This was one of the major axes of the Renaulution plan presented by Luca de Meo at the beginning of 2021: to continue Dacia's move upmarket. According to the new CEO of the Renault group, the Romanian nugget has enormous potential that is just waiting to be expressed. The first task was to reposition the brand around adventure and escapism with the idea of making it an accessible Land Rover. The second project was to renew the design of the models around the promise of accompanying motorists in their leisure time. This work is beginning to take shape.
Dacia
In dealerships next June, the third generation of the Duster is the first vehicle to formalize the brand's new positioning. He will be responsible for continuing a successful career. In nearly fourteen years, this vehicle, which has profoundly changed Dacia's image and perception, has seduced 2.2 million motorists. The best-selling SUV in Europe, it is produced at 1,000 units per day at the Pitesti plant in Romania.
Based on the CMF-B platform already used by the Sandero and Jogger, the third version of the Duster is an in-depth evolution. While the dimensions remain unchanged from the current model, the style marks a real evolution. The silhouette loses its curves to reveal square lines, conveying a sense of robustness around wheel arches, side rocker panels and protected bumpers. These elements are made of a new material developed with the chemist LyondellBasell. Called Starkle®, this material unveiled on the Manifesto concept car incorporates up to 20% recycled materials. Another originality of this Duster: the rear door handle is hidden in the window pillars. With this SUV, the elongated Y-shaped light signature adopts a more expressive design.
Digital instrumentation
Inside, we find this impression of robustness. The 10.1-inch centre screen with a 10-degree orientation towards the driver is the main new feature of a cabin that embraces the modernism of a digital instrumentation, starting with the Expression trim. The basic Essential version remains faithful to the analogue meters. The central display is available in two versions: Media Display with wireless smartphone replication (Apple Carplay and Android Auto) and Media Nav Live with integrated navigation. A little note for adventurers: on the Extreme trim, the TEP upholstery is washable, as are the rubber floor mats. These contain 20% recycled content.
Dacia
The new Duster is also loaded with equipment. In addition to offering modular roof racks, it can be fitted with an electric parking brake as standard on the Journey trim, exterior mirrors with power adjustment and retractment, and a heated steering wheel. The engineers also designed equipment to simplify customers' daily lives. This is how a system for attaching many accessories was developed under the name YouClip.
Dacia
In terms of engines, the Duster plays the pragmatic card in order to reconcile the requirements of reducing the carbon footprint while remaining widely accessible. At the top of the range, the Duster inherits the 140 hp hybrid powertrain inaugurated at Dacia by the Jogger estate. An Eco-G 100 LPG version is also available. Thanks to its two 50-litre tanks, this dual-fuel version boasts a range of up to 1,300 km. Finally, the Duster benefits from the latest 3-cylinder TCe 130 with the Miller cycle from the Renault group. The range, which is intended to be complete, will offer two- or four-wheel drive versions. The latter will benefit from a ground clearance of 217 mm and an angle of attack and departure allowing it to navigate on hollow roads. This version will also be distinguished by its active downhill speed control system up to 30 km/h.