How does the new Dacia Duster 4×4 hybrid drive? The first off-road test of an SUV

The new Dacia Duster 4×4 has already passed its first off-road journalistic test. It was held at the Renault Technical Center in France and showed the strengths and weaknesses of the new car. The test car had standard 3PMSF all-season tires.

The new Dacia Duster is offered with 4×2 and 4×4 drives. This second version, which is highly appreciated by off-road enthusiasts, is now equipped with a petrol engine, mainly a hybrid with a power of 130 HP. The diesel has disappeared from the range and is unlikely to return. Many people who are waiting to order a new car are wondering how this car works with 4×4 and today we have the answer for you. This version of the car was thoroughly tested by our colleagues from L’Argus magazine at the Renault Technical Center in Aubevoye, France.

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The 4×4 version offers a multi-link rear axle. Because of this, there is less space in the trunk – but we don’t have detailed data yet. We should get to know them soon during the tests in Spain, to which our editor-in-chief, Krzysztof Gregorczyk, is going.

Under the hood of the test Duster is a powerful 1.3 TCe 130 48V hybrid engine. It is a new generation 1.2 three-cylinder petrol engine working with a 16 HP electric motor. The 48V battery has a capacity of 0.9 kWh and the total power of the car is 131 HP. The maximum torque, necessary for 4 × 4, is 230 Nm. This is the first minus difference, because the diesel produced 260 Nm.

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Property off the road? The approach angle is 31° and the departure angle is 36°. Ground clearance is 217 mm. You can go!

However, the new Dacia Duster compensates for this difference thanks to the 4×4 Terrain Control system and several driving modes:

Eco mode prioritizes front-wheel drive while retaining the option to send torque to the rear wheels when needed.
Snow conditions ensure maximum safety on slippery surfaces such as snow and ice-covered pavement, with an emphasis on traction and trail control,
Automatic mode adapts to most driving conditions, even off-road, as long as the difficulty is moderate,
fish Mud and Sand are intended for the normal road – it closes the transmission at the rate of 50-50 between the front and rear axles, it changes depending on the grip, speed, and the pressure of the right foot on the trigger, and better. response time and better grip loss management on each of the four wheels.

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Terrain Control can also constantly direct torque to the wheels for more grip. It can also separate trajectory control and traction control more precisely. Where before it was necessary to turn off the ESC, this can now be left to the electronic management system, which gives you the freedom to use the throttle without any unnecessary intervention or braking.

So how does the new Duster 4×4 drive? The best! Even with all-season tires, it coped with mud, slippery surfaces full of leaves and wet sand without any problems. The engine runs quietly and efficiently, although you need to use more gas than a diesel engine. The 4 × 4 drive uses more electricity than the previous, mechanical version, but this results in better handling in difficult conditions and higher stability. Defect? However, most people would probably prefer to have a diesel with four cylinders. For now, however, the Duster 4×4 has shown its bright side.

You’ll have to wait until April for a detailed test drive – we’re off to Spain for the first journalistic tests.

source: L’Argus, myself