Dacia reveals the new Duster for the European market

The mid-size SUV gets some mild updates inside out including a new dual clutch gearbox.

Himanshu Harsh June 24, 2021

3 minutes read

Dacia, the sister brand of Renault has taken the wraps off the next-gen Duster for European market. Technically, it’s an updated Renault Duster as both the companies manufacture the same cars but with either a Renault or a Dacia badge, as per their strategy in different markets. In its new avatar, the new Euro-spec Duster has received a handful of cosmetic tweaks, a marginally refreshed interior with multiple comfort features and additional safety equipment. The updated mid-size SUV comes in both 4×2 and 4×4 versions. It will go on sale in Europe from September 2021.

The new Dacia Duster revealed in the new Desert Orange bodywork looks sharper and modern than the previous generation. On the front, it features a new 3D radiator grille with chrome accents and restyled headlights with Y-shaped LED DRLs. The dipped headlights come with automatic main beam activation as standard. The mid-size SUV is also the first Dacia model to be equipped with front LED direction indicators. At the back, there’s a new rear spoiler and new rear bumpers. The whole frame sits on new 16- or 17-inch wheels which are claimed to be more aerodynamic than the previous alloys.

The interior of the new Duster is inspired by its predecessor’s but now get redesigned elements and features. The dash area has been revised and flaunts a new 8-inch infotainment touchscreen replacing the old 7-inch unit. It comes equipped with all modern connectivity features like voice recognition, Bluetooth, 2 USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and much more.

The four-wheel-drive versions also come with a new ‘4×4 Monitor’, which displays altimeter, inclinometer, and compass information. The cabin has a new seat upholstery, new headrests and a raised centre console with a slidable armrest for increased convenience. Top-end trims of the SUV also get heated front seats and an automatic climate control system.

Dacia is offering the Duster with multiple powertrain options, including a factory-fitted LPG alongside conventional petrol (TCe 90, 130, 150) and diesel (dCi 115) engines. The SUV is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox for both 4×2 and 4×4 variants, while there’s a new 6-speed DCT exclusive to the most powerful petrol engine and only in a sole 4×2 version.

The 1.0-litre turbocharged TCe 90 petrol engine produces a maximum power output of 89 bhp, while the 1.3-litre TCe 130 petrol churns out 128 bhp. The top of the line 1.3-litre TCe 150, kicks out 148 bhp. The only diesel offering in the form of the 1.5-litre engine delivers a power of 113 bhp.

Dacia has also given a choice of a 1.0-litre TCe 100 bi-fuel (petrol-LPG). The factory-fitted LPG tank sits beneath the floor of the boot, in place of the spare wheel. There’s a new, more ergonomic petrol-LPG switch that allows the driver to manually switch between fuels at any time. However, the switch to petrol occurs automatically if the LPG tank is empty. Additionally, a 3.5-inch TFT onboard computer screen informs the driver of the fuel level in the two tanks.

The French brand claims the supply of LPG has increased by 16.2 litres compared with the previous generation of the Duster LPG, increasing the range by more than 155 miles, at 767 miles. Interestingly, the automaker is the only manufacturer to offer the Bi-Fuel option across its entire range of internal combustion engine models.

The Dacia Duster is one of the most affordable SUVs in Europe and faces competition from the likes of Seat Ateca, Skoda Karoq or the Renault Kadjar.

In India, the Renault Duster received its last major update in March last year with a BS6 upgrade, later followed by the addition of the 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine option to its powertrain line-up in August. The French offering has been one of the trendsetters in the compact SUV market in India, but now looks outdated for the competition.

Once a hotcake in the Indian market, the Duster now has been carrying almost the same design for the last 10 years. However, recent reports have confirmed that Renault had patented the design of the new Duster in India, but till now, there have been no official words from the French automaker.

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View the full Duster gallery here:

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