There has been a lot of talk about a pickup version of the Dacia Duster SUV, especially after the Renault-owned carmaker discontinued the Logan pickup. However, nothing materialized until recently, when a Duster pickup prototype was spotted undisguised in Romania.
Based on the pre-facelift Duster, the single cab pickup looks neat and could pass as an official project. However, according to the Romanian website Auto Industry News, the car is built by local coachbuilder Romturingia, which specializes in modifying Dacia models into special vehicles like ambulances.
According to the report, Renault’s involvement in the project is limited to technical support through the carmaker’s local engineering center Renault Technologie Roumanie.
The Duster pickup prototype is said to have been built following requests for from big fleet customers for a multi-purpose vehicle with a generous open loading area and off-road capabilities – the prototype is four-wheel drive.
The pickup uses many common components with the Duster SUV and features a single cab with two seats in order to have a big loading area. The bed is 1.7-meter (66.9-inch) long and can take up to 400 kg (882 lbs). There’s no information about the engine, but the truck is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.
According to a source familiar with the matter who wished to remain anonymous, the project was commissioned by Renault’s special sales division in Romania.
It is yet unclear whether the Duster pickup will remain a one-off or will reach series production, but rumor has it Dacia will soon release official information. So what do you think, should the Duster pickup be built?
By Dan Mihalascu
Story References & Image Credits: Auto Industry News
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