Dacia Duster review

From £11,745

Whichever way you look at it, under £12k is ridiculously cheap for a brand new SUV. The Dacia Duster is the best value SUV you can buy.

  • Dacia Duster
  • For: Price, practicality, 4×4 capability
  • Against: Low-rent interior, poor safety rating
  • Verdict: The best value SUV you can buy

Whichever way you look at it, less than £12,000 is ridiculously cheap for a brand new SUV.

Admittedly, you’ll want to upgrade from the basic Duster Access with its headline-grabbing price, but even the top-spec Techroad costs little more than an entry-level Ford Fiesta.

This second-generation Duster is a big improvement over the old version, although anyone with a love of upmarket materials and soft-touch plastics will need to look elsewhere (and indeed spend more money).

It’s big, too, with enough space for five adults and a family-friendly boot.

On the road, the Duster feels slightly detached, but light steering and excellent visibility make it easy to drive around town.

The 1.0-litre engine is best avoided, so opt for the excellent 1.3 petrol, which offers the best balance of performance and economy.

A lowly three-star safety rating is a black mark, but the Duster scores highly for its honesty and practicality.

KEY INFO

  • Launched: 2018
  • Facelifted: TBC
  • Due for replacement: TBC
Specs
Model: Dacia Duster
Prices from: £11,745
Engines: 1.0T, 1.3T, 1.5 Blue dCi, 1.0T LPG
Gearboxes: 5/6-speed manual
Bodystyles: SUV
Trims: Essential, Access, Comfort, Prestige
Euro NCAP:
(2017)
Power: 100-150 hp
0-62mph: 10.4-12.5 seconds
Fuel economy: 40.0-57.9 mph
CO2: 128-162 g/km
Dimensions (l/w/h): 4,341/1,804/1,693 mm
Boot capacity: 445-475 litres
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles