- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He
New Duster. Free of flaws
The Dacia Duster is a compact five-seater SUV manufactured since 2010. In 2017, the manufacturer presented the second generation, very similar to the previous one. It is free of the flaws that were found in the first Duster, but did not prevent it from becoming very popular in various countries of the world.
Spot the difference
The new Dacia Duster is built on the upgraded B0 platform, which is now called ‘Global Access’, and this is the first model to be built on it. The body is completely new, and the front pillar has been moved 100 mm forward, which slightly increased the interior volume. The new body is about 10% stronger and stiffer. The new SUV has become more attractive, although the exterior is still not its strongest point.
The interior features minor improvements, such as pockets in the doors and height-adjustable center armrest. The fit has been improved, which will be especially appreciated by tall drivers. The vehicle now has adjustable seats, a reach-adjustable steering column and an electric power steering instead of a hydraulic one, which significantly improved handling.
The 2017/2018 Dacia Duster has not only become more beautiful, but also more practical, acquiring more sophisticated wheels and narrower kicking plates. The body length has increased by 26 mm to 4,341 mm, the width has slightly reduced to 1,804 mm, and the wheelbase has been extended by 3 mm to 2,676 mm. The vehicle is 1,682 mm high, which is 18 mm lower than the previous generation, but the ground clearance is the same 210 mm.
Permanent advantages
The range of engines is wide. The vehicle can be equipped with petrol engines of different sizes and one turbocharged diesel engine.
- A 1.3-liter petrol turbocharged direct injection engine comes with a manual transmission or a Jatco CVT;
- A 1.6-liter petrol engine with 114 or 117 hp;
- A 2-liter petrol naturally aspirated engine with 143 hp, coupled with a manual transmission;
- A 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 109 hp, coupled with a manual transmission.
In Israel, the 2020 Dacia Duster is sold with a turbocharged diesel engine and a 1.3-liter petrol turbocharged engine, developed by the Renault-Nissan alliance together with Daimler, which is available in two versions: 130 hp and 240 Nm or 150 hp and 250 Nm (both are offered in Israel). The vehicles are equipped only with a manual transmission, four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.
The SUV comes with the same chassis that is known for its smoothness and elasticity. The suspensions are independent: the MacPherson strut at the front and a multi-link suspension or a semi-independent beam suspension (front-wheel drive versions) at the rear.
The vehicle can boast of a great cross-country ability, the close to off-road geometric parameters and electronics that successfully imitate the missing interlocks. In Israel, the base version (Laureate) comes with a modern media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, six airbags, hill-start assist, cruise control, LED running lights, pedestrian and traffic sign recognition systems. The Prestige expensive version is distinguished by the presence of climate control, all-round cameras and a smart key. All-wheel drive vehicles are equipped with the hill descent control.
