The second generation of the SUV signed by the low cost brand of Renault
A long journey, one of those that enrich and make interesting even to those who, up to that moment, had never taken you into consideration: the one that Dacia made from the early 2000s, when it debuted in Europe under the control of Renault, to today. . Undoubtedly the symbol of Dacia’s growth is the Duster, of which we have previewed the restyling of the second generation. Let me be clear: nothing against the excellent Sandero (best seller of the brand, by the way), nor against the interesting Jogger, but an SUV is still an SUV: for a brand like Dacia it represents in a certain sense the showcase. Not surprisingly, it is precisely with the second generation Duster that Dacia has broken away from the concept of a low cost brand, to move to that of the best value for money.
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Changes
A philosophical change accompanied by a series of improvements: the “migration” of the window buttons from the dashboard to the door panels, for example, but also the offer of infotainment technologies in step with the times. The larger screens remain the prerogative of the Renault, ok, but it is more about image – as important as it is – than substance. On the other hand, on the richer versions of the restyled Duster, there are LED headlights with Y-shaped daytime running lights, as on the Sandero, in addition to the new grille. Also redesigned the spoiler and the graphics of the rear lights, as well as the 16 “and 17” alloy wheels. A package of changes that is not substantial but capable of refreshing the image of the Duster, said that the design, balanced and at the same time recognizable, has always been one of its strengths. Inside, the feeling that everything is oriented towards concreteness. Which is not a limit, on the contrary. This is confirmed by the center console with sliding armrest, which was not there before, and which also provides USB sockets for rear passengers. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the Media Nav also arrive, with GPS navigator and wireless connectivity for smartphones. All this, projected on a new 8 ”screen.
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Camera
Particularly useful in maneuvering is the Multiview camera, which offers the driver a complete view of what surrounds the car. As for the mechanics, the modifications to the wheel bearings and the adoption of smoother tires have certainly not changed the character of the Duster: the absorption of any kind of roughness is confirmed as its strong point; more than silence and driving pleasure. One aspect, the latter, that could surprise those who want to venture even where the asphalt ends: the Duster is one of the few SUVs below 4.5 meters available with all-wheel drive. Not only that: thanks to a ground clearance of 21.4 cm, a bump angle of 21, approach of 30, and exit of 33, you can go where much larger and more pretentious SUVs plant themselves, literally. The 4×4 version also features a Media Display which provides useful information on the central display, including lateral inclinometer, compass and altimeter. On the road, the suspension and steering are confirmed first and foremost oriented towards comfort. The first is capable of absorbing any kind of roughness and patience if it yields a little to the roll in corners. The second was not lightning-fast in the entries, but it would not have made sense if it had been: the Duster wants to be driven smoothly, for maximum relaxation for all passengers on board. Relaxation that would be of the highest level if only the soundproofing were slightly more accurate: it is clear, the Duster is not a noisy car, but if the absorption of the suspension is almost unattainable for many cars, the same cannot be said of the silence on board.
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The proven model
The Duster of this test was powered by the 1.0 turbo 3-cylinder with 100 HP and 170 Nm of torque. A small engine only in appearance, which in reality proves to be adequate in the answers to the type of car. Having said that you cannot expect sports acceleration, fluidity never fails. Speaking of this version, thanks to the new gas tank that is larger than before (16.2 liters), the range reaches 1,235 km, according to the declared data. Speaking of engines, it should be noted that Diesel (1.5 dCi 115 HP) “resists”: still the best choice for this kind of car, if you live outside the cities and therefore have policies against diesel engines. Prices? Consider the Comfort entry version to the range: with the Access, in fact, you have no air conditioning or radio, while on the Essential there is only the radio. Comfort, therefore: from 16,750 euros with the 1.0 turbo petrol engine, from 17,250 for the petrol and LPG variant, from 18,500 for the 115 HP front-wheel drive turbodiesel; 2,200 euros more for the 4×4. And if you want a more brilliant Duster, know that there is the 1.3 TCe FAP 150 HP with automatic dual clutch transmission: 22,150 euros, available only in the Prestige version. https://en.media.dacia.com/news/behind-the-wheel-of-the-new-duster-7c3d-989c5.html
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September 15, 2021 (change September 15, 2021 | 16:18)
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