The new Dacia Duster III in the basic version of the Essential. What can a cheap model offer?

The third generation Dacia Duster is now available in the French configurator, which allows you to compose a version of the model that suits your preferences. We decided to save money and chose the cheapest car in the key variant. Is it worth ordering Duster in base version?

The price at which the adventure and configuration of the model starts is: 19.690 euros, i.e. according to the exchange rate on the day of writing this text, it is about PLN 85,000. zlotys. The psychological barrier below 20,000 euros has been preserved, but will the Dacia Duster that we will receive for this amount be able to tempt customers?

Dacia offers four equipment levels: Essential, Express, Extreme and Expedition. The basic model is designed so that customers are ready to choose rich models. An example is the choice of drives, or rather the lack thereof. Duster Essential and Expression can only have 100 HP Eco-G unit with LPG installation under the hood. Only in Duster Extreme do the possibilities that we can call “engine range” open up. Duster received a mild hybrid system with a 1.2 TCe engine with a power of 130 HP, available with two and four wheel drive, and a 140 HP hybrid system using a 1.6 unit and automatic transmission.

The configurator has been rebuilt

Dacia has recently renovated its website and the developers have made an effort to ensure that the visual field of the developer gives a pleasant impression. A car on a white background is a thing of the past. Now the image of the selected model is presented against the background of the eye-pleasing environment. The effect is similar to the graphic design on the Renault website.

The number of primary colors available is standard. Price below PLN 20,000. euro Dacia only offers white color Blanc Glacier. For an additional fee of EUR 600, we can paint the Duster in the shade of Gris Schistre or Kaki Lichen, which we know from the second generation of the model. If we decide on the level of rich materials, the palette will expand to 6 optional varnishes. As usual, we get roof rails and 16-inch steel wheels. Only the top-of-the-line model is equipped with 17-inch aluminum rims. Fog lights are standard from the third trim level.

See also: Dacia Sandero will never be an electric car. LPG and gasoline in the program until the end of production!

Dacia Duster Essential with smartphone

Dacia Unlike most manufacturers on the market, it focuses on the simplicity of the equipment. It should be cheap and comfortable, but without options and gadgets that we will use rarely or not. In the more affordable Duster, the Romanian brand has left out the central touchscreen and digital clocks that draw attention in advertising catalogs. Why do we need a display when a smartphone can play the role of a multimedia system? The idea is interesting and should tempt minimalists. Our personal mobile device will display a navigation map and play your favorite music through the car’s speakers.

Where is the simplicity? The new SUV has manual air conditioning, electric front windows, reversing sensors, automatic headlights, cruise control and speed limiter, road sign recognition, hill start assist and lane keeping assist. Many of the features are obligations requested by the European Union for the introduction of new safety standards for new vehicles on the market. We can still get by without built-in media, but we regret that Dacia didn’t add a driver’s armrest as standard.

If the basic equipment is not enough, Dacia offers many accessories that will increase the performance of the car. During the configuration, we can choose racks, mats and even accessories that will transform the Duster into a place to sleep. An example is the Sleeping Pack, a box that, when unfolded, becomes a bed. The price of the set is 1,590 euros. We will buy a tent for an additional 400 euros. The choice is huge. Everyone should find something for himself.

Dacia Duster Essential – standard equipment:

Radio antenna 30 cm
Roof rails
16-inch steel rims
Electric and heated exterior mirrors
Black glass lids
Tinted windows
Manual air conditioning
Body colored bumpers
Y-shaped LED light signature
Special upholstery useful
Multimedia control (Bluetooth audio streaming and phone holder, 4 speakers, 1 USB port).
Opening the back gate yourself
40/60 folding rear seat
Lower center console without arm rest
Soft Feel handle with adjustable height and depth
The driver’s seat can be adjusted in height and distance
Road sign recognition and speed limit warning
Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist
Low beam LED lights
Turn on the lights automatically
Cruise control
Reversing sensors
Manual opening of rear windows
Electric front window
An analog clock is set
Day/night interior rearview mirror
Tire pressure sensor
Driver and passenger front airbags
Advanced emergency braking system (pedestrian, two-wheeler and intersection).
Driver attention monitoring system
Front, side and curtain airbags
Tire repair kit
Safe distance warning
SOS Call (e-Call)
Traction control system (ESC) + hill start assist
My Safety Switch (button to disconnect driving assistance systems)