I drove the new Dacia Duster. I didn’t think this example would surprise me in a good way

The off-road capability of the new Duster is enhanced by body edge covers and wheel arch covers. The multi-colored front and rear skid plates also attract attention. This solution means that even if it is scratched or scratched, the covers do not lose their factory color. This is another advantage of the Duster, because you don’t regret handing it over to a less experienced driver, and there is less stress when you decide to leave the beaten track.

Photo: Mariusz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Duster 3rd Generation (2024)

The new Dacia Duster will appeal to many families with small children

The third generation Duster is based on the CMF-B platform, which is already known from the Sandero, Logan and Jogger models. In the latest SUV, it allowed to increase the usable interior space. At least that’s what Dacia claims, and in fact the amount of space in the front and back seats is quite adequate and should meet the expectations of many users, including, of course, families.

Photo: Mariusz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Duster 3rd Generation (2024)

Finally, when considering the purchase of a Duster, you should be interested in one of the two top versions, namely the Extreme. We can recognize it not only by the brown-copper decorative elements of the interior and exterior, but also by the microcloud upholstery that can be easily washed. With children and when using the car off-road, this is a definite advantage, helping to keep the interior of the car clean. Unfortunately, it’s a business. Artificial materials do not allow air to pass, so you have to consider that despite the normal weather (manual in essential and expressive versions, directly in Extreme and Safari), we will get out of the car and back in the rain.

In everyday use, there may also be a lack of space for width. This is especially noticeable in versions with manual transmission. When changing gears, you have to get used to the fact that your elbow will sometimes touch the passenger’s hand, as long as he puts it in the center of the hand. However, there are no major concerns about the trunk, which, due to its normal shape, does not cause any problems when loading and is enough for a car with a length of 4.34 m (from 430/1609 l in the hybrid model, to 517/ 1696 l in TCe 130 version with front wheel axle).

Photo: Mariusz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Duster 3rd Generation (2024)

Dacia Duster now also with electric assistance

The use of the CMF-B platform brought more benefits than the spacious interior. The new floor plate also ensures greater ride comfort by reducing the level of vibration and noise. And of course, when driving, Duster surprises with the quietness of the interior, although strong winds can make you feel noisy. We are also pleased with the fact that almost no vibrations or suspension sounds reach the interior. Even after driving on a gravel road, it’s easy to forget that we’re dealing with a cheap model.

Photo: Mariusz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Duster 3rd Generation (2024)

The advantage of using CMF-B is also the possibility of using electric drives. Only the LPG gas-powered version has been denied power assistance. Dacia did not make this model available during the first drives, but you can see what it offers – and if there is anything – in terms of the TCE 130 version with the 48 V hybrid system and in the full hybrid Hybrid 140.

Photo: Mariusz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Duster 3rd Generation (2024)

In Duster TCe 130 with 4 × 2 drive, the presence of a hybrid is hardly even noticeable. We don’t feel it while driving or after driving, when we check the average fuel consumption. To reach a distance of more than 150 km, which also included a gravel section of several kilometers, Dacia used an average of 6.4 liters per 100 km. In this regard, the full hybrid seems to be the champion of economy, where it can reach 4.9 l/100 km in joint circuit without trying too hard. This is as stated by the manufacturer. In addition to savings, the advantage of the hybrid is also the presence of automatic transmission, which increases comfort and ease of driving.

Photo: Mariusz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Duster 3rd Generation (2024)

The new Dacia Duster – an SUV that can cope with real off-road conditions

The TCe 130 4 × 4 version deserves special attention. Dacia does not hide the fact that the Duster belongs to the group of “non-expert” models with four-wheel drive, but the car still allows you to overcome places that many drivers would be afraid to enter anyway. And all this despite the lack of a reducer. The entire system is managed by electricity, and it is a pity that there is no option to choose an automatic transmission.

In terms of off-road capabilities, the third-generation Duster goes further than its predecessor. The driver has five driving modes (auto, snow, mud/sand, off-road and environment), with off-road being the main focus. This is similar to the 4 × 4 Lock mode in its predecessor, but it is more advanced in comparison and has the function of direct distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels according to the road grip detected and the driving speed . With a ground clearance of 217 mm and approach and departure angles of up to 31 ° at the front and up to 36 ° at the back in 4×4 models, Duster is actually one of the cheapest vehicles that can be used off-road without. any serious issues, and one that would theoretically indicate the need to choose a concrete road model.

New Dacia Duster – very beautiful and practical, but not perfect

Although the latest Dacia Duster evokes positive feelings and can be amazing and versatile, it does not mean that we are dealing with the best and there are still a few things that can be improved or changed in this car. One of them is the abundance of plastic. While those on the dashboard do not give a negative impression, the lack of fabric around the doors makes an unpleasant impression. And while this can be justified by the desire to keep the price low, it is difficult to accept this argument about the lack of backlighting of the buttons on the steering wheel and on the dashboard. It may seem like an explanation, but it can make itself felt even after entering a dark tunnel. A greater range of steering adjustments may also be necessary.

Photo: Mariusz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Duster 3rd Generation (2024)

The above reservations do not have a significant impact on the overall assessment of the new Duster, which is not only visually attractive, but also very refined and made of quality. When driving, the good views are enhanced by the attractive profile hood, which is clearly visible from the driver’s seat, which makes it easy to feel the sharp marks, and at the same time allows you to feel as if you are driving a car from a distance. – street car.

The 3rd generation Dacia Duster is still one of the most affordable SUVs on the market

Lovers of ecology will certainly appreciate the large use of recycled materials (about 20 percent, i.e. more than eight percentage points more than in its predecessor), as well as the complete abandonment of chrome-plated decorative elements and animal skin. In turn, almost everyone will be happy with the presence of physical buttons (too bad they are no longer activated) to perform important functions, as well as clear displays – a 7-inch digital clock cluster with indicators and a new central touch screen with a diagonal of 10.1 inches (both not available in the base version) and a new multimedia system.

Photo: Mariusz Kamiński / Auto Świat

Dacia Duster 3rd Generation (2024)

Thanks to the latter, you can use wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and in the case of the top Safari and Extreme versions, also use navigation and Internet access. In addition, the central screen shows important information when driving off-road: angles of lateral direction (left/right) of the vehicle, angles of longitudinal direction allowing to assess the direction of slopes when driving uphill or downhill, and in 4×4 also distributes power to the front and rear axles. When driving off-road, the camera is also useful as it allows you to see an obstacle before you overcome it.

Another pleasant surprise in the new Duster is the plethora of driver assistance systems. In this regard, this affordable Dacia is not behind the most expensive models. It is worth noting that the latest Dacia Duster prices start at PLN 79,900 (ECO-G 100, i.e. with standard LPG installation) and end at PLN 117,400 in the case of the 140-horsepower hybrid in the Extreme and Expedition versions. The TCe 130 version with 4×4 drive, available only with Extreme and Safari equipment levels, costs PLN 112,400.