Revving up
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The Dacia Duster is already spectacular value as a new car, and that only gets better when you’re looking at used examples. You typically have to look at much older cars of similar size and ability to find alternatives, but Dacia’s continual improvements mean that you no longer have to make real compromises when you go with this budget brand.
The Duster arrived in the UK in 2010 and was facelifted in 2013, before a comprehensively refreshed model appeared in 2018, itself getting a facelift in 2021. We’re concentrating on this second generation car here, which are higher quality than the 2010-2017 cars and better equipped, but every bit as useful and still great value.
With pricing that undercuts cars of equivalent size by thousands, the Dacia Duster has always given you a lot of car for not a lot of money, and that’s even more the case when you’re looking at a used model. If you want something relatively modern but thought you might be priced out of a spacious family SUV, then the Duster could be worth a look as a result.
The Duster's styling has a chunky appeal, and the second-generation models sold between 2017 and 2024 look slightly more upmarket than the originals, with neater detailing and a more modern appearance. The same is true inside, where the chunkiness continues - the plastics aren’t as touchy-feely as in some cars but the layout is smart. Most models get a touchscreen infotainment system - it’s basic but simple to use, just as it should be.
Later Dusters get a fairly modern and efficient engine range carried across from Dacia owners Renault. They’re all turbocharged these days and while not the quickest, they’ve got enough poke for everyday conditions and aren’t especially thirsty either. The raised driving position affords good visibility and it’s easy to drive too. There’s some body lean in the corners and it’s not the sharpest thing to drive, but few owners will go in expecting a sporty driving experience.
Cars like the Ford Puma and MINI Countryman are better to drive but cost more and give you less space than the airy Duster. In fact, most smaller crossovers still cost more than the Duster for a given age of car and engine size. The Suzuki Vitara is probably closest to the Duster in spirit and value - it too is a little peppier to drive and has a good reputation for reliability too.
We’d recommend skipping Essential trim whichever generation of Duster you’re looking at, as it’s a little shy on features most buyers have now come to expect (though later cars do at least get air conditioning as standard). Something like a Comfort-spec car or Expression trim is a better start - though the Duster is so affordable that there’s a good argument to be made for finding a car in the absolute highest spec, as it’s still likely to be cheaper than a low-end model from a different manufacturer.
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The 1.3-litre TCe 130 petrol engine is the pick of the range, with similar efficiency to the less powerful TCe 90 but much better performance, and the four-cylinder engine is more refined than the 90’s three-cylinder unit. The TCe also has the option of an automatic gearbox (in 150PS form) if that’s a requirement. Diesel models are still worth a look for economy over higher mileages, but it’s not the most refined.
The Dacia Duster’s exterior dimensions are:
The Dacia Duster’s boot space is:
With the second-generation Duster launched in 2018, all models get a flat rate of VED or ‘road tax’, which for the 2024/2025 tax year is set at £190 per year. There are no hybrid models to save you a tenner, nor does the Duster get anywhere close to the £40,000 mark and the hefty tax surcharge that results.
Dacia is all about affordability, and that ethos seems to carry through to the car’s insurance groups - the whole range sits between groups 9 and 24 depending on the year and the specification. Of the models covered above, a TCe 90 in Comfort trim sits in group 12, while a TCe 150 with the automatic gearbox in Journey trim is group 22. It’s worth noting that not all models came with an anti-theft alarm as standard, so keep an eye out for used cars fitted with the Protection Pack.
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How many Dacia Duster cars are available for sale?
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