The Dacia Duster is one of my favourite SUVs, and it just got even better
Car changing is a big deal
News Editor Jamie Edkins is a big fan of the Dacia Duster, and it’s soon going to be available with a new engine option which should make it even better. Here’s why the Duster is a great buy.
If I was in the market for a family-friendly SUV, I would buy a Dacia Duster and not just because it’s affordable. It’s the definition of cheap and cheerful, because this rugged-looking car has plenty of personality.
And Dacia has just added a new engine option which furthers its appeal. Within the next couple of months you’ll be able to get the Duster with a hybrid four-wheel drive setup alongside the petrol four-wheel drive model.
Why do we love the Dacia Duster?
The Dacia Duster is fantastic value for money, but I’m going to get onto pricing in a moment. There’s a lot more to this car than just the low initial cost.
I love the way this car looks. The blunt nose and rugged cladding make the Duster look like it means business, and there’s nothing about the design which makes it look like a cheap car. This is an SUV you could park on your driveway with pride.
The interior is also great for the price. The upright dashboard and coloured plastics add a bit of character, and everything feels really robust. There are no posh soft-touch plastics in here, but, if I’m being honest, I don’t really care in a car like this.
Under the bonnet you have a choice of petrol or hybrid engines. The basic 1.2-litre petrol feels peppy enough and comes with a slick-shifting manual gearbox. You can also get a 155hp hybrid setup which will top 60mpg, and this is also one of the few family SUVs which can actually go off-road as well.
You can get the Duster with four-wheel drive, although until recently this option was only available with a manual gearbox. In a few months there will be a new hybrid four-wheel drive version for those who want to tackle trails without a left leg workout.
Dacia Duster prices, deals and value for money
The price is the biggest plus point for the Duster, because it’s a proper bargain. It starts from just under £22,000, but you can get one through Carwow for as little as £18,500 at the time of writing.
That means you’re getting a big, spacious SUV for the price of a small hatchback such as the Vauxhall Corsa, and it’s pretty well-equipped as well.
All cars get 17-inch alloy wheels, a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and cruise control.
However, if it were my money I’d go for the top-spec Extreme model. This gets you 18-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera system, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. All this is yours for £24,345, but you can get a Dacia Duster Extreme through Carwow for just over £23,000 at the time of writing.
Are there any drawbacks to the Dacia Duster?
As with any car, there are a couple of pitfalls to consider before buying a Dacia Duster.
If you’re after an SUV with a posh-feeling interior, this isn’t it. I like the rugged and robust vibe you get in the Duster, but if you want soft-touch plastics and a premium feel then a Renault Captur is a better bet.
You also can’t get the Duster with a diesel engine, which may put long-distance drivers off. The hybrid engine will do 60mpg, but if you really want an oil-burner then check out the Skoda Karoq.
Finally, if you’re after something which is fun to drive, then a Ford Puma is the small SUV to go for. The Duster is really comfortable and it feels secure through the bends, but the Puma is more agile and will put a bigger smile on your face.
But the Duster beats all three of these cars on price. A Renault Captur will cost you around £1,000 more like-for-like, the Karoq is a whopping £8,000 dearer and the Ford Puma is around £5,000 more expensive.
If you’re looking for the best-value SUV, but still want something stylish, robust and sensibly equipped, then I wholeheartedly recommend the Dacia Duster.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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