Stronger on the outside, more space on the inside – KÜS Newsroom

“We wanted to make the design of the new Duster more attractive than ever by drawing closely on the Dacia philosophy and reaffirming our values: power and outdoor spirit, with an emphasis on the essentials, but with coolness and environmental sustainability.” says Dasias design chief David Durand.

With almost unchanged exterior dimensions (length 4.34 m/width 1.81 m/height 1.66 m), the SUV, which is still available with front- or all-wheel drive, offers more space inside thanks to the new platform. Legroom at the rear has been improved and storage volume behind the large tailgate has increased by up to six per cent to 472 liters (front-wheel drive) when the five-seater is fully occupied.

The CMF-B as a new platform should also reduce vibrations and driving noise in the future Duster and enable comfortable driving and electric driving in general. This is the well-known Jogger’s 1.6-litre full hybrid with two electric motors and a system power of 103 kW/140 hp.

A total of three engines are available for the new Duster. It is worth noting that the LPG ECO-G 100 version, already known from its predecessor, is equipped with a one-liter three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine. The newly developed TCe 130 (96 kW) mild hybrid, available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive and a six-speed gearbox, uses a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a 48-volt starter-generator. And a 0.9 kWh battery. (The diesel engine is no longer in the portfolio).

Engineers have given the four-wheel drive variants a new Terrain Control system with five driving modes: Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road and Eco. With a ground clearance of 217mm in the 4×4 version (4×2: 209mm) and an approach angle of 31 degrees at the front and 36 degrees at the rear, you’re also well equipped off the asphalt. Another feature, the All-Road Information System, provides the driver with information on the 10.1-inch central display screen about lateral inclination and gradients as well as power distribution to the front and rear axles of the all-wheel drive vehicle.

The Duster is offered in four trim levels: Essential, Expression, and two top trims, Extreme and Journey. The latter takes into account different target groups. “Extreme” is aimed at enthusiasts of all types of outdoor activities, and “Journey” aims to provide an incentive to purchase for everyone who prefers simple elegance combined with comfort. For all the luxury and premium appeal, environmental protection and sustainability are important in the new version of the best-selling SUV: in the future there will be no leather or chrome, and about 20 percent of the plastics are made of recycled materials.

Photos: Dacia, Kernbach