You Probably Can’t Tell, But This 2023 Dacia Duster Is A Commercial Van

Dacia has recently updated its entire range with its new emblem, but there was a small piece missing from the puzzle: the LCV variant of the Duster. The Dacia Duster Commercial, as it is called in the UK, made its debut benefiting from the same visual tweaks as the recently facelifted passenger version.

This is not the first time we see an LCV based on the second-gen Duster. In 2018 the company offered a similar van conversion, while in 2020 they launched a single-cab pickup. The new Duster Commercial though is the first LCV to receive the revised grille with the DC emblem and new Dacia lettering on the tailgate. In fact, the only difference with the passenger version are the blacked out rear windows due to the application of an opaque film.

Also Read: Dacia Duster SUV Reaches 2 Million Global Sales After 12 Years And Two Generations

The entry-level Essential trim comes standard with the Y-shaped LED DRLs, black roof rails, body-colored bumpers, and a set of 16-inch steel wheels. The more expensive Expression adds 16-inch alloy wheels, body-colored door handles, and fog lights. The SUV is available in seven exterior shades including Dusty Grey which is the new signature color of Dacia. More importantly, the ground clearance is 210 mm (8.3 inches).

Inside the cabin, the rear seats are gone, replaced by a flat wooden load floor area with a hard-wearing surface treatment and a mesh bulkhead separating it from the front passengers. The luggage space has a capacity of 1,623 lt (57.3 cubic feet), while the payload is up to 503 kg (1,109 pounds). According to Dacia, the length of the cargo area is 1,792 mm (70.6 inches), the width is 1,247 mm (49.1 inches), and the height is 917 mm (36.1 inches). There is also a removable load cover, rubber mats, lashing eyes for securing the cargo, and an optional spare wheel.

The dashboard is identical to the passenger version, with the steering wheel featuring the new emblem. As for the equipment, the Essential gets air-conditioning, electric front windows, cruise control, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. If you want more features you will need to upgrade to the Expression which benefits from the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, rear-view camera, two USB ports, different upholstery, leather steering wheel, driver’s armrest, plus a height-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.

The Duster Commercial is available with three different engines. The turbocharged 1.0-liter TCe 90 petrol produces 89 HP (66 kW / 90 PS) and is exclusively mated to a manual gearbox sending power to the front axle. The powerful 1.3 TCe petrol with 148 HP (110 kW / 150 PS) is the only option mated to an EDC automatic gearbox, but it is also exclusively offered in front-wheel-drive. Finally, the more fitting 1.5 dCi diesel produces 113 HP (85 kW / 115 PS) and is offered in both 4×2 and 4×4 guises.

The Dacia Duster Commercial is already available to order in the UK with prices starting from £13,995 ($17,064) for the petrol and from
£16,845 ($20,527) for the diesel, excluding VAT. The entry price is £1,200 ($1,463) higher than its predecessor, following the trend in the automotive sector due to the increase in production costs. Still, the Duster Commercial is the cheapest 4×4 LCV in the UK market. The first deliveries are scheduled for the fourth quarter of the year. Mind you, Dacia is already working on an all-new third-generation Duster which is expected to arrive in 2024.