Everyday heroes in Shropshire add a Dacia Duster to fleet

October 21, 2025 by

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Meet the SUV supporting heroes in rural Shropshire – and our take on this rugged and reliable car that’s the talk of the town.

Shropshire-based Bridgnorth Community First Responders are marking 25 years of life-saving service with a new addition to their fleet: a Dacia Duster Extreme 4×4. This emergency response vehicle will help volunteers reach patients across rural Shropshire quickly and safely.

Founded in 2001 to support ambulance services in remote areas, the volunteer-led organisation has become a vital lifeline for the local community. Their eleven-strong team is trained in advanced first aid by the West Midlands Ambulance Service and responds to emergencies across Bridgnorth and surrounding villages, providing critical care in the minutes before an ambulance arrives.

To mark a milestone in the organisation’s existence and to keep up with growing demand, the group replaced their decade-old vehicle with the Duster. It was sourced through Budgen Motors, and funded through grants and generous donations from the community.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or Dacia Duster right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Why did they choose the Duster?

The Duster was chosen over other cars in its class because the group wanted something that was reliable, capable, and affordable all rolled into one.

David Yates, chairman and first responder from Bridgnorth First Responders, said: “As we’re often called to rural locations in all weathers, we realised we needed a more reliable and capable four-wheel-drive vehicle.

“The Duster met all our requirements. It’s rugged enough for the countryside, affordable for our charity-run scheme, and very economical to run. It’s also become a real talking point at community events!”

Dacia are delighted that the volunteer-led organisation decides to choose the Duster as their latest vehicle.

Luke Broad, Dacia brand director for the UK, said that the team’s dedication to their community is “truly inspiring” and that they’re “honoured to support them with a vehicle that’s built for reliability, capability and value”.

What makes the Dacia Duster stand out?

It’s no surprise that the Bridgnorth First Responders choose the Duster, and I’m here to tell you why…

When it comes to value for money, you can’t really go wrong with a Duster. You’re looking at just shy under £20,000 for the entry-level trim of this SUV, and it gives you plenty of space in the rear seats and the boot is larger than some cars in its class, giving you up to 472 litres.

The Duster’s cabin is sophisticated too, with all models getting a 10.0-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument panel. I find the touchscreen easy to use and it’s simple in layout. I also like how Dacia sticks with proper physical buttons for stuff such as the climate controls.

If you’re looking for proper off-road talent, much like the forest responders did, then the Extreme 4×4 is the one to go for. This version uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine, and is manual-only, with a low first gear for proper mud-plugging. But the beauty of the Duster is that there’s also the option of a sensible hybrid-engined version if you’re not one to venture into the sticks.

This 1.6-litre hybrid version is sophisticated in how it drives, with smooth suspension and steering which allows you to coast along silently on electric power alone. All versions of the Duster also have a firm suspension, which means a less sickness-inducing drive for your passengers.

All in all, if you want the most metal for the least money, the Dacia Duster is certainly one to consider.

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