Dacia Duster Updated With Fresh Design Details And New Tech

Romanian carmaker Dacia has unveiled the facelifted version of its best-seller, the Duster SUV. After four years in the market, the second-gen Dacia Duster gets some visual tweaks and new technology in order to stay fresh.

Visually don’t expect any dramatic changes, as the Duster already had an appealing design successfully communicating its rugged nature. The update brings Y-shaped LED graphics for both the headlights and taillights, a slightly different grille, and a discreet rear spoiler. We also get new additions to the color palette like Desert Orange, together with new 16-inch and 17-inch aero-optimized wheel designs shod in more efficient tires.

The facelift also retains the impressive ground clearance (214 – 217 mm or 8.4 – 8.5 inches) and respectable off-road angles (approach 30°, breakover 21°, departure 33-34°) of the outgoing model.

Also Read: Dacia Debuts A New Logo And Brand Identity For Its Cars And Dealers

According to Dacia, the aforementioned changes are not only for style, as they contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 5.8g/km (on the 4×4 model) with benefits to the fuel economy.

Inside, the Duster gets a brand new 8-inch infotainment screen which is now standard equipment on all trim levels – unlike the smartphone integration dock on the base-spec Sandero and Sandero Stepway. New fabric upholstery on the seats is also present, with the rest of the cabin retaining the usual hard feel plastics. There is also a new 1.1-liter storage compartment below the retractable armrest and USB sockets for the front and rear passengers.

Besides the basic Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, new driving aids are included as optional equipment: Blind Spot Warning, Park Assist, Hill Start Assist, Adaptive Hill Descent Control (4×4), and a Multiview camera for better visibility all around the car. The 4×4 Monitor displays an altimeter, inclinometer, and compass for easier off-roading.

The updated Euro 6D engine range includes diesel, petrol, and Bi-Fuel (petrol-LPG) options. More specifically we have the 1.5 dCi diesel with 113 HP (85 kW / 115 PS), the 1.0 TCe petrol with 89 HP (66 kW / 90 PS), the 1.3 TCe petrol with either 128 HP (96 kW / 130 PS) or 148 HP (110 kW / 150 PS) and the 1.0 TCe Bi-Fuel with 99 HP (74 kW / 100 PS). The latter also gets a larger 50lt LPG tank in addition to the 50lt gas tank for an extended range.

Besides the 6-speed manual, there is also a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (EDC) which is exclusively offered in combination with the 1.5 dCi diesel and the more powerful 1.3 TCe petrol engine. Power is transmitted to the front wheels in all petrol and Bi-Fuel versions, but the most powerful diesel and petrol engines also get an optional 4×4 system for exploiting the Duster’s full potential.

The order books for the updated Dacia Duster will open late summer in Europe. The refreshed model will join the recently revealed Sandero, Sandero Stepway, Logan, and Spring in Dacia’s range. In the second half of 2022, Dacia will also unveil a larger C-SUV previewed by the Bigster concept, which will also be the first model to bear the automaker’s new logo.