Discover the Dacia Duster: A Budget-Friendly SUV for Adventurous Drivers

After the successful launches of the Logan, Sandero, Logan MCV, and pickup, Dacia made a significant leap into the 4x4 market with the Dacia Duster. The Romanian brand unveiled the production version of the Duster, which went on sale in spring 2010. While the final product differs from the concept unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, it retains the robust SUV appearance.

The new Dacia Duster will be available in two versions: 4x2 and 4x4. Under the hood, it boasts a 1.6L 16V petrol engine that delivers 110 HP, alongside two diesel options: an 85 dCi and a 105 dCi. These diesel engines are designed for efficiency, with low emissions of just 140g of CO2/km in the 4x2 version and 150g of CO2/km in the 4x4 variant.

The 2010 Dacia Duster SUV is tough, reliable, and user-friendly, targeting motorists seeking a daily driver with genuine off-road capabilities. Measuring 4.31 meters in length and 1.82 meters in width, it features a 200 mm ground clearance, a 30-degree approach angle, and a 35-degree departure angle.

Safety features include a Bosch 8.1 ABS system, EBV electronic brakeforce distribution, and emergency brake assist. The vehicle weighs only 1,180 kg in the 4x2 version and 1,280 kg in the 4x4. The price will be announced in the coming months, depending on the market.

Explore our Dacia Duster options—easy to drive, comfortable, and perfectly suited for all types of country roads.

The Dacia Phenomenon

British tourists, take note: check out the Dacia Duster ahead of its UK release! The brand, known as “Renault for the budget-conscious,” plans to launch Dacia cars in the UK starting in 2012, despite earlier statements indicating no such plans.

The rise of Dacia is remarkable. Since Renault acquired the company in 1999, it has transformed into a producer of budget vehicles for emerging markets. With over 1.25 million Dacias sold in the last five years, the brand is poised for success as consumers increasingly seek budget-friendly options. Dacia has already found success across mainland Europe and is now preparing to introduce right-hand drive cars.

In the car rental sector, Dacia is also making waves, with over 15% of EuroCars’ rentals consisting of Dacia vehicles. The Duster has become particularly popular, initially available in Bucharest, and has now expanded to Timisoara, Brasov, Bacau, and soon all rental locations.

Dacia is not the Lada of the 21st century. Much like Hyundai, it has upgraded quality while maintaining sensible pricing. The new Dacia Duster is a budget-friendly compact SUV, comparable to the Skoda Yeti, offering a 1.5-liter diesel engine with 104 bhp or a 1.6-liter petrol with 84 bhp. Prices start at an affordable €11,900, including tax.

One cultural tidbit: if Dacia is entering the UK market, Brits will need to learn how to pronounce it correctly. While many say “Day-see-er,” the proper pronunciation is “Dat-ch-a,” in a Romanian accent. Renault may have a challenge ahead in getting this right.

Regardless of how you pronounce it, the Dacia Duster will be available in right-hand drive from 2012. For more information on what’s on offer, check out the Dacia Duster Press Release.

EuroCars.ro recommends the Dacia Duster—try it today!