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Dacia Duster Review 2024 UK

It's fair to say the key factors defining the next-generation Dacia Duster 4x4 hybrid will be the sub-£20,000 price tag and significant advances in technological features.

So, is it "the best bargain on the market" (as the makers suggest) and will its first electrified powertrains fare well in the United Kingdom?

Introducing the Dacia Duster 4x4 Hybrid

The first significant point to mention is the change to the dependable Renault/Dacia B0 long wheelbase platform.

It's gone!

Despite underpinning Dacia Duster cars since 2009, the new Common Module Family (CMF) has replaced it.

In fact, they also started using this modular architecture concept in the Dacia Sandero, Nissan Juke crossover, and the Renault Clio.

There are two reasons behind this major move. It provides some additional benefit on practicality and refinement for a compact sized car.

Perhaps more important, doing so also simplifies the introduction of the hybrid, and the mild hybrid, electric motor powertrains.

Pro Tip: Another section explains more about car terminology with simple explanations of automotive terms and mechanical definitions.

Duster: A Versatile Family SUV

As our comprehensive list of 4x4 SUVs shows, there is no shortage for UK drivers to own a family-sized car with versatility. As a result, the four new 2024 Dacia Duster models are ready to cope with a range of adventurous driving activities.

Dacia Duster 2024 Car Review for the United Kingdom4 New Dacia Duster SUV Versions

They decided to drop the entry-level 88bhp three-cylinder turbo petrol engine.

As a direct consequence, this new line-up of Dusters starts with the 99bhp four-cylinder engine instead.

Furthermore, a 50-litre tank comes as standard - no matter whether you choose the petrol or LPG version. When it's full to the brim, the official tests suggest the new 2024 Duster will do something close to eight hundred (800) miles range without needing to refuel.

What is a Mild Hybrid Powertrain?

The "aptly" named mild hybrid embraces a 1.2-litre turbo petrol triple and a 48 Volt electric motor powered by a 0.9k Watt-hour (Wh) battery.

But, much like the older Duster models, it is the only version available for those that function with the four-wheel drive system.

Here's the thing:

A simple rotary dial allows you to select Auto mode. Then, it will run as a front-wheel drive car for the majority of the time. But, if the front wheels lose traction it will divert the power to the rear axle.

Activating the setting for off road driving will distribute torque between the front and rear axles. Hence, this new feature has replaced the previous 4x4 Lock mode.

Note: The Duster hill descent control feature, which you can activate in all gears, limits the speed to a maximum of eighteen (18) miles per hour.

Dacia Duster Extreme Specifications

The new 4x4 version (e.g. with a Blue dCi 115 engine) has 217 millimetres of total ground clearance (that's 8mm more than the front-wheel-drive models).

Even so, Dacia's claims of angles of 31 and 36 degrees for approach and departure should be a stiff test for some of the best off-road driving experiences around the country.

Dimensions (in Millimetres)

They have increased the boot volume to 472 litres (previously 445 litres). In fact, that beats several of its rivals, including the Skoda Kamiq (400 litres) and the Ford Puma (456 litres).

Note: The engineering executive said that diesel engine cars are dying in Europe. Hence, Duster has dropped the diesel option from the powertrain line-up.

Dacia Duster 2024 Price UK

Some of the material in the all-new Duster uses Starkle® (e.g. the wheel arches). Because it contains processed polypropylene, the content of recycled plastic can be up to 20%.

The Dacia Duster Essential has a starting price of £17,295 for the United Kingdom (*MRRP - excluding metallic paint).

The Dacia Duster Extreme has a starting price of £20,295 for the United Kingdom (*MRRP - and excludes metallic paint).

Pro Tip: You can update the car's software over the air. In other words, you don't need to visit one of the Dacia dealers to download any new functions or for bug fixes.

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