New Dacia Duster Coming Soon: Specs, price and release info

We love the Dacia Duster, and so, it seems, do owners. Indeed, you voted Dacia the best value brand in 2021 and 2023 and the Duster the best value car in 2022 in the Auto Trader New Car Awards. But there’s more to the Duster than just affordability. With its tough, SUV looks and – in its all-wheel drive versions – surprising off-road ability this is a junior 4x4 that lives up to the looks. Which is more than can be said for many of its rivals. This new third-generation Duster is, therefore, a big deal.
• Where the Sandero does affordability and the Jogger practicality the Duster combines both, with more than a little SUV style into the bargain • Third-generation Duster shows off a bold new look, including unpainted part-recycled panels as a badge of both sustainable cred and no-nonsense toughness • Hybrid version delivers an electrified boost around town and strong efficiency while the regular petrol has a milder hybrid system and is available in two- or all-wheel drive versions • Signature Bi-Fuel version meanwhile offers choice of running on petrol or LPG, with range of over 800 miles between fills with both tanks brimmed • On-sale date to be confirmed but buyers are invited to register their interest now • No word on pricing yet, but in keeping with the Dacia ethos there’s a basic ‘Essential’ trim that should maintain reputation for value

As one of the most affordable SUVs on the market the Duster has doubled down on its no-nonsense style, this third-generation version looking tougher than ever thanks to its use of contrasting unpainted panels made from part-recycled materials able to handle off-road abuse and everyday parking scrapes alike. While more assertive on the outside and with extra space inside it’s not much bigger than the existing one overall, so should be just as usable around town and in the sticks. A four-model range goes from back to basics Essential up to the top-of-the-line Journey with nice-to-haves including an upgraded stereo and more.

Buyers attracted by the back-to-basics vibe of previous Dusters will be pleased to hear a simple version with the minimum of screens and other distractions remains available. But Dacia also realises modern drivers like their tech, and from Expression upwards you get a digital instrument display and large central touch-screen through which you can run your phone apps or, on fancier trims, use built-in navigation and more. As practical and tough as a pair of walking boots, the Duster seals its credentials with features like the neat configurable roof bars and washable upholstery on fancier trim levels, while an optional Sleep Pack includes removable bed, tray table and storage locker for weekends away in the wilds.

Dacia has adapted parent company Renault’s E-Tech hybrid powertrain to good effect already on the Jogger, a version of the same system also available on the new Duster. Though not a plug-in it pairs a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric drive motor for improved efficiency, the car pulling away on electric power and bringing the petrol engine in as required. In our experience living with a Clio with a version of the same system it delivers fuel consumption on a par with the diesels on older Dusters, the TCe 130 turbo meanwhile using milder hybrid assistance and available with two- and all-wheel drive. The latter is properly handy in the rough stuff as well, with modes to get you out of pretty much any situation you may find yourself in. While there’s no electric version Dacia’s Bi-Fuel option meanwhile offers you the choice of running on petrol or LPG for reduced CO2 and a huge range between fill-ups.

As yet Dacia hasn’t confirmed pricing or an on-sale date for the new Duster, but if you’re interested it invites you to register your interest on the customer website.

Combining Dacia’s signature value proposition with more expensive electric power is a challenge the brand is addressing with the Spring, a basic EV geared for city drivers.

While there are lots of SUV or crossover style vehicles in the sector few can compete with the Duster’s combination of value and true off-road credentials. That Dacia is now combining this with more style and tech for those willing to spend a little more should earn yet more awards.