The Spanish press evaluates Dacia Duster: seven white balls and two black balls

The new generation Dacia Duster was introduced to the market in 2018, the novelties brought the consolidation of the model in the increasingly competitive SUV segment.

There are many attributes that make the Dacia Duster SUV one of the best options on the market, but there are also some flaws that prevent it from taking the title of being the best car in its segment. The Spanish press analyzed it and found 7 qualities and 2 defects.

White balls

1. It is more attractive than its predecessor.

Its design, which evolves compared to the first generation, makes it more attractive than its predecessor, a more mature and successful product. It also highlights a great leap in design, but also in the perceived quality of the cabin.

2. Big trunk

Due to its dimensions (length of 4,341 mm, width of 1,804 mm and height of 1,693 mm) along with a wheelbase of 2,674 mm, Duster enjoys a boot with a capacity of up to 455 liters in its standard configuration, expandable to 1,478 liters once the rear seats are lowered.

3. More powerful motors.

It is available with a wide range of consolidated engines within the Renault group, such as 1.0 TCe petrol units with 100 hp and 1.3 TCe with 130 and 150 hp. It also includes a 1.5 Blue dCi diesel with 95 and 115 hp. These engines are exclusively associated with five and six speed manual transmissions.

4. LPG engine

In addition to these traditional diesel and gasoline engines, the Duster is available with a LPG variant. This option is based on the same turbocharged 1.0 TCe three-cylinder engine with 100 hp of power with a five-speed manual transmission, but its average consumption is reduced from 6.1 liters per 100 km to 4.5 liters, this in addition to its ecological benefits .

5. All wheel drive

Duster is available in a 4WD version. This combination is uniquely associated with the 115-hp 1.5-liter dCi engine with a six-speed manual transmission, and allows the driver to leave the road and explore any road, without fear of being unable to overcome any obstacles.

6. Price without equal

Without a doubt, one of its main virtues is having an unbeatable price in the segment. In the Spanish market, the Dacia Duster is available from just 11,600 euros, a price that leaves its rivals far behind.

7. Dacia Duster Limited Anniversary Special Edition

Dacia Duster Limited Anniversary is a special edition available in 2020, which includes various standard equipment such as tire pressure sensors, ISOFIX mounting, blind spot warning system, navigation, power rear windows, automatic air conditioning, height adjustable seats, tinted windows, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, emergency braking assistance, parking sensors, rear view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and leather steering wheel. It is paired with the 1.5-liter, 115-hp (4 × 2 and 4 × 4) dCi engine and the 1.3-liter, 150-hp TCe gasoline engine. Prices start at 17,770 euros for the Spanish market.

Black balls

1. The quality of some materials.

As for the two main defects that Dacia Duster has, the Spanish turn their nose at the quality of some interior materials, low-quality hard plastics that can cause noise and vibrations. It is the commitment that Dacia makes to put a vehicle on the market at an affordable price.

2. Available equipment (standard and optional)

On the other hand, the equipment available, both standard and optional, will not be the richest on the market. One of the reasons why Dacia has such competitive prices is because it does not invest in the development of new technologies (this approach corresponds to the philosophy of Renault, from which Dacia inherits them), so its models are not characterized by the fact that they are equipped with most new driver assistance systems.