Dacia Confirms New 123hp 1.2 Turbo for Duster Facelift [w/Videos]

Following the leaked photos over the weekend, Dacia has detailed the facelift of the Duster SUV, which now comes with a light exterior upgrade, a new gasoline engine, redesigned dashboard and new equipment.

We’ve already talked about the exterior so let’s focus on the cabin, where the restyled Duster features four new upholstery choices, including leather. There are also newly-designed seats, a reinforced rear bench seat back and darker colors. Dacia says the acoustics on the Duster have been significantly improved due to better cabin soundproofing that result in reduced road, wind and engine noise.

Equipment-wise, the Duster is now available with the Media Nav infotainment system including Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation, Dacia Plug&Radio (radio, MP3-compatible CD player, Bluetooth and integrated jack and USB sockets), cruise control/speed limiter, front parking sensors, rear park assist and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) fitted as standard on Euro 5 versions.

The electric window controls are now located on the doors and come with one-touch mode on the driver’s side. Other features are a motion auto-lock and an exterior temperature display.

From a technical point of view, the big news is that the Duster gains a new engine from the Renault Group, the TCe 125 petrol unit. The four-cylinder 1.2-liter turbocharged engine delivers 90 percent of maximum torque from 1,500 rpm and is expected to offer a combined fuel consumption of 6 l/100 km (39.2 mpg US) on the Duster 4×2. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, the engine produces 125PS (123hp) and features low running costs – the lifetime-lasting timing belt is maintenance-free, for example.

The other engines remain the same: a 104hp (105PS) 1.6-liter petrol unit (available in a petrol-CNG version in some markets), and the 1.5-liter diesels with 89hp (90PS) or 108hp (110PS).

Depending on the grade, the Duster features the Eco Mode function and Gear Shift Indicator Eco Mode that help drivers reduce their fuel consumption. Starting price remains unchanged in Germany at €10,490 ($13,815). The car will officially debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 10.

By Dan Mihalascu

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