LPG or hybrid?
From the previous generation, the new one Dacia Duster only resumes the length (434 cm, about thirty more than a small car), the name #and the 1.0 LPG turbo with 101 HP. # With this three-cylinder, at the base of the range, i prices they leave from €19,700. # But it’s about the Essential, which is a little too spartan; # better there Expression, which for €21,400 also offers the rear view camera #and the multimedia system. # As an alternative to the 1.0 there are two petrol hybrid versions: the 1.2 mild hybrid with 131 HP of the test, which costs 1,500 euros more than the 1.0 LPG (and is the only one that can also be had 4×4, adding another €2,500) #and the 1.6 full hybrid with 140 HP (5,000 euros more than the gas Duster) #. # The 1.6 is automatic #and promises low consumption, especially in the city. # Compared to the previous #Dacia #Duster the prices have increased a little, but the equipment has improved.
Space #and safety but less “light”
The design of the Dacia Duster it is more modern #and sophisticated (let’s mention the rear door handles hidden in the window frames #and the custom-shaped lights) #and there is no lack of space at all: four people feel comfortable, the fifth passenger is not sacrificed #and the trunk it has grown to 517 liters (450 in 4x4s). # However, the windows (especially the windshield) are a little smaller, so that the interior is less bright. # What improves, #and a lot, is the safety: the #Duster complies with the European standards valid since July which require all new cars produced in more than 1500 units to have automatic braking, lane keeping, road sign recognition, rear obstacle detection #and other devices.
In two sauces
At the Expression alongside two richer versions, which cost 1,500 euros more: the Journey (that of the test car) #and the Extreme. # Both have automatic climate control (but only single zone #and without vents behind) #and fog lights, but the #Journey focuses on comfort (it has an electronic handbrake, navigator, charging plate #and keyless access) while theExtreme it is more “adventurous”: it has 17″ wheels instead of 18″, copper-colored details, roof bars that rotate to become transverse luggage racks, #and a rubber trunk bottom.
The color suits her
As one might expect given the low price of the Dacia Duster, plastics are all rigid; # however, they are well assembled #and do not give an idea of ”poverty”. # The large colored inserts in the dashboard #and doors contribute to this sensation: gray in the Essential, green in the Extreme #and blue in the others. # Furthermore, the design is refined #and contemporary, without sacrificing practicality: all controls are large #and physical, including those on the steering wheel #and console, which mainly control the climate control. # It’s just a shame that the latter are not illuminated #and are therefore difficult to find in the dark: you need to learn by heart at least the position of the air recirculation #and rapid defrost.
Simple #and well done infotainment
Another big step forward was made by multimedia system: uses a responsive #and well-defined 10″ screen, mounted in plain sight #and facing the driver. # Different from that of other Dacias, it employs a Android 12 operating system #and allows you to download other apps (for now there are only four, including Spotify #and Amazon Music) via an in-house store (different from Google’s, which instead requires the Android Automotive operating system, dedicated to cars). # Furthermore, it integrates Android Auto #and wireless Apple CarPlay, #and the navigator has eight years of free map updates.
Well thought out YouClip attacks: scattered throughout the passenger compartment #and also in the trunk, they allow you to attach accessories, which cost from 14 to 46 euros: drink holders, LED lamps, hooks, glove boxes, tablet holders #and more. # Furthermore, for just over 2,000 euros (another 237 are for the blackout curtains) there is the Sleep pack: a removable “box” that takes up a large part of the trunk #and which, when open, transforms the car into a mini-camper .
Precise shifting
A few meters are enough to realize that This 1.2 turbo is lively, especially after 2000 rpm. # Furthermore, the three-cylinder is not very noisy #and the vibrations are reduced (they are barely noticeable #and only when stationary, on occasions when the Stop & Start is not activated). # The manual gearbox is successful, with six rather “relaxed” ratios #and a well-maneuverable lever with precise shifts. Steering #and brakes, however, they require a bit of getting used to: the first is very light, even as speed increases, when, instead, you would like a little more “weight”. # Curiously, the 1.6 full hybrid (which we drove) has the opposite problem. # The brakes, then, are far too sensitive: the pedal offers little resistance #and you end up “nailing” without wanting to.
Well sprung, poorly soundproofed
The suspension of the new one convinced us Dacia Duster, which are capable of effectively absorbing even sharp bumps but do not let the car roll too much when cornering. # TO disturb comfort are, instead, i I rustled in the windscreen area: they are evident even before 100 km/h #and on the motorway it is a real “concert”. # If anything, the rolling noise is a little improved compared to the previous #Dacia Duster.
