- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He
Dacia Duster. Ready for adventures
Since September 2021, the second generation SUV, restyled in June, has been on sale.
The Dacia Duster is a compact five-seater SUV developed at the Technocentre Renault (Guyancourt). It was presented to the European market on December 8, 2009. In some countries, this vehicle is sold under the Renault brand. The name of the model comes from the English word ‘dust’ and indicates the unpretentious nature of the model.
The new Dacia Duster is a front- or all-wheel drive compact SUV, produced under the Romanian brand and focused on the European market. It combines a nice design, a high level of functionality and good cross-country ability.
The first generation
It was produced from 2010 to 2017, and was restyled in 2013. The vehicle was based on the Nissan B0 platform, just like the Renault Logan, Sandero and Nissan Juke. The platform was significantly upgraded so that it could use a different chassis and the Nissan All Mode 4×4-i all-wheel drive system. The first Duster could be both all- and front-wheel drive. It was 4,315 mm long, 1,822 wide and 1,625 mm high. The all-wheel drive versions weighed 1,390 kg (diesel engine) or 1,370 kg (2-liter petrol engine).
The vehicle could be equipped with 1.6-liter and 2-liter engines (naturally aspirated, generating 102 and 135 hp, respectively), as well as with a 1.5 liter turbocharged diesel engine (90 or 110 hp). The SUV had a 5- and 6-speed manual transmission, as well as a simple hydromechanical 4-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, in Brazil, the vehicle could also come with the Jatco CVT. The chassis was simple and reliable, comprising the independent suspensions with anti-roll bars, with the MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear.
The Dacia Duster won the 2013 Russian Car of the Year Award in the Compact SUVs category (which means a lot, taking into account the weather conditions in this country).
The trunk volume was 475 liters and increased to 1,636 liters with the rear row of seats folded down. The SUV had a steel crankcase as standard, a ground clearance of 21 cm and short overhangs (angle of approach 30°, angle of departure 35°). The base version was equipped with an ABS with electronic brake force distribution and an electronic emergency braking system. The vehicle dynamic control and traction control were optional. The first Duster was equipped with two front airbags, whereas side airbags were available as an option.
The Dacia Duster won the 2013 Russian Car of the Year Award in the Compact SUVs category (which means a lot, taking into account the weather conditions in this country). In November 2013, the manufacturer presented the restyled SUV (sold since 2015). The vehicle boasted a renewed exterior, a redesigned interior front panel and an expanded list of equipment. In 2014, the millionth Duster was produced and its version appeared under the name Nissan Terrano, featuring a slightly ‘refined’ exterior and a stiffer suspension.
The second generation
It has been produced from 2017 to the present (as of 2020). The new Dacia Duster looks very similar to its predecessor. However, its body comprises new parts and has become 10% stronger and stiffer. The interior still looks modest, featuring inexpensive materials and minor improvements, such as pockets in the doors and height-adjustable center armrest. The deep volumetric glove compartment is still there. The fit has been improved, which will be especially appreciated by tall drivers.
The length, width and height of the vehicle are now 4,341, 1,804 and 1,682 mm, respectively, and the wheelbase reaches 2,676 mm. Compared to the first generation, the length has been increased by 26 mm, the width has been reduced by 18 mm, and the wheelbase has become 3 mm longer. The ground clearance is still 210 mm, and the angles of approach and departure are also no worse than those of the first Duster: 31 and 33 degrees, respectively. The new SUV is built on an upgraded B0 platform, but its body is completely new. As compared to its predecessor, the front pillar has been moved 100 mm forward for the sake of the interior volume.
Engines:
- Depending on the market, the vehicle can have: a 1.6 petrol engine. The 114 horsepower version is available with front-wheel drive and 5-speed manual transmission, whereas the 117 horsepower version comes only with all-wheel drive versions and a 6-speed manual transmission;
- A 2-liter engine (143 hp, manual transmission);
- A new 1.3 liter turbocharged direct injection engine developed by the Renault-Nissan alliance in cooperation with Daimler. The unit is available in two versions: 130 hp and 240 Nm or 150 hp and 250 Nm, aggregated with a manual transmission or a Jatco CVT;
- A 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine (109 hp), coupled only with a manual transmission.
The chassis is the same, but the steering has been improved. The vehicle’s cross-country ability is still good. The list of options includes an advanced media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, six airbags, heated seats, a rearview camera, cruise control, pedestrian and road traffic recognition systems, etc.
