Dacia's UK division has just unveiled the 2015 model year Duster for the local market. It comes with a number of cosmetic changes and trim upgrades which are sure to appeal to buyers, without actually increasing the price.
Perhaps the biggest news here is that production of right-hand drive Duster models for the UK market has been moved from India to Dacia's home factory in Romania, which is good news if you were worried about build quality.
Cosmetic changes for the 2015 Duster include a new grille design that gives this crossover a more premium look and tweaked headlights. Dacia-branded roof bars, better seat upholstery and traigate trim have all been added across the range. Five new metallic colors have also been introduced – Mercury, Khaki, Pearl Black, Slate Grey and Cinnamon.
The engine range in Britain is a little leaner than in other markets. The only petrol unit is a 105 hp 1.6-liter 16-valve petrol engine, joined by a 1.5-liter dCi diesel rated at 110 hp. However, you can't order the new 1.2-liter TCe turbo or the base 1.5-liter dCi with only 90 hp.
The most affordable crossover SUV in Britain remains priced from less than £9,500 for the two-wheel-drive Access model. However, it's too stripped down and doesn't come with a diesel. We'd go for the mid-range Ambiance versions that comes standard with Matterhorn 16-inch steel wheels, satin chrome door handles, a chrome gear lever insert and instrument surrounds, a radio/CD player with AUX, USB and Bluetooth, foglights, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a 60:40 split rear seat.
With the dCi 110 engine and 4x4, the mid-grade model is priced at £13,995, which sounds like a lot for a Dacia until you realize the smaller, front-wheel drive Renault Capture start at £14,200 before options.
Starting at £13,495, the range-topping Laureate is only available with the the more economical diesel engine. Its equipment list highlights electric mirrors and air conditioning body colored door handles, satin chrome Duster-branded roof bars, scuff plates and side sills.
The options list is also worth looking into. There, you will find that navigation is a very cheap £300 option. You can even go all-out and add leather seats for almost £1,000.
Launched in 2010, the Duster is Dacia's most popular model. It has been introduced as a Renault model in various markets, such as Brazil, Russia and parts of Asia. Nissan has also recently rebadged it as the Terrano for use in emerging markets.
Cosmetic changes for the 2015 Duster include a new grille design that gives this crossover a more premium look and tweaked headlights. Dacia-branded roof bars, better seat upholstery and traigate trim have all been added across the range. Five new metallic colors have also been introduced – Mercury, Khaki, Pearl Black, Slate Grey and Cinnamon.
The engine range in Britain is a little leaner than in other markets. The only petrol unit is a 105 hp 1.6-liter 16-valve petrol engine, joined by a 1.5-liter dCi diesel rated at 110 hp. However, you can't order the new 1.2-liter TCe turbo or the base 1.5-liter dCi with only 90 hp.
The most affordable crossover SUV in Britain remains priced from less than £9,500 for the two-wheel-drive Access model. However, it's too stripped down and doesn't come with a diesel. We'd go for the mid-range Ambiance versions that comes standard with Matterhorn 16-inch steel wheels, satin chrome door handles, a chrome gear lever insert and instrument surrounds, a radio/CD player with AUX, USB and Bluetooth, foglights, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a 60:40 split rear seat.
With the dCi 110 engine and 4x4, the mid-grade model is priced at £13,995, which sounds like a lot for a Dacia until you realize the smaller, front-wheel drive Renault Capture start at £14,200 before options.
Starting at £13,495, the range-topping Laureate is only available with the the more economical diesel engine. Its equipment list highlights electric mirrors and air conditioning body colored door handles, satin chrome Duster-branded roof bars, scuff plates and side sills.
The options list is also worth looking into. There, you will find that navigation is a very cheap £300 option. You can even go all-out and add leather seats for almost £1,000.
Launched in 2010, the Duster is Dacia's most popular model. It has been introduced as a Renault model in various markets, such as Brazil, Russia and parts of Asia. Nissan has also recently rebadged it as the Terrano for use in emerging markets.