No nonsense, big value: meet the all-new Dacia Duster

By Joe Rayfus

Value for money is not a phrase you frequently associated with the motoring world, and definitely not in recent times – yet, when it comes to Dacia’s third-generation Duster, you can’t escape how thoroughly it embodies the concept. From its no-nonsense design to its unpretentious cabin, this crossover continues the brand’s tradition of giving drivers precisely what they need, without unnecessary frills that inflate the price.

Although it’s categorised as a small family SUV, the Duster is not cramped, and it stays delightfully true to the original formula that made it so popular in the first place.

In the last two years alone Dacia have sold more than 3,000 Dusters in Ireland. Most of those were private sales to people using their own hard-earned cash, which speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of the Duster.

So, what’s new in this third generation? For starters, the body and platform have undergone a substantial evolution. Gone is the older architecture borrowed from retired Nissan and Renault models, and in its place sits the modern CMF-B platform that allows for better crash protection, a quieter ride, and improved interior space.

You can see Dacia’s latest design language at work on the exterior: squared-off edges, a more upright nose, and that distinctive plastic protective cladding – made partly from recycled materials – skirting the lower edges. The look is more rugged, more adventurous.

Inside, you’ll notice that Dacia has put its efforts into things that matter for everyday life. There’s plenty of cabin space, and numerous storage cubbies. If you choose the entry-level model, you’ll discover a brilliant money-saver: a simple cradle on the dashboard where you dock your smartphone to become your infotainment screen, courtesy of a bespoke Dacia app.

It’s a surprisingly effective system that many modern motorists might actually find more intuitive than fiddling with an overloaded factory-fitted touchscreen. If you do upgrade to a higher trim, you get a built-in touchscreen, but it’s worth noting it can be slower and less sophisticated than some rival systems.

Cost-saving measures remain evident in the plastics used throughout the cabin – no soft-touch materials here. But for those of us who prefer a straightforward, resilient interior that can handle day-to-day wear, the Duster’s spartan approach is more a strength than a shortcoming. Sometimes, simpler really is better.

When it comes to performance, the Duster caters to a range of preferences. The base model, with its 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol/LPG bi-fuel engine, comes in below €26,000 and there’s a 140bhp full hybrid (appropriately named ‘Hybrid 140’) engine too.

If you’d like something in between, the 1.2-litre TCe petrol mild-hybrid is a sweet spot. You can spec it with front- or four-wheel drive. A front-driven mild-hybrid example can get to 100kmh in 9.9 seconds, while the 4x4 variant that I tested is a touch slower at 11 seconds. In practice, both models will deliver more than enough punch for motorways and country lanes alike.

Over my test week, I appreciated the added surety offered by the all-wheel drive version. On the icy roads, the snow/ice setting was excellent and took all the stress out of my daily commute. The heated seats and steering wheel were equally pleasing.

Dacia has always prided itself on a certain honesty in design, and that is evident in how the new Duster drives. It’s neither excessively firm nor ponderously soft. Instead, it strikes a happy balance, offering a ride that’s compliant over rough roads without sacrificing composure in corners. You won’t be slinging it around hairpins for thrills – this is still a family crossover – but the Duster never feels unwieldy or boat-like.

The safety kit has also been updated to modern standards. Automatic emergency braking, speed-limit recognition, and lane-departure prevention now come as standard. The Duster does not achieve top marks in the latest NCAP tests – there’s a limit to what a budget-conscious SUV can do – but it’s a noticeable improvement over past incarnations.

The new Dacia Duster is the epitome of a motoring bargain. You won’t find an array of indulgent extras or a high-powered performance variant, but you won’t miss them either. Everything here is purposeful and makes no fuss. For many drivers, especially those looking to keep a keen eye on the pocket while still enjoying a practical, modern family crossover, the Duster will be an easy choice. If a new five-seat SUV that’s rugged, economical, and well-equipped for everyday life doesn’t scream good value, I’m not sure what does.

The local Dacia dealer is the O'Brien Motor Group.