Dacia Duster 2022 We tested the SUV for all audiences

With more than 1.9 million units sold since its launch in 2010, just at the time of the SUV boom, the Dacia Duster has been opening a niche in most of the 44 markets in which it is sold, being the European leader in sales to individuals in its category since 2019. One of its main arguments is that it has a lower price than competitive models in segment B, offering dimensions very close to the models of the next category, and with the possibility of having versions equipped with all-wheel drive, something that is not usually very common among competing models.

Four years after the launch of the third generation, it receives a restyling that updates its image and improves its positioning, since it is offered from 15,000 euros of the Essential finish, reaching 18,000 euros in the most complete equipment level, called Prestige.

2022 Dacia Duster Updated image

The changes made to the Duster are not radical, but the new chrome front grille with daytime running lights in the shape of a ‘Y’, as well as the rear lights stand out. The energy-efficient permanent lighting, the newly designed rear spoiler, and the more aerodynamic 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 5.8 g / km.

Inside, a left footrest has been installed, a front armrest with an interior hollow – with a capacity of more than one liter – with a sliding cover, new headrests, as well as two versions of multimedia systems with an 8-inch touch screen. The structure of the seats is not new, but they do have firmer foams and new upholstery coatings that make them more comfortable to spend more hours on board.

In addition to the Radio Plug & Dacia audio equipment (radio, MP3, USB, and Bluetooth), the new 8-inch central touch screen is available in two versions, Media Display, with audio equipment, connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via cable. and Media Nav, with browser and wireless smartphone connectivity. Using the steering wheel controls, you can activate voice recognition and request functions with the iOS or Google assistant on your smartphone.

Dacia Duster 2022

In the case of the 4 × 4 versions, the «Vehicle tab» offers information on specific off-road driving (altimeter, inclinometer, compass, etc.) as well as a rear camera with guidance lines and front, rear and rear cameras. side for driving in difficult off-road driving situations. Precisely on this type of terrain, the Dacia Duster 4 × 4 moves easily, as it has a high body height and specialized M + S tires.

They do not change the dimensions of the chassis or the suspensions, although the steering has received an adjustment in the calibration of the assistance to offer greater precision and guidance at medium and high speed. Its off-road dimensions are very interesting, with a ground clearance of 217 mm in the 4X2 versions and 214 mm in the 4X4; an entry angle of 30 °, ventral angle of 21 ° and exit angle of 34 ° in the 4X2 versions and 33 ° in the 4X4.

Dacia Duster 2022

As for safety systems and driving aids, in addition to the optional speed limiter/regulator with controls on the steering wheel, it offers different driving aids, such as the active blind spot detector between 30km / h and 140 km / hparking aid system, hill start assistant, adaptive descent control between 5 and 30 km / h in 4 × 4 versions, etc.

Mechanical update

The engine range has also been updated, it is now offered with a 6-speed EDC automatic transmission on the TCe 150 in the Prestige 4X2 version and the 6-speed ECO-G 100 variant now has a 50-liter LPG tank.

With a diesel engine, the dCi 115 is offered, in 4X2 or 4 × 4 versions, coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox, while in gasoline there are the TCe 90 and TCe 130 versions with front-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual gearbox, and the aforementioned TCe 150 4X2 with EDC 6-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive system has a price increase of 2,400 euros, while the LPG versions only increase its price by 400 euros. In addition, it must be taken into account that a fuel card is included to enjoy 300 euros of LPG, so the real increase only represents an additional 100 euros.

Dacia Duster 2022

The ECO-G version of 100 CV, enjoys the ECO label of the DGT. When it circulates with LPG, it emits around 9.5% less CO 2 than with gasoline and offers a range of 1,235 kilometers thanks to its two tanks, which have about 100 liters of capacity: 50 liters of gasoline and 50 liters of LPG. The useful volume of LPG increases by 16.2 liters compared to the previous generation of Duster LPG, increasing the autonomy by more than 250 kilometers.

The change from one fuel to the other is immediate and imperceptible. The driver can manually activate the petrol-LPG switch at any time. The change to petrol takes place automatically when the LPG tank is empty and the consumption indicator via the 3.5-inch TFT screen of the onboard computer provides information on the fuel level in both tanks.

Dacia Duster 2022 Interior

Duster Extreme, new limited series

A special limited series will be launched in 2022, taking over from the 15 and, Techroad and Black Collector series. It will be offered in six body colors: Glacier White, Pearl Black, Comet Gray, Iron Blue, Arizona Orange, and Urban Gray, with orange accent inserts on the exterior (front grille, mirror body, roof bars, tailgate) and inside (air intakes, interior doors, center console).

It will also feature specific TEP fabric upholstery with orange stitching and exclusive black aluminum wheels. As for the equipment, the endowment of this limited series will be close to that of the Prestige trim level, with automatic climate control, Media Nav multimedia system with 8-inch touch screen, browser, and wireless connectivity compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Regarding the price of this special series has not yet been communicated.

Elenor Kling

A tech lover and generally a car enthusiast who likes to do a lot of research and share knowledge.

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