Dacia has unveiled the third generation of its popular Duster SUV, which promises to offer more space, technology, and efficiency than ever before. The new Duster features a redesigned exterior, a revamped interior, and a range of hybrid powertrains, including a full-hybrid option for the first time. Here are some highlights of the 2024 Dacia Duster, which is expected to go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2023.
A More Rugged and Modern Design
The new Dacia Duster retains the distinctive shape and proportions of its predecessors but adds some new elements to enhance its rugged and modern appeal. The front end features a new grille with the updated Dacia logo, a larger skid plate, and LED headlights with a Y-shaped signature. The rear end also gets new LED taillights, a redesigned bumper, and a roof-mounted spoiler. The new Duster also has more plastic cladding around the wheel arches and the lower body and roof rails that can support up to 80 kg of load. The new Duster is available in 11 colors, including two new ones: Desert Orange and Highland Green.
A More Spacious and Comfortable Interior
The new Dacia Duster offers more space and comfort for its occupants, thanks to more efficient packaging and a longer wheelbase. The boot capacity has increased by 6% to 472 liters, and the rear legroom has improved by 20 mm. The new Duster also features a more ergonomic and user-friendly dashboard, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The new Duster also offers a range of convenience and safety features, such as wireless smartphone charging, a six-speaker sound system, a rearview camera, blind spot warning, and hill start assist. One of the most innovative features of the new Duster is the optional Sleep Pack, which allows the rear seats to fold down and create a double bed, complete with a table and a storage area.
A More Efficient and Diverse Powertrain Lineup
The new Duster introduces a new generation of powertrains, which are more efficient and diverse than before. The new Duster is the first Dacia model to offer a full-hybrid option, which combines a 1.6-liter petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery. This system delivers a total output of 140 hp and can run on electric mode for up to 80% of urban driving. The new Duster also offers a mild-hybrid option, which pairs a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine with a 12-volt starter-generator and a small battery. This system produces 130 hp and reduces fuel consumption by 10% compared to the previous generation. The new Duster also offers a bi-fuel option, which allows the 1.2-liter petrol engine to run on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and petrol. This option reduces CO2 emissions by 11% and increases the driving range by 50%. All the powertrain options are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
A More Affordable and Attractive SUV
The new Duster aims to continue the success story of its predecessors, which have sold more than 2.5 million units worldwide since 2010. The new Duster is expected to be one of the most affordable and attractive SUVs in the market, with a starting price of around $23,000 in Europe. The new Duster will compete with other popular SUVs, such as the Nissan Qashqai, the Hyundai Tucson, and the Kia Sportage. The new Duster will also benefit from the strong reputation and loyalty of the Dacia brand, which has recently refreshed its logo and product range, including the new Jogger, a seven-seater family car.
The new Dacia Duster is a testament to Dacia’s philosophy of offering simple, smart, and sustainable mobility solutions for everyone. The new Duster is more Duster than ever and still Duster at its core.
