Dacia Duster Gets 1.0 TCe 100 Engine, Replaces SCe 115

The second-generation Duster came out in 2017 and has been constantly updated. It was one of the first cars to receive the 1.3 TCe, followed by the updated 1.5 dCi with AdBlue. Getting back to the TCe 100, this is a turbocharged gasoline unit with 100 HP, as the name implies, a 3-cylinder 1.0-liter. Considering gasoline-powered Dusters weren't that popular, we could see sales of this popular model increasing further.

The new base unit is already available in France, where it equips the cheapest Duster yo can buy. At €12,490, it's about €650 more than the previous base 1.6-liter unit. For that, you get the spartan Access trim level, 160 Nm of torque and a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The next most expensive unit is the Eco-G at €13,090, while the dCi 95 is a considerable price bump at €14,700. With alloys wheels and manual A/C (!!) the Essentiel TCe 100 costs €14,500.

Something tells us this model will never get 4x4, at best adding a CVT gearbox. Also, we have trouble recommending a small, new Renault engine. But at the end of the day, it's a cheap crossover, a new car and has a warranty. With CO2 emissions 18% lower than the SCe 115 and similar fuel economy improvements, owning such a Duster could cost you less than a tenner per day.

The 1-liter unit is supposed to have a turbocharger with an electrically controlled wastegate, an exhaust manifold partially integrated into the cylinder head, twin variable valve timing for intake, and bore spray coating. She will do the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 12.5 seconds and maxes out at 160 km/h. The timing gear is belt-driven too, so no hidden costs in servicing.