Launched in 2010 as an inexpensive, no-frills off-roader, the unique Dacia Duster helped launch the crossover craze in Europe. It has moved barely upmarket since, and the third-generation mannequin makes its debut with an outdoorsy look and extra tech whereas staying true to its roots.
The brand new crossover stretches about 171 inches lengthy, 71 inches huge and 65 inches tall, so it is nearly precisely the identical measurement because the outgoing mannequin. Dacia borrowed the CMF-B platform from mother or father firm Renault for the third-generation Duster. It is a unibody structure that additionally underpins small hatchbacks just like the Renault Clio and the Dacia Logan, however the Duster stays accessible with four-wheel drive.
Whereas the general proportions have not modified a lot, the brand new Duster stands out with a extra rugged-looking exterior design characterised by a tall, upright entrance finish, a beneficiant serving of plastic cladding, and punched-out wheel arches. A number of the trim items are made utilizing a fabric referred to as Starkle that Dacia developed in-house with assist from chemical firm LyondellBasell; these bits are deliberately left unpainted. Out again, the C-shaped lights are pushed out to the perimeters of every quarter panel to emphasise the crossover’s sense of width.
Many house owners use their Duster as a pair of mountain climbing boots on wheels, so Dacia correctly resisted the urge to pack the cabin with posh options that add price and complexity. The third-generation mannequin stays extremely practical, however it’s not almost primary as the unique. The motive force sits in entrance of a tall, flat dashboard, a three-spoke steering wheel and an accessible 10.1-inch touchscreen angled to the left by 10 levels. One of many new additions to the record of choices is a Sleep Pack, which features a massive, detachable mattress platform that turns the Duster right into a camper.
At launch, patrons can have three powertrains to select from. The entry-level engine is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine turbocharged to 130 horsepower. Working with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, the triple spins the entrance wheels by way of a six-speed guide transmission; four-wheel drive is non-obligatory on this model. Subsequent up is a 143-horsepower hybrid system that consists of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, two electrical motors and an computerized transmission. Lastly, an undetailed engine that is able to burning both LPG or gasoline will likely be provided as properly.
Whereas the Duster is not accessible with a two-speed switch case, the four-wheel-drive variant must be extra succesful off-road than the typical crossover. It provides 8.5 inches of floor clearance and strategy, breakover and departure angles of 31, 24 and 36 levels, respectively. As a facet be aware, the Duster additionally tends to spend extra time off-road than the typical crossover. In lots of elements of Europe, these are purchased by people searching for an even bigger various to fashions just like the Suzuki Jimny, a extra fashionable various to the Lada Niva and a less expensive and smaller various to the Toyota Land Cruiser. Many nations, like France, use the Duster as fire-fighting and legislation enforcement vehicles.
In-built Pitesti, Romania, the third-generation Dacia Duster will go on sale throughout Europe and in quite a few different world markets within the not-too-distant future. Pricing info hasn’t been launched, however we’re instructed it “will continue to fulfill Dacia’s value-for-money pledge.” For context, the current-generation Duster carries a base worth of €17,990, which represents round $19,800 on the present conversion price.
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