Dacia Duster III, a car with no complexes
Dacia unveils the third generation of its SUV. Improved in every respect, electrified and, above all, aesthetically very accomplished, the new Duster intends to prove once and for all that a model “made in Romania” is indeed capable of being very sexy.
The days of the first Logan and Sandero are long gone! From the looks of the third Duster, it’s easy to see that the Romanian brand is no longer just looking to please with its unbeatable prices, but also with its sex appeal.
It’s a task that has been forged over the years, with facelifts to the first Duster, launched in 2010. 13 years later, the Romanian SUV is riding a wave of global popularity, with over 2.2 million units sold worldwide! At the outset, this success was driven strictly by an excellent price-performance ratio, and has since been encouraged by a notable stylistic evolution.
This approach has been taken to the extreme with the new Duster, which aims to appeal immediately through its design. Without increasing its exterior dimensions, the new Duster appears larger and more imposing. With its straight, hollowed-out hood, pronounced shoulder on the rear fenders and “Y”-shaped light signature at both front and rear, this Romanian is a real dog! The stylistic leap is such that it represents a clear break with the outgoing model.
The digital and hybrid era
The same can be said of the interior, which has been modeled in harmony with the exterior. The “Y” theme is reflected in the design of the air vents and door panels. The furnishings feature sustainable materials, but also digital technology, with a digital panel replacing the traditional needle-type counters. In the same vein, the central multimedia screen can provide wireless smartphone replication (Android Auto/Apple CarPlay), and the gearshift lever finally disappears in favor of a small electric joystick, but only on the hybrid version.
Powered by a 94hp 1.6-litre petrol engine, coupled with a 49hp electric motor, this is one of the Duster’s major new features. Diesel enthusiasts can rest assured that the hood of imported versions will indeed house a diesel, but this will only be destined for a few non-European markets.
