To this day, the Dacia Duster is the cheapest SUV on the German market. The combination of real SUV qualities, attractive looks, and affordable price makes the Duster an absolute bestseller: around 1.9 million units have been sold worldwide since 2010. In Germany alone, the Duster found 200,000 customers. Now he is getting an extensive facelift.
What are the main features of the facelift:
- LED headlights and indicators
- improved infotainment in the style of the new Sandero
- there is again an automatic in the form of the EDC double-clutch transmission
- the external appearance is only changed gently, the impractical hinged door handles remain
Typical of the updated Duster is the new light signature with LED daytime running lights in the form of a horizontal Y, which is intended to make the SUV appear wider and more athletic in addition to the wide track and the displayed wheel arches. The headlight graphics can be found in the far outside rear lights.
In addition, LED low beam is now available for the Duster. Its light range is well above that of halogen lights. As the first Dacia model, the Duster also receives LED indicators as part of the facelift. The Y graphics of the daytime running lights can also be found in the 3D relief of the new chrome-plated radiator grille.
Thanks to the redesigned roof spoiler and new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels, the updated Duster is also characterized by higher aerodynamic efficiency. The improved wind slippage is reflected in the version with all-wheel drive in a reduction in CO2 emissions of 5.9 grams per kilometer.
The interior of the Duster is also being upgraded again through the facelift. The list of modifications here includes new upholstery fabrics and headrests in the front. Its slimmer shape improves the rearview for the driver and front passenger, which makes maneuvering easier as well as communicating with the rear passengers.
Another novelty is a high center console with a wide armrest that can be adjusted lengthways by seven centimeters. This includes a 1.1-liter storage compartment and, depending on the equipment, two USB interfaces for the rear passengers.
The standard equipment of the Duster includes a 3.5-inch (8.9-centimeter) TFT display for onboard computer information, the light sensor, and the speed limiter with backlit controls on the steering wheel. Depending on the version, the automatic climate control with digital display, the Tempopilot, the heated seats in the front, and the hands-free system are also available.
Two multimedia solutions are available for the updated Duster. The basis is the new media display system with an 8-inch (20.32-centimeter) touchscreen and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via cable. The driver can use the familiar user interface of his smartphone for navigation.
As an alternative to the telephone display, the driver can operate the system with the multifunction steering wheel without taking his eyes off the road. It can also be activated by voice control. In addition to two USB interfaces, the media display also includes a DAB radio and six loudspeakers, including two woofers and two tweeters.
In addition, the versatile, integrated multimedia system Media Nav with intuitive operation via touchscreen or steering wheel remote control is also available. A high-performance navigation system with high operating convenience and dynamic route guidance is integrated into the system. The updated Media Nav allows wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via Wifi.
Vehicle information and consumption data can also be called upon the user interface of the Media Display and Media Nav. In addition, the all-wheel-drive version has a 4WD monitor, which provides information on important parameters in the field. These include the lateral inclination of the vehicle around the longitudinal axis (roll angle) and the inclination of the vehicle on inclines and declines (pitch angle). In addition, there is the altimeter and compass, which are particularly important when driving in pathless terrain.
With a view to lower CO2 emissions, the Duster’s engine range has been extensively revised. Among other things, Dacia will combine the TCe 150 turbo gasoline engine in the front-wheel-drive version with the 6-speed dual-clutch transmission EDC in the compact SUV.
In addition, the bivalent TCE 100 ECO-G liquid gas variant has an LPG tank that has been enlarged by 50 percent to 62 liters, which increases the operating range with the more climate-friendly LPG. Compared to its predecessor, the pure usable reserve of LPG has increased by 45 percent from 34 to 48.8 liters, which increases the range with the more climate-friendly fuel by 250 kilometers.
The Duster engine range will in the future include five engines: the turbo gasoline engines TCe 90, TCe 130 and TCe 150, the TCe 100 ECO-G, which is optimized for operation with LPG, and the turbodiesel Blue dCi 115. All engines have a 6-speed manual transmission combined, the TCe 150 2WD also with the EDC gearbox. The TCe 150 and Blue dCi 115 variants are also available as 4WD variants.
The list of driver assistance systems for the updated Dacia Duster includes the blind spot warning, the hill starts aid, and, exclusively for the all-wheel-drive versions, the hill descent aid. There is also the rear parking aid, depending on the equipment, with a reversing camera.
The multiview camera is also available, which makes parking and driving off-road easier with the help of four wide-angle cameras. They also make obstacles visible that are below the window line or behind the vehicle and cannot be recognized by the driver.
The market launch for the new evolutionary stage of the Duster is in September 2021. Dacia has not yet commented on the prices. So far, they start at 11,990 euros for the base model with 90 hp. If, as with the new Sandero, the standard equipment is expanded, the entry price for the Duster could also rise by around 1,000 euros.
