The new Dacia Duster starts at 18,950 euros

Driving an SUV isn't just for the rich. Dacia has been democratizing the 4×4 trekking experience with the Duster for around 14 years. But he's only really sexy now for the first time. ntv.de did the seat test and reported on it.

Anyone who spends a lot of time on the Internet and is looking for exciting and, above all, affordable cars may have already read about the new Duster. The Romanian manufacturer, which is affiliated with Renault, first presented the car in Portugal. And then the German division received another vehicle, which they had brought to a studio in simple Troisdorf (near Bonn).

You might think that the unpretentious location actually fits perfectly with the equally unpretentious brand. In addition, the renewed meeting came at just the right time, namely shortly before the company announced the prices for the Duster. And they are really an announcement: Because the SUV starts at an outrageously low price of 18,950 euros – then with the 100 hp “ECO G 100” (one-liter three-cylinder turbo). And the name already suggests that the 100 hp entry-level model can be operated inexpensively with autogas.

However, if you choose the 130 hp all-wheel drive version, the so-called “Extreme” equipment costs 26,150 euros, which is no longer so cheap (the 4×4 base starts at 24,650 euros). However, the 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder with 48-volt mild hybrid system does not exceed the 30,000 euro mark even when selecting all available optional equipment (heated steering wheel, navigation system and reversing camera with multiple perspectives).

The 140 hp (as system output) hybrid, which is the only offering with an automatic transmission, lands just above that. This is a full hybrid with just 1.2 kilowatt hours of battery capacity (not externally rechargeable), consisting of a four-cylinder with 1.6 liter displacement and 94 hp plus 49 hp electric motor plus starter generator. A total of six translations are available. However, this variant is denied all-wheel drive. So does Dacia Duster mean compromise?

Dacia Duster impresses with design gimmicks

Certainly somehow, but the Duster has now become sexy. The designers put a lot of effort into creating a real eye-catcher, and they actually succeeded. With a futuristic front with seamlessly integrated headlights and eye-catching daytime running lights, the budget off-roader immediately wins over even skeptics. Burschiko's wheel arches on display reinforce the trekking look and a skilfully placed bead at the back gives the SUV a certain wide-legged look.

Copper-colored exterior mirror caps, designer roof rails and the confidently broad brand lettering everywhere give it a stylish touch. And you can even discover “Easter eggs” on the latest Duster generation. These are hidden design gimmicks from creative people, such as a small stylized car attached to the lower edge of the windshield.

Also funny: the Dacia lettering in the taillight lenses. What's even cooler is the visual presentation of the recycling idea in the form of a cycle pictogram placed in the area of ​​the front doors. What I mean is: Dacia now also operates sustainable materials management.

And “cool” is a good keyword. Because that's also how the interior can be described, as it turns out during the first seat test. In the previous generation of the Duster, the interior design could not meet the expectations that the exterior design aroused. Over. Copper-colored elements in the area of ​​the ventilation nozzles are attractive, as is the large central screen. And the instrument cluster also consists of an electronic display – modern times in the Duster.

And of course there is a large “Duster” lettering embedded in the fittings. After all, the lifestyle group wants to be kept happy. And even optical decorative seams are pleasing to the eye on the expensive version. But to slow down the soaring a bit: of course the price is fair. So please don't expect noble, foamed plastics, it's more of the hard plastic type that is used. But that's completely fine, Dacia also has to earn money to survive.

There's also a bit of Jeep and Land Rover in the Dacia

By the way, there is also a bit of Skoda in the Dacia, because you immediately have to think of its “Simply Clever” details. This is what the Czechs call their practical solutions such as coat hooks and luggage nets. The Duster also has a kind of built-in bag in the rear, which hangs on the headrests of the front seats with appropriate fasteners. And tons of shelves. And a precisely fitting rubber mat in the trunk, so that you can throw dirty rubber boots into the rear compartment without worry. There's also a bit of Jeep (that's where the Easter eggs come from) in the Dacia and a pinch of Land Rover, if you think about the plastic elements with the pseudo-louvers in the area of ​​the front doors.

Renault's expression of love for the Dacia brand is not least that its products are now based on modern technology. In the past, what Renault could no longer use was recycled. By the way, the manufacturer promises more space in the interior than the old Duster. Thanks to the new CMF-B platform, the unchanged 4.34 meter long automotive multifunctional tool should offer three centimeters more legroom despite a centimeter less wheelbase (2.66 meters). And you actually don't sit badly in the back, but that needs to be explored more closely.

A look at the off-road values ​​shows that at least the 4×4 version of the Duster is actually a small climber. Thanks to the 217 millimeters of ground clearance, one or two obstacles can be overcome. Incidentally, the all-wheel drive vehicle with a departure angle of 31 degrees at the front sets itself apart from the versions with front-wheel drive (21 degrees) and is likely to be significantly better at conquering impassable passages.

It is likely that we will see the new Duster more often on our roads in the future. Simply because the price of well under 20,000 euros is a strong statement. And ntv.de will of course reveal how it drives in due course.