Confirmed: Dacia's SUV to Be Called Duster

Dacia's first ever SUV, the Duster concept, will enter production in 2010 and will go on sale across European markets later that year. Renault has just confirmed that the brand's first 4x4 model will actually use the same name as the concept displayed at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, in spite of reports pointing to various names such as Kanjara.

Technical specifications are yet to be unveiled but more information of the production model are likely to be revealed soon as we approach to the official launch moment, probably to take place at the 2010 Geneva show.

If we are to trust the rumors, the future model will be offered with various engine configurations, most likely 1.6l petrol and 1.5l diesel, with power outputs ranging from 85 hp to 130 hp. A bigger 1.9l diesel may also fit well under the SUV's hood.

The Duster concept on the other hand was designed by Renault's Technocentre and the new Romanian Bucharest-based Renault Design Central Europe. It was powered by a 1.5 dCi engine, offering 105 hp and a combined fuel consumption of 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers (US 44.4 mpg).

Until Renault's Romanian brand will actually unveil more details regarding the production version, fans of the concept have the chance to see the car in action at the 2009/2010 Trophee Andros. It will be driven by Alain Prost and will employ a tweaked three-liter, 24-valve V6 engine from the Renault-Nissan Alliance range, with power output raised to 350hp at 7,500rpm, and maximum torque of 360Nm at 5,500rpm.