The Dacia Duster Cleans Up

By Jeremy Taylor & Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby

2 hours ago

Why spend tens of thousands more on a posh badge when this award-winning SUV starts at under £20,000?

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Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby drive a budget-friendly all-rounder from Romania: the Dacia Duster.

Car Review: Dacia Duster

JT-P – Shall I ask the obvious question? How do you pronounce Dacia?

JT – So, instead of day-see-a, it’s da-chee-a. Think Dachshund dog and you won’t go far wrong. The range starts at under £20,000 for a two-wheel drive version, but there’s an excellent all-wheel drive model, too. Both represent remarkable value for money.

How does this third generation model differ from the old one?

Firstly, the new-look is more robust and rather desirable. Some of the exterior plastic trim is made from recycled materials. Inside, noise insulation is much better, and expect more space. Add a raft of safety equipment and the latest Duster is a thoroughly modern car.

Our mid-range model features Journey trim and costs £26,000. It’s a hybrid drivetrain but not a plug-in?

No, this model uses the same 1.6-litre petrol engine and battery set-up found in other cars from Dacia’s parent company Renault. It should be good for 50mpg in everyday driving conditions. However, the three-cylinder, 1.2 hybrid model is cheaper and probably offers all the power and economy most people need.

I love the interior – very smart indeed. If you have a young family, this is a car that will survive sticky fingers and muddy shoes, with wipe-clean seats, a decent-sized boot and lots of storage space. It also looks modern and cool, with eye-catching materials and stylish Dacia logos on the seats.

Yes, it’s not exactly luxurious but holds up very well compared to a Land Rover Defender, which is more than double the price. The infotainment screen is better than most, with a built-in phone holder, too.

So, it’s cheap but does that mean it will have reliability issues?

Because Dacia takes a no-nonsense approach to engineering, the car has a great track record with owners. The warranty covers you for 75,000 miles or three years, with the option to buy an extended package. Dusters are only cheap because they are made in Romania, where production costs are less expensive. Dusters also hold their value well.

OK, so the big question: would you buy one?

Absolutely! If you’re not a badge snob, then a Dacia is all the car you will ever need. This latest Duster is more sophisticated, easier to live with and fantastic value.