Dacia unveils third-generation Duster with new hybrid power and interior tech
The latest Duster is expected to be similarly priced to the outgoing model
Dacia has unveiled the third-generation Duster, with a fresh design, more technology, and a new hybrid engine.
The new car is slightly wider and lower than the model it replaces, but it retains the same length. There’s chunky wheel arch cladding, beefy bumpers front and rear, and 7mm more ground clearance than before.
The boot is bigger too, with a capacity of up to 472 litres (up from 442 litres in the old two-wheel-drive iteration).
There are four trim levels for the new Duster: Essential, Expression, Journey, and Extreme. Essential features a 3.5-inch media screen on the dash, a smartphone holder, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, cruise control, and rear parking sensors.
Both the 10.1-inch screen and Dacia’s newly revised infotainment offering are available on the Expression trim level and up. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity, plus a reversing camera. Expression also gets a larger seven-inch driver’s display and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Journey model meanwhile gets 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic air conditioning, hands-free entry, an electric parking brake, a wireless smartphone charger, and an uprated sound system.
The Extreme’s extra focus on the outdoors is evident, with washable upholstery and rubber floor mats in the cabin and boot. It also gets sat-nav and electric folding door mirrors.
The latest Duster model offers three engine options: a 1.0-litre TCe 100 Bi-Fuel, a 1.2-litre TCe 130, and a 1.6-litre Hybrid 140. Both the Bi-Fuel and TCe 130 engines feature mild hybrid technology, whereas the Hybrid 140 is a full hybrid system. The Hybrid 140, boasting 138bhp, stands as the most powerful engine in the lineup. Its 1.2kWh battery is said to allow it to operate in electric-only mode for up to 80 percent of urban driving conditions.
The new Dacia Duster will go on sale in the second half of 2024. Pricing has not yet been announced, but Dacia says it will be similar to the current car’s £17,295 starting price.