Dacia Duster remains the solid SUV for small budgets
Just in time for the turn of the year, Dacia launches its second-generation SUV. The new Duster is not a revolution, but a solid evolution. Prices start at 13,890 francs.
Since 2010, Dacia has been on the hunt for customers with the Duster. The Romanian Renault subsidiary proved to have good instincts, as the compact SUV was able to ride the wave of success in the segment virtually unhindered. The new model has remained a typical Dacia that is not ashamed of its roots. On the contrary. With practically unchanged dimensions, the Duster now has a beefier and more grown-up look, which has been cleverly achieved by changing the design elements. Although the brand's design virtuosos have completely redesigned the bodywork, they have not missed any opportunity to retain an unmistakable ancestry.
Noticeably higher qualityRight from the first few meters, it is obvious to the eyes and ears that the noise development has been contained. Whether with a turbo petrol or diesel engine, the Dacia Duster is pleasantly composed and it is pleasing to note that nothing vibrates, nothing cracks and there are no noise peaks. "The impression of quality was an important part of the further development," says Olivier Wittmann, General Director of Dacia Switzerland.
The quality feel is also impressive inside, with softer surface materials and a touchscreen positioned higher in the center console (for navigation and, for the first time, a 360-degree camera system). The new seats are firmer, have a longer seat surface and are more adjustable in height. The chassis beams of the revised platform have been reinforced for crash reasons and to improve torsional rigidity. The Duster is also equipped with curtain airbags for the first time and can be ordered with blind spot sensors.
All-wheel drive for SwitzerlandThe two petrol engines and the turbodiesel are available with AWD, whereby the tried-and-tested 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 125 hp will play the main role in Switzerland. It will be followed by the 1.5-liter diesel (110 hp) with AWD. The diesel is also the only one to be offered with a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox in addition to the manual transmission, although not in combination with AWD. Deliveries of the new Duster will start in January, with the price range from 13,890 to 19,890 francs covering four equipment levels.
