The Dacia Duster is the second best-selling model produced by the Renault-owned company based in Romania after the Sandero. But if the people’s affinity in some parts of the world for affordable, roomy hatchbacks can be very easily explained, the Duster has a lot more going on for it.
It’s still one of the most accessible SUVs out there, coming with a good range of engines (the 1.5 dCi diesel and the 1.2 TCe turbo distinguishing as the two favorites), an optional automatic transmission (for some markets), and a lockable four-wheel-drive system that works fine (after all, the car did benefit from Renault’s alliance with off-road specialists Nissan).
Add an attractive price to the mix, together with a simple yet desirable design and you’ve got yourself the perfect recipe for people who want to become part of the SUV craze but don’t really have a lot of money. And the world isn’t lacking in those, believe me.
Naturally, being the only locally-produced SUV, the Duster did spur some interest from the Romanian local authorities. Apart from the usual applications as a police or firefighters car, the Duster was also converted into a special quick response vehicle for remote, hard-to-access places.
To significantly boost its off-road abilities (particularly crossing soft-terrain or snow-covered areas), the Duster was fitted with a set of triangular tracks that greatly increase its contact patch with the ground, and thus its grip and traction.
This does pose a great deal of strain on the car’s engine, transmission and, most of all, steering system, so it’s not just a case of taking down the wheels and installing these babies - some additional work may be required. And even so, don’t expect the warranty to cover anything in case something gives in due to the higher-than-normal load the car’s components will be put under.
Still, if driven carefully, it is probably one of the cheapest ways of accessing isolated villages or people trapped in the mountains, except, of course, actually walking there. But with the price for mountain gear and clothing these days, you never know which will end up being more affordable.
Watch a converted Duster exit the shop where its transformation took place, and then check out the second video for a Top Gear-like battle from Russia with what looks like a T-90 tank.
"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie) Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News