearly 22 cm.
In terms of prices, the sinews of war at Dacia, the basic Duster finish “quite short” which represented only 1% of sales having been eliminated, the range now begins in Essential, offered from € 14,490, or more or less the same price as before, and peaks at € 22,900 in dCi 115 Prestige. In addition, there are the prices of the “Up & Go” offers, models already manufactured which the customer can immediately have access to, and which also “offer” certain equipment.
Our opinion
With a performance / price ratio that is still unbeatable, this “first price” Duster suffers only from high consumption, partly offset by the price of the LPG pump (€ 0.86 per liter). And only gets 3 stars out of 5 in the EuroNCAP crash test…
Technical sheet
To buy
Dacia Duster ECO-G 100 test
Tested version: € 18,100 (Prestige)
Starting at: € 14,490
Average manufacturer consumption / test average (l / 100 km): 6.3-6.4 (6.8-7 GPL) / 8.4 (10.4 GPL)
CO2 / malus: 125-127 / 0
Fiscal power: 5 CV
Country of manufacture: Romania
Proposed range
LPG : 100 ch, from 14,490 to 18,100 €
Essence : from 130 to 150 hp, from 18,850 to 22,400 €
Diesel : 115 hp, from 16,990 to 22,900 €
Drive
Motor : 3-cylindres, 12 soupapes, injection essence, turbo, admission variable, 999 cm3, stop & start, FAP
Transmission : traction, 6-speed manual
Power (hp at rpm): 90 to 4,400 (LPG: 100 hp at 4,600)
Couple (Nm at rpm): 160 to 2,200 (LPG: 170 to 2,000)
Weight (kg) : 1 256
Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,34×1,84×1,69
Wheelbase (m) : 2,67
Tank : 50 + 49.8 (LPG) liters
Max speed (km/h): 168 km/h
0-100 km/h : 15”1 (LPG 13”8)
0-1 000 m DA : 37”9 (LPG: 36”2)
Standard tires : 215/65 R 16
Test tires : Continental EcoContact 6 (215/60 R 17)
To live
Rear legroom: 70
Front / rear elbow widths: 139/142
Chest at 5 / at 2 (l): 445/1623
Recommended options
Hands-free cards (250 €)
Multi-view camera (300 €)
Heated front seats (200 €)
Main competitors
- Fiat Tipo SW 1.4 95.95 hp, from € 16,790
- Ford Ecosport 1.0 Ecoboost 100, 100 hp, from € 20,900
- SsangYong Tivoli 1.2, 128 hp, from € 15,990
- Suzuki SX4-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet, 129 hp, from € 24,590
- Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Boosterjet, 129 hp, from 23,690 €
WE love
- Unique price-service ratio
- Comfort
- 4 × 4 transmission available on dCi
- Design
We like less
- Consumptions
- Any performance
- Seat maintenance
To read / see also on auto-moto.com:
The future Dacia Duster in pictures
Dacia Duster: what changes compared to the old one?
Dacia Duster vs Suzuki Jimmy – video
The future Dacia Bigster in video
Dacia Duster vs Bentley Bentayga – video
