Representing Dacia in the category of the compact SUVs, Duster had no problems to emerge as the most popular suggestion in the range of the Romanian brand. From 2010 to date sales exceeded 450,000, a number that shows how the Spartan profile of a low- cost option was not an essential obstacle for its commercial career, even in the most demanding markets of Western Europe.
Dacia Duster 1.5 dCi 110 4×4 2014
In fact, the image of a genuine off roader, in which the aesthetic details that are generously offered by any other modern SUV were missing, acted as a magnet for those who had imagined their car being simple yet effective. Even today, watching how the Duster refreshed its characteristics, it is more than obvious that the 4,3-meter SUV has done so in exactly the same sense.
The redesigned front section with the new central air intake and the also new headlights with integrated daytime running lights may give the appearance of Duster some better characteristics, however, the overall feeling that derive from the external surfaces of the body remains the same. The pronounced wheel arches still remain the hallmark of the Duster, stressing that this is not another tarmac SUV but an extremely capable off-road proposal.
Dacia Duster 1.5 dCi 110 4×4 2014
In this case, of course, in order to move with claims in the dirt or mud the increased ground clearance offered in any and all updated versions of Duster is not enough. Yet, the combination of the great diesel engine of 1.5 liters with the familiar, from the recent past, all-wheel drive is want you need. Delivering 110 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque, the new generation diesel engine of 1,461 cc manages to impress you.
Despite the noise and vibration that relatively easily get through the not proofed enough interior and despite the absence of those applications that might further enhance its efficiency (like the start & stop system), the four-cylinder motor of the French automakers group does exactly what you want it to.
Dacia Duster 1.5 dCi 110 4×4 2014
In the city, the surplus torque makes Duster look more flexible than in reality, making it move smoothly on the highway, while the exuberant operating characteristics are combined with a, hard to escalate, gearbox of six relations that is a valuable companion to the off road trips. And all this with the average fuel consumption not exceeding, according to the manufacturer, the 5,7 litres/100 km and its emissions of carbon dioxide to be kept below the limit of 140 g/Km.
Dacia Duster 1.5 dCi 110 4×4 2014
Focusing on motion characteristics of the Duster, we should point out that using the rotary switch in the center console, the driver can choose whether the motion will be transferred exclusively to the front wheels, if the control module of the central differential will decide for the distribution of torque between the two axles (Auto) or if the available torque will be split equally between the front and rear wheels (box Lock).
The Duster wheel drive with its diesel engine of 1.5 liters is a great option though its price may be a little overrated, taking into account the modesty of its specifications.
