New Dacia Duster: A More Refined SUV
Dacia Duster is a budget-friendly SUV model that entered series production in 2010. Recently, its third generation was unveiled (the second generation underwent a significant facelift), and it will now be produced in Turkey. Produced in the same factory as the Renault Taliant, the new Duster has finally moved away from its 2004-era platform and adopted the CMF-B platform to meet current standards. Shedding its appearance hastily designed in 24 hours during an annual break, the new Duster has evolved into a much more refined and carefully crafted SUV.
Dacia outlined a new vision last year to become more environmentally friendly and strive towards being a carbon-neutral automotive manufacturer. In line with this vision, Dacia has ceased the use of chrome and started producing vehicles with more environmentally friendly materials. Drawing inspiration primarily from the Dacia Bigster concept, the designers at Dacia have retained some design elements from the previous Duster as well. The New Duster, borrowing the front headlight design from the old Duster, has headlights positioned at the same height as the grille and incorporates the Y-shaped daytime running lights from the Dacia Bigster concept. The model features a new Dacia logo and grille embellishments made of painted plastic, with narrower-designed headlights compared to its predecessor, thanks to LED technology.
Duster combines its angular design with straight lines, emphasizing its off-road character with vertically painted silver ventilation channels on the front face, a prominent front bumper extension, a large lower grille, and thick skid plates. The muscular hood lines give the vehicle a more voluminous and powerful appearance, while the interior design of the grilles further underscores the enhanced attention to detail in the vehicle.
When viewed from the side profile, the Duster exhibits a steep nose, short bumper lengths, body-encompassing wheel arches, and black roof bars, embodying the characteristics of an off-road vehicle. Positioned at a height of 209 mm for 4×2 models and 217 mm for 4×4 models from the ground, Duster strengthens its claim in this area. Well-designed alloy wheels, a pronounced hip line, and rear door handles moved to the C-pillar add a sporty touch to the vehicle’s design. However, the smaller and higher placement of the windows in the C-pillar compared to its predecessor reduces cross visibility, presenting a drawback.
Furthermore, the rear door handle’s elevated design for a family SUV may pose a challenge for children attempting to open the door from the outside.
The New Duster, in line with the current trend, features a lower middle-section roof spoiler, contributing to a rear design characterized by slender arrowhead-shaped taillights and overall straight lines. The silver-gray-painted central part of the rear bumper adds a pleasant aesthetic, while leaving the edges unpainted helps prevent damage from stones kicked up by the rear wheels. The material of this plastic component used in various parts of the vehicle has been developed by Dacia engineers.
The exposed tow ring provides quick usability when needed during off-road situations. In this design, Dacia has chosen not to conceal the rear wiper under the spoiler, opting instead for an unusual decision by using a long antenna.
Dacia, incorporating a stylish centerpiece into the steering wheel borrowed from Renault models, extends the Y pattern from the front grille to the ventilation grilles. While the digital instrument panel boasts a clean design, the central multimedia screen is driver-oriented. Placing the climate control buttons physically beneath the central vents, Dacia ensures the model name is not forgotten by displaying it in front of the passenger. The center console, equipped with a 12-volt socket and 2 Type-C sockets, features a round gear knob for the manual transmission option, reminiscent of the one used in the Clio, while the automatic version comes with a small gear selector.
Engineers, placing the mode selector behind the gear lever, have not overlooked an adjustable armrest and two cup holders underneath. The speakers embedded in the A-pillars elevate the vehicle’s appearance, while the front defrosters are designed to blow air across the entire windshield. The seats, adorned with the Dacia logo, boast excellent lateral support. Dacia continues the Y pattern on the doors as well.
Dacia, providing retractable headrests for the rear seats with a 30 mm increase in legroom compared to the old Duster, has opted not to include rear air vents. The brand has designed functional accessories for the rear seat headrests, offering various-purpose accessories such as a phone/tablet holder and a reading lamp in the New Duster.
Dacia, placing numerous hooks in the 474-liter trunk capacity, has added a hook to the trunk door, providing the option to dry items such as raincoats and umbrellas. The trunk, with adjustable flooring, features deep pockets on the sides.
Duster offers 5 different driving modes, with a 31-degree approach angle, a 36-degree departure angle, and a 24-degree ramp angle. Dacia, enhancing the 4WD system, aims to provide Duster with more efficient off-road performance. The vehicle features a hill descent control system, and off-road information can be displayed on the central screen.
Parting ways with the diesel engine, Duster now offers the 4×4 system exclusively with the 1.3-liter petrol engine producing 130 horsepower. The same engine is available in a 4×2 version, and for those seeking a more economical drive, there are options for a 140-horsepower hybrid version and a 100-horsepower LPG version. With 2.2 million units produced in 13 years, Duster stands as one of the best-selling SUV models in Europe. What are your thoughts on the New Dacia Duster, which will be produced in Bursa?