All new Dacia Duster announced

New Launches 

You don’t have to dig too deeply through the sands of time to reach the point when nobody had ever heard of a Dacia Duster. In its 13-year history it’s gone from a complete unknown to a car that’s won more than 40 awards and become Europe’s best-selling SUV. If that’s not a success story we don’t know what is.

Now that success is set to continue with the announcement that the all-new third-generation Dacia Duster is on its way.

The next chapter of the Dacia Duster story features new looks, new technology, improved off-road capability, new engine options, and new trim-levels, all wrapped up in the same great value for money packaging.

The new Dacia Duster boasts a more rugged and assertive design with sharp, vertical faces, chamfered wheel-arch guards, large tailgate, and side windows that stretch the full length of the cabin. It also sits on a new platform that is slightly larger than the outgoing models so more cabin and luggage space is an added bonus. With the addition of moulded underbody shields, wheel arches, and chunky front and rear bumpers the new Duster very much has the look of a rugged off-roader.



A new “Y-shaped signature” is reflected in the design of the headlights, taillights, and alloy wheels on the exterior and is also carried through to the interior details. Dacia wanted a consistent design inside and out so as well as Y-shape vents the interior also reflects the external looks with a new vertical dashboard and the Dacia logo on the steering wheel.

All the essentials are packed into the practical interior too.

The third generation Duster is the first to feature Dacia’s new 7-inch customisable colour digital dashboard, where the driver can display the information they find most useful in the layout they prefer.

There’s also a new infotainment system with a 10.1-inch screen, USB-C sockets front and rear, and wireless phone chargers. Exactly what specification you can expect will depend on the trim level you choose and these have also been updated to reflect the most popular options Dacia customers prefer.

The new line-up covers three tiers despite the fact there are actually four trim levels to choose from.

The entry-level Essential misses out on a lot of the new technology but it still includes things like media controls on the steering wheel, cruise control, roof bars, and rear parking sensors. It’s hardly barren in there but it’s the mid-range Expression where the equipment levels start to rise. On top of everything you get in the Essential variant you also get 17-inch wheels, the new digital dashboard and infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, and reversing camera.



Once you get to the range-topping models the trim levels split to give you that extra choice. There are two top-of-the-range models, both based on the Expression variant but heading in slightly different directions.

Extreme versions are aimed at those who prefer the rugged outdoor feel so as well as climate control, navigation system, and keyless operation you also get rubber floor and boot mats and washable upholstery. Journey variants are for those who prefer a little more comfort and refinement and add 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and upgraded speaker system alongside the air con, keyless operation, and sat nav. Both range-topping models will carry similar price tags so it’s really just down to which look you prefer.

When it comes to power you can also be a little greener and opt for a hybrid Duster.

Dacia has added a mild-hybrid version combining a 1.2-litre petrol engine with the 48v system to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. The engine produces a healthy 130bhp, comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, and can be specified as either a 4x2 or 4x4. There’s also a Bi-Fuel option that can run on either petrol or LPG. Two 50-litre fuel tanks – one petrol and one LPG – combine to give it a range of around 800 miles as well as reducing emissions when running on LPG.

There’s also a full hybrid option that combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors. The total power output is around 140bhp and, thanks to a regenerative braking system, Dacia claims it can run in all-electric mode for around 80% of the time when you’re driving around town.

The all-new Dacia Duster offers the same great value for money as it’s done for the last 13 years. It now also includes more space, more equipment, and updated looks. It may not have been that long ago that we’d never heard of it, but if history is any indication the new Dacia Duster is going to be the car of choice for a whole load of lease customers.

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