Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
With the second generation of the Duster, the Renault-owned automaker from Romania promises to soldier on as the “shockingly affordable” brand it’s always been. Dwelling in the low-cost segment doesn’t mean the Duster 2 needs to feel cheap. Frankly speaking, it’s a lot more desirable than the first gen.
Looking at it from up close, it’s extremely obvious the Romanian company muscled up the Duster with more pronounced fender flares and chunky styling. The windshield appears to be more aggressively raked, and that’s because the design team moved it forward by 100 mm to free up space.
Repackaging the Duster to create the second generation translates to more room for both the front and rear occupants, as well as increased cargo capacity. The heavily-revised exterior is complemented by a much-improved cabin, the biggest highlights coming in the guise of an all-new instrument cluster and the more inspired placement of the Media Nav infotainment.
The showcar displayed at the center of the stage in Frankfurt is equipped with a six-speed manual and a diesel engine, though Dacia hasn’t yet revealed what sort of powertrain combinations will be made available once deliveries start in early 2018. It’s safe to assume the Renault-engineered EDC automatic will be offered as well, along with the 1.2-liter TCe turbocharged four-banger.
Dacia would also like to mention the newcomer prides itself on “an improved 4WD driving experience and the same off-road capability that positions the all-new Duster among the market’s very best.” Riding on an improved version of its predecessor’s platform, the Duster 2 also features loads of new tech.
New for Dacia, not for the industry. What’s the best the affordable Romanian crossover can offer? Well, the list includes automatic climate control, multi-view camera system, keyless entry, automatic headlights, as well as safety features such as Blind Spot Warning and curtain airbags. It’s not much, but for Dacia’s value-minded target audience, it’s more than enough.
Repackaging the Duster to create the second generation translates to more room for both the front and rear occupants, as well as increased cargo capacity. The heavily-revised exterior is complemented by a much-improved cabin, the biggest highlights coming in the guise of an all-new instrument cluster and the more inspired placement of the Media Nav infotainment.
The showcar displayed at the center of the stage in Frankfurt is equipped with a six-speed manual and a diesel engine, though Dacia hasn’t yet revealed what sort of powertrain combinations will be made available once deliveries start in early 2018. It’s safe to assume the Renault-engineered EDC automatic will be offered as well, along with the 1.2-liter TCe turbocharged four-banger.
Dacia would also like to mention the newcomer prides itself on “an improved 4WD driving experience and the same off-road capability that positions the all-new Duster among the market’s very best.” Riding on an improved version of its predecessor’s platform, the Duster 2 also features loads of new tech.
New for Dacia, not for the industry. What’s the best the affordable Romanian crossover can offer? Well, the list includes automatic climate control, multi-view camera system, keyless entry, automatic headlights, as well as safety features such as Blind Spot Warning and curtain airbags. It’s not much, but for Dacia’s value-minded target audience, it’s more than enough.
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