The Dacia Duster is one of the most successful models in the European automotive market. Since its launch in 2010, it has sold over 2.2 million units across 44 countries. The Duster is known for its affordability, practicality, and off-road capabilities. It has won numerous awards and accolades, including the Car of the Year 2023 in Romania.
Now, the Dacia Duster is ready to enter its third generation, with a new design, new technology, and new engines. The 2024 Dacia Duster was unveiled on November 29, 2023, and will be available for sale in the spring of 2024. Here are some of the main features and changes that the new Duster brings to the table.
A New Look Inspired by the Bigster Concept
The 2024 Dacia Duster has a more modern and dynamic appearance, influenced by the Bigster concept that was revealed in 2022. The new Duster has a wider and lower stance but retains the same length as the previous model. It also has 7 mm more ground clearance, which enhances its off-road performance.
The front end of the new Duster features a new grille and headlight arrangement, with parallel lines that flow into the LED daytime running lights. The bumper has air curtains that improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The hood has a muscular shape that gives the Duster a more aggressive look.
The side profile of the new Duster has a coupe-like feel, with a sloping roofline and hidden rear door handles. The wheel arches are rectangular and have a new material called Starkle, which is made of 20% recycled plastic and has a speckled look. The Starkle material is also used on the side sills and the panel beneath the wing mirrors.
The rear end of the new Duster has a large tailgate, with C-shaped LED lights that mimic the Bigster concept. The spoiler adds a sporty touch, while the bumper has a metallic skid plate that protects the rear diffuser.
The new Duster is available in nine colors, including two new ones: Desert Sand and Highland Green. It also has four different wheel options, ranging from 16 to 18 inches in diameter.
A More Comfortable and Connected Interior
The 2024 Dacia Duster has a completely redesigned interior, with more space, comfort, and technology. The dashboard has a horizontal layout, with a 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument cluster has a 7-inch digital display that shows various information, such as speed, fuel level, and navigation. The steering wheel has a new shape and multifunction buttons.
The seats of the new Duster are more ergonomic and supportive, with adjustable lumbar support and heating functions. The rear seats have a 60/40 split and can be folded flat to increase the cargo space. The trunk has a capacity of 472 liters, which is 30 liters more than the previous model. The new Duster also has more storage spaces, such as a glove box, a central armrest, and door pockets.
The new Duster has several features that enhance the comfort and safety of the occupants, such as automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, electric parking brake, wireless charging, and USB ports. It also has a range of driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and emergency braking.
A More Efficient and Eco-Friendly Engine Lineup
The 2024 Dacia Duster has a new engine lineup, which includes petrol, diesel, LPG, and hybrid options. The petrol engines are based on the 1.2-liter Mild Hybrid Advanced unit, which has a 12-volt belt-driven starter-generator that recovers energy during braking and coasting. The petrol engines have outputs of 90, 110, and 130 horsepower, and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The petrol engines have a fuel consumption of 5.6 to 6.2 liters per 100 km, and a CO2 emission of 127 to 141 grams per km.
The diesel engines are based on the 1.5-liter Blue dCi unit, which has a selective catalytic reduction system that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions. The diesel engines have outputs of 95 and 115 horsepower and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The diesel engines have a fuel consumption of 4.4 to 4.9 liters per 100 km, and a CO2 emission of 116 to 129 grams per km.
The LPG engines are based on the 1.0-liter TCe unit, which can run on either petrol or liquefied petroleum gas. The LPG engines have an output of 100 horsepower and can be paired with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The LPG engines have a fuel consumption of 6.4 to 6.9 liters per 100 km on petrol and 8.5 to 9.1 liters per 100 km on LPG. The LPG engines have a CO2 emission of 145 to 157 grams per km on petrol and 121 to 130 grams per km on LPG.
The hybrid engine is based on the 1.8-liter Hybrid unit, which has a 48-volt mild hybrid system that consists of an electric motor, a battery, and a power converter. The hybrid engine has an output of 140 horsepower and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The hybrid engine has a fuel consumption of 4.9 to 5.3 liters per 100 km, and a CO2 emission of 111 to 120 grams per km.
The new Duster also has a four-wheel drive option, which has a multi-mode selector that allows the driver to choose between three modes: Auto, Lock, and Eco. The Auto mode automatically distributes the torque between the front and rear axles, depending on the road conditions. The Lock mode locks the torque distribution at 50/50, for better traction on slippery surfaces. The Eco mode reduces the fuel consumption by sending most of the torque to the front axle.
A More Affordable and Competitive Price
The 2024 Dacia Duster has a starting price of 17,900 euros (20,000 USD) in Romania, which is slightly higher than the previous model, but still very competitive in the compact SUV segment. The new Duster has four trim levels: Access, Essential, Comfort, and Prestige. The Access trim level has basic features, such as manual windows, steel wheels, and a radio. The Essential trim level adds features, such as electric windows, air conditioning, and a 3.5-inch touchscreen. The Comfort trim level adds features, such as alloy wheels, fog lights, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The Prestige trim level adds features, such as LED headlights, roof rails, and a 9.3-inch touchscreen.
The new Duster also has several optional packages, such as the Adventure Pack, which adds a front skid plate, side protection, and mud flaps. The Comfort Pack, which adds heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a rearview camera. The Safety Pack, which adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot warning. The Style Pack, which adds leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system.
The new Dacia Duster is expected to be a strong contender in the European market, where it faces rivals such as the Renault Captur, the Peugeot 2008, the Hyundai Kona, and the Volkswagen Taigo. The new Duster offers a great value proposition, with a spacious and comfortable interior, a versatile and efficient engine lineup, and a modern and dynamic design. The new Duster is more Duster than ever, and still Duster at heart.
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