Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018) Review
Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018) At A Glance
The Dacia Duster is the UK’s cheapest SUV. It comes with a price tag that pitches it against premium city cars, with even the most expensive model costing less than an entry-level Ford Fiesta. Launched in 2012, the original Duster raised a few eyebrows thanks to its bullish pricing, Tonka toy styling and impressive practicality. Because it’s been superseded by a newer model, it’s even more of a bargain on the used car market. Although it can’t offer the overall quality and refinement of rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, the Duster is a very easy car to recommend.
Why spend tens of thousands of pounds on an SUV when you can buy one for the price of a city car? Although the Dacia Duster isn’t perfect, it gets the fundamentals of motoring spot-on, which makes it a compelling used car purchase.
Launched in 2012, this version of the Duster lived on until 2018, with facelifts in 2014 and 2016. Like the other models in the Dacia range, it grabbed the headlines thanks to its aggressive pricing and chunky styling.
But there’s more to the Duster than a cheap price. It’s one of the most spacious cars in its class, with a large boot and room for up to five adults. You sit high in the car, which gives you a commanding view of the road ahead, something that’s especially useful when driving in town. The light steering and easy-to-drive nature make it no more stressful to live with than a supermini or city car.
It has another ace up its sleeve: four-wheel-drive. Although the majority of Dusters leave the factory with front-wheel drive, a select group of individuals have discovered how capable it is as a 4x4.
Although it’s not going to challenge a Land Rover off-road, the Duster is leagues above the majority of its competitors when the going gets tough. Because it’s so cheap, you won’t mind if you have a little incident with a tree stump or gate post.
Back on the smooth stuff, the Duster isn’t the last word in refinement. It rolls when cornering and there’s plenty of wind and road noise when you’re on a motorway. But the soft suspension and raised ride height mean that it's surprisingly comfortable, especially if you opt for one of the higher trim levels.
We’d avoid the entry-level Access trim. Although the price tag is tempting, the absence of air-conditioning and a radio will make Duster hard to live with over the course of a PCP deal. A mid-range Duster would be a safer bet… if ‘safer’ is the right word.
Unfortunately, safety isn’t a Duster strong point. A three-star Euro NCAP safety rating puts the Dacia at a disadvantage alongside rivals with five-star ratings to their name. It’s not an unsafe car, it just lacks the driver assistance systems fitted to more modern rivals.
This aside, it’s easy to mount a case for the Dacia Duster. Alongside the cheap prices, the Duster should also be affordable to run, helped in no small part by the efficient petrol and diesel engines. The 1.5-litre dCi diesel is the star of the show, offering an excellent blend of performance and economy. For towing and long trips, it’s the ideal choice.
Elsewhere, the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine (badged TCe 125) bridges the gap between the petrol and diesel engines. It’s the unit to choose if you spend most of your time in the city.
If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Dacia Duster review.
Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 TCe 4x2 to 1.6 115 4x4
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 25–61 mpg
Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018): Handling and ride quality
Take a look at the Dacia Duster. Does it look like a car that handles like a sports car? Precisely, but there’s a lot to love about the way the Duster drives. It’s like a giant Tonka toy – although we’d avoid a run-in with your skirting boards and the furniture.
It is best in a straight line, because the Duster feels a bit cumbersome and top-heavy when cornering.
There’s a general feeling of being detached from the road, which is a bit unnerving at first. Get used to it and you’ll enjoy the high driving position, light steering and superb visibility. You’ll have to live with a fair amount of wind and road noise on the motorway, but assuming you don’t buy the Access model, you can use the radio to make things better.
Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018): Engines
The Duster is powered by a range of tried and tested Renault engines, including a frugal 1.5-litre dCi diesel. This is the engine of choice, as it offers a superb blend of fuel economy, CO2 emissions and performance. There’s also plenty of torque, which is useful if you intend to tow a caravan or trailer.
At launch, the Duster was available with the 1.5 dCi and a 1.6-litre 16v petrol. It’s hard to make a case for the 1.6 petrol, although the later 1.6-litre 16v SCe 115 offered improved performance and better fuel economy.
Our choice would be the 1.2 TCe 125 petrol, which was added to the range mid-way through its life. This punchy and efficient unit is the engine to choose if you spend a lot of time in the city or if you don’t fancy a diesel.
Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018): Safety
A three-star Euro NCAP safety rating is likely to deter some buyers. Scores of 74 percent and 78 percent for adult and child occupant protection were respectable, but 28 percent and 29 percent for pedestrian safety and safety assistance systems put the Duster on the naughty step.
Its problem is an absence of the driver assistance technologies we take for granted in 2020. It’s also fair to say that emergency brake assist, driver and passenger airbags, front airbags and two Isofix points isn’t a comprehensive list of safety kit.
Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018): Towing
The 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine is the obvious choice if you intend to tow anything with a Dacia Duster. It’s capable of towing an unbraked trailer up to 1500kg, which should be enough for most people.
A removable tow bar is available for £400, or a part of a £550 touring pack. This comprises a tow bar, roof bars and vertical net.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
1.2 TCe 4x2 | 46 mpg | 10.4 s | 138 g/km |
1.2 TCe 4x4 | 44 mpg | 11.0 s | 145 g/km |
1.5 dCi 4x2 | 60–64 mpg | 11.8–12.4 s | 109–130 g/km |
1.5 dCi 4x4 | 60–64 mpg | 12.4 s | 109–137 g/km |
1.6 105 4x2 | 40 mpg | 11.5 s | 165 g/km |
1.6 105 4x4 | 35 mpg | 12.8 s | 185 g/km |
1.6 115 4x2 | 44 mpg | 11.0 s | 145 g/km |
1.6 115 4x4 | 42 mpg | 12.0 s | 155 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
75%
Real MPG
25–61 mpg
MPGs submitted
344
Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018) interior
- Boot space is 408–1636 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of three stars
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4315 mm |
Width | 2000 mm |
Height | 1695 mm |
Wheelbase | 2672–2673 mm |
Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018): Practicality
Practicality is a great leveller. The boot is massive, offering 475 litres of space in the standard version, or 443 litres if you opt for a 4x4 model. For context, the Nissan Qashqai offers 430 litres, while you’ll find 375 litres in a Ford Focus hatchback.
The large boot is matched by plenty of room in the cabin, with a rear bench large enough for three adults. All versions except the Access model get a 60/40 split folding rear bench, although the seats don’t fold totally flat.
There are a reasonable amount of storage pockets and bins in the cabin, and it’s worth mentioning the large side windows, which create a light and airy interior. The Duster feels big, because it is big.
Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018): Quality and finish
It would be easy to be critical of the quality of the Dacia Duster. But while it’s fair to say that it lacks the overall fit and finish of its rivals, it also lacks the premium price of its key competitors. Even taking price out of the equation, the Duster feels robust and surprisingly tough, with a cabin that boasts hard-wearing and built-to-last qualities.
It’s let down by touch points that feel cheap, although details like a leather steering wheel and grey interior accents help to lift the mood. Sit in a Duster and see if you could live with one over the course of a finance contract.
Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018): Infotainment
You wouldn’t buy a Dacia Duster on the strength of its infotainment system. In fact, buy an Access model and the only form of entertainment will be your passenger’s singing voice and cries of “Are we nearly there yet?” from the back seat.
Other versions get a basic DAB/FM/AM radio tuner, Bluetooth and a USB port. A fairly decent seven-inch MediaNav touchscreen infotainment system is standard on the top trim models, or optional on others. You get a radio, telephone connectivity and a reversing camera, but the system feels like something that would have been acceptable a decade ago.
Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018) value for money
Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018): Prices
In 2017, the final full year of first-generation Dacia Duster production before the new version arrived in 2018, prices started from £9,495. For this, you got a front-wheel-drive Duster Access and a 115PS 1.6-litre petrol engine.
At the opposite end of the price list, a Duster SE Summit with four-wheel-drive and a punchy diesel engine weighed in at £18,395.
Only the brave could live with the basic Access model, so opting for a mid-range Duster is the most sensible.
However, it’s worth noting that the all-new Duster isn’t available as a 4x4 in the entry-level Access trim. There was something very appealing about the most basic Duster with proper off-road capabilities. We mourn the passing of the no-nonsense 4x4.
Used prices start from £4,000. For this price, you’re looking at a very early model with between 75,000 and 100,000 miles on the clock. Some of the cars are the lowly Access trim, but you don’t have to spend much more to secure a more desirable Ambiance or Laureate model.
The latest versions cost up to £13,000. You have a choice to make at this price point: the previous generation Duster in a desirable trim or the newer model in Access or Essential trim. Buying a new Duster will mean you benefit from the full manufacturer warranty and the enhanced tech and safety credentials of the new car.
PCP deals start from £80 a month over four years for an early car, rising to £260 for a later model. You could find that there are more tempting deals available if you buy new.
Dacia Duster (2012 – 2018): Running Costs
Overall, the Dacia Duster was at its most economical just before it was replaced by the newer model. That said, the figures were obtained using the old NEDC formula, rather than the less reliable WLTP fuel economy cycle.
Not that any version of the Duster should break the bank. On paper, a front-wheel-drive Duster could deliver up to 64.2mpg when powered by the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine. This drops to 62.8mpg in automatic versions, or 60.1mpg if you opt for the Duster 4x4.
There’s little to choose between the 1.6-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines. You’re looking at figures of between 41.5mpg and 46.3mpg, depending on whether you’re driving a front- or four-wheel-drive Duster.
Buy a Duster registered on or before 31 March 2017 if you want to save money on Vehicle Excise Duty (VED, or car tax). You could pay as little as £30 a year for a front-wheel-drive diesel, while all Duster models registered on or after 1 April 2017 incur a rate of £150 a year, regardless of the engine and trim.
Insurance groups range from eight to 12, depending on the engine and trim. This isn’t an expensive car to run.
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Although the trim levels changed during the Dacia Duster’s production run, the key thing is to avoid the Access and Ambience models. These cars left the factory without air conditioning, which makes them hard to recommend. They’ll also be harder to sell on the second-hand market.
The Laureate delivers a good balance of price and equipment, but don’t rule out special editions like the Black and Laureate Prime. If you’re after the most stylish Duster, check out the SE Summit, which comes with diamond-cut alloy wheels, grey metallic paint, wheelarch extensions and burnt orange air vent surrounds.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4315 mm |
Width | 2000 mm |
Height | 1695 mm |
Wheelbase | 2672–2673 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1147–1336 kg |
Boot Space | 408–1636 L |
Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
Servicing | 12000 miles |
Spare Wheel | |||
---|---|---|---|
Standard | Tyre-repair kit |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £9,495–£18,395 |
Insurance Groups | 5–13 |
Road Tax Bands | B–I |
Official MPG | 35.3–64.2 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | 3 |
On sale until October 2018
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.6 SCe 115 Access 4x2 5dr | £9,495 | 44.1 mpg | 11.0 s |
1.6 SCe 115 Access 4x4 5dr | £11,495 | 41.5 mpg | 12.0 s |
On sale until August 2018
On sale until April 2017
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.5 dCi 110 Laureate Auto 4x2 5dr | £15,335 | 62.8 mpg | - |
1.5 dCi 110 Prestige Auto 4x2 5dr | £16,235 | 62.8 mpg | - |
On sale until May 2016
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.5 dCi 110 Ambiance 4x2 5dr | £11,995 | 64.2 mpg | 11.8 s |
1.5 dCi 110 Ambiance 4x4 5dr | £13,995 | 60.1 mpg | 12.4 s |
1.5 dCi 110 Laureate 4x2 5dr | £13,495 | 64.2 mpg | 11.8 s |
1.5 dCi 110 Laureate 4x4 5dr | £15,495 | 60.1 mpg | 12.4 s |
1.6 115 Access 4x2 5dr | £9,495 | 44.1 mpg | 11.0 s |
1.6 115 Access 4x4 5dr | £11,495 | 41.5 mpg | 12.0 s |
1.6 115 Ambiance 4x2 5dr | £10,495 | 44.1 mpg | 11.0 s |
1.6 115 Ambiance 4x4 5dr | £12,495 | 41.5 mpg | 12.0 s |
On sale until April 2016
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.5dCi 110 Ambiance Prime 4x2 5dr | £12,495 | 64.2 mpg | - |
1.5dCi 110 Ambiance Prime 4x4 5dr | £14,495 | 60.1 mpg | - |
1.5dCi 110 Laureate Prime 4x2 5dr | £13,995 | 64.2 mpg | 11.8 s |
1.5dCi 110 Laureate Prime 4x4 5dr | £15,995 | 60.1 mpg | 12.4 s |
1.6 115 Ambiance Prime 4x2 5dr | £10,995 | 44.1 mpg | - |
1.6 115 Ambiance Prime 4x4 5dr | £12,995 | 41.5 mpg | - |
On sale until October 2015
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
Access 1.6 4x2 105 5dr | £9,495 | 39.8 mpg | 11.5 s |
Access 1.6 4x4 105 5dr | £11,495 | 35.3 mpg | 12.8 s |
Model History
- December 2009: Dacia Duster launched
- June 2012: UK pricing details announced
- January 2013: Access model spec changes
- February 2013: UK warranty details
- July 2013: Black edition goes on sale
- September 2013: LHD market facelift details
- November 2013: Dacia launches Pack
- September 2014: Updated Duster launched
- January 0001: (hp @ rpm)
- January 0001: (Nm @ rpm)
- September 2014
- March 2015: 125PS 1.2TCe engine added in other European markets.
- March 2015: Laureate Prime special editions go on sale
- August 2015: New engines for Dacia Duster
- December 2016: Automatic six-speed EDC transmission launched
- May 2017: Duster SE Summit introduced
December 2009
Dacia Duster launched
Launch of tough, reliable, easy-to-use 4x4, aimed at motorists looking for an everyday car with real off-road ability that is economical both to buy and run. 4,310mm long x 1,820mm wide x 1,630mm high.
Available with a choice of economical engines with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The 4x2 diesel versions of Dacia Duster emits less than 140g CO2/km, making them eligible for the Dacia eco² signature, while the 4x4 diesel versions will emit less than 150g CO2/km.
Both 4x2 and 4x4 versions of Dacia Duster are available with either a 1.6 16V 110hp petrol engine, or 1.5 litre 85hp or 105hp dCi diesel power. All familiar Renault engines. dCi diesel versions emitting less than 140g of CO2/km in 4x2 form (qualifying Duster for the Dacia eco² signature) and less than 150g of CO2/km in 4x4 versions.
June 2012
UK pricing details announced
By limiting the number of options and colour palette choices available on its cars and vans, the brand can reduce production line complexity, thereby passing the savings onto its customers through lower list prices. Duster is no exception. In the UK, this leads to an easy-to-fathom options list incorporating simply two items, ASR traction control and ESC on diesel-engined versions for £350, and metallic paint. All trim levels have non-metallic white as standard. The choice of four metallic paint finishes on Ambiance and Laureate are Argentum Silver, Caspian Blue, Granite Grey and Mariana Blue, priced at £470 including VAT.
The first pack, Adventurer, includes door sill protective mouldings and front and rear wheel arch protectors, at £445 including VAT. The second, Styling, costs £655 and brings daytime running lights and chrome for the side and front bars and exhaust tailpipe. The penultimate, Protection, as befitting its name and undoubtedly a boon for city dwellers, pet owners or the odd mud-plugging adventure, offers an alarm, rear parking sensors, tailgate protection, bootliner and front and rear mudguards at £575. The last, Touring, costs £555 and should prove ideal for outdoor types, boasting a towbar and transversal roof bars, plus a front centre armrest for increased comfort on the longer journey.
Trim level | Version | Insurance Group | OTR Price |
Access | 1.6 105 4x2 | 7P | £8,995 |
1.6 105 4x4 | 7P | £10,995 | |
Ambiance | 1.5 dCi 110 4x2 | 10P | £11,495 |
1.5 dCi 110 4x4 | 10P | £13,495 | |
Laureate | 1.5 dCi 110 4x2 | 10P | £12,995 |
1.5 dCi 110 4x4 | 10P | £14,995 |
The Duster is available with a choice of two Renault Group engines, the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5 dCi. The former gives fuel economy of 39.8 mpg (35.5 in 4x4) and CO2 emissions of 165g/km (185g/km 4x4).
Renault Group’s best-selling diesel engine, the 1.5 dCi 110, is put to effective use in Duster, particularly given the car’s sub-1,300kg kerbweight. Giving the best CO2 performance in the range, in 4x2 models it offers 130g/km, as well 137g/km in 4x4, together with 56.5 mpg (53.3 in 4x4).
All new Dacias come with a 3 year/60,000 mile warranty (whichever is reached sooner). Rather than forcing buyers to pay a premium for a longer warranty they might not want, the new brand will be giving customers the option to extend their warranty to a five- (60,000 miles), or seven-year (100,000 miles) policy, for £395 or £850, including VAT.
January 2013
Access model spec changes
Change to Access models giving them white painted bumpers instead of grey bumpers.
February 2013
UK warranty details
Three-year 60k mile warranty standard. 5 year/60k mile warranty costs £395; 7 year/100k warranty costs £850.
July 2013
Black edition goes on sale
Dacia Duster Black Edition launched in just two wheel drive but at a price of £17,575, which is £4,600 more than the 4x2 Laureate it is based on. Extras include a "striking brushed black vinyl wrap finish, luxurious ash leather interior, hi-tech Kenwood media system and stylish 18” alloy wheels. The media system includes a 6” high resolution screen, Garmin satellite navigation with TMC traffic information, DAB, Bluetooth with hands-free calling, ipod connectivity, DVD playback and rear USB connection."
September 2013
LHD market facelift details
The Dacia Duster, for European left hand drive markets, has been upgraded to underline its go-anywhere style, while the interior has been completely redesigned with a new dashboard and new upholsteries. The new Dacia Duster features more equipment and better value for the same price, with the following new equipment and features: Dacia Media Nav, cruise control/speed limiter, rear park assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) fitted as standard on Euro 5 versions, even higher quality, new styling, and improved modularity. The new TCe 125 petrol engine significantly reduces the fuel consumption andemissions with 140g/km
November 2013
Dacia launches Pack
Aimed at farmers allowing any Yamaha Grizzly quad bike to be teamed with a trailer and towbar, fitted to the Duster, from £5,400 including VAT. Best-selling Pack combination expected to be mid-range Duster Ambiance dCi 110 4x4 (£13,695) with entry-level Grizzly 350 AWD, costing £21,495 on-the-road. Cheapest combination is Duster Access 4x4 at £11,095 with the same AWD quad bike ATV Pack for £18,895. Specifying the Grizzly 125 2WD costs only £16,495.
September 2014
Updated Duster launched
Model range continues to be two and four-wheel-drive models based on three trim levels and two engines. Entry-level Access powered by 105PS 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol engine, while mid-range Ambiance and top-grade Lauréate versions have 107PS (109PS on 4x4 versions) 1.5-litre dCi 110 turbodiesel power unit. Prices start at less than £9,500 for the two-wheel-drive Access model and under £11,500 for the four-wheel-drive version.
New for 2015 is a more stylish chrome front grille made up of two layers of four small intakes surrounding the Dacia logo. All versions now have ‘Duster’ branded roof bars – chromed on Lauréate models. At the rear, a black tailgate trim with ‘Duster’ branding sits above the number plate. Lauréate versions have smart new Tyrol 16-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles and dark metal door mirror casings. Five new metallic colours – Mercury, Khaki, Pearl Black, Slate Grey and Cinnamon – replace the previous choices as alternatives to solid Glacier White on the Ambiance and Lauréate.
There is new upholstery and seats for every model. Access versions are finished in Hassium cloth, Ambiance in Osmium cloth and Lauréate in Rhodium cloth with ‘Duster’ lettering. An Emergency Spare Wheel now becomes a £150 option on all 4x2 versions and remains standard on 4x4 models.
Access models come on 16-inch Eiger steel wheels and have remote locking, Thatcham-approved engine immobiliser, electric front windows, anti-lock brakes with Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control, Tyre Pressure Monitor, four airbags, an ECO driving mode and gearshift indicator and a four-speed heating and ventilation system. Body-coloured bumpers, black door handles and Duster-branded roof bars and bumpers are all standard. Glacier White is the sole colour. The 4x4 version has a centre differential lock with 2WD, Auto and Lock modes.
Ambiance versions add Matterhorn 16-inch steel wheels, satin chrome door handles, a chrome gearlever insert and instrument surrounds, a radio/CD player with AUX and USB sockets and Bluetooth, front foglights, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a 60:40 split rear seat.
Topping the range are the Lauréate models with 16-inch Tyrol alloys, manual air conditioning, electric mirrors and rear windows, cruise control with a speed limiter, a seven-function trip computer, a glovebox light, a passenger vanity mirror and body coloured door handles, satin chrome Duster-branded roof bars, scuff plates and side sills. Also standard are piano black interior door handles, door and steering wheel inserts and centre console surround, a leather-covered steering wheel and map pockets in the front seat backs.
Model |
Power January 0001(hp @ rpm) |
Torque January 0001(Nm @ rpm) |
0-62mph (sec) |
Top speed (mph) |
Access 1.6 16V 105 4x2 |
105 @ 5750 |
148 @ 3750 |
11.5 |
104 |
Access 1.6 16V 105 4x4 |
105 @ 5750 |
148 @ 3750 |
12.8 |
99 |
Ambiance dCi 110 4x2 |
107 @ 4000 |
240 @ 1750 |
11.8 |
106 |
Ambiance dCi 110 4x4 |
109 @ 4000 |
240 @ 1750 |
12.5 |
104 |
Lauréate dCi 110 4x2 |
107 @ 4000 |
240 @ 1750 |
11.8 |
106 |
Lauréate dCi 110 4x4 |
109 @ 4000 |
240 @ 1750 |
12.5 |
104 |
Model |
MPG |
CO2 (g/km) |
BIK (band %) |
VED (band) |
Insurance group |
Access 1.6 16V 105 4x2 |
39.8 |
165 |
26% |
G |
6E |
Access 1.6 16V 105 4x4 |
35.3 |
185 |
30% |
I |
5E |
Ambiance dCi 110 4x2 |
56.5 |
130 |
22% |
D |
10A |
Ambiance dCi 110 4x4 |
53.3 |
135 |
23% |
E |
10A |
Lauréate dCi 110 4x2 |
56.5 |
130 |
22% |
D |
11A |
Lauréate dCi 110 4x4 |
53.3 |
135 |
23% |
E |
10A |
Model |
Price (On The Road) |
Access 1.6 16V 105 4x2 |
£9,495 |
Access 1.6 16V 105 4x4 |
£11,495 |
Ambiance dCi 110 4x2 |
£11,995 |
Ambiance dCi 110 4x4 |
£13,995 |
Lauréate dCi 110 4x2 |
£13,495 |
Lauréate dCi 110 4x4 |
£15,495 |
September 2014
Following 90 UK complaints about mainly white painted Dusters rusting, Dacia has shifted production of RHD Dusters for the UK from Chennai in India to its Pitesti plant in Romania. An added benefit of this is shorter delivery times for cars built to order.
March 2015
125PS 1.2TCe engine added in other European markets.
This is effectively the same engine as the 1.2DIG-T in the Nissan Qashqai, with Stop & Start, deceleration energy recovery and reduced friction. Offers 205Nm torque from 2,000-3,000rpm with 90% from 1,500rpm. The useful torque output allows for a wide spread of gear ratios. A short first gear in the six-speed four-wheel-drive transmission enables the car to manoeuvre at very slow speed on rough terrain, while a long sixth makes for quiet, comfortable, economical highway cruising. That high torque output comes from a combination of direct high pressure fuel injection and a turbocharger with a twin continuous angle variator on the camshaft.
March 2015
Laureate Prime special editions go on sale
These luxuriously appointed models, featuring an exclusive colour scheme, are being introduced to mark 10 years since the Romanian brand re-launched in Europe in 2005, and are available for just £500 more than the existing Lauréate versions. It offers buyers the chance to own a more distinctive, more personalised car while remaining faithful to Dacia’s exceptional ‘shockingly affordable’ value-for-money ethos.
All Lauréate Prime special editions are finished in exclusive Cosmos Blue metallic paint, which pays homage to Dacia’s traditional livery. This is reflected inside each car, with blue fabric inserts on the front and rear seats, blue detailing on the floor mats and blue seat belts.
Other distinguishing exterior features are smart dark metal alloy wheels and dark metal grey door mirror shells. Additional equipment over Lauréate versions includes a front central armrest, electric rear windows, leather steering wheel and the latest MediaNav Evolution multimedia system.
Collectively, the addition of metallic paint, MediaNav Evolution and the Comfort Pack would cost up to £895 as options on the Lauréate (on Sandero and Logan MCV), yet they are all standard on the Lauréate Prime for a premium of just £500, embodying the very spirit of Dacia’s ‘you do the maths’ strapline.
Lauréate Prime versions of the Sandero and Logan MCV are available with the 0.9-litre TCe 90 and 1.5-litre dCi 90 engines, while the Duster Lauréate Prime comes with the 1.5-litre dCi 110 engine in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations.
Version |
Price (OTR) |
Sandero Lauréate Prime TCe 90 |
£9,295 |
Sandero Lauréate Prime dCi 90 |
£10,295 |
Logan MCV Lauréate Prime TCe 90 |
£10,295 |
Logan MCV Lauréate Prime dCi 90 |
£11,295 |
Duster Lauréate Prime dCi 110 4x2 |
£13,995 |
Duster Lauréate Prime dCi 110 4x4 |
£15,995 |
August 2015
New engines for Dacia Duster
The new 115hp 1.6-litre 16-valve engine is a brand new unit, not simply an EU6 version of the old 1.6 petrol engine. It develops 10hp more at 5,500rpm and has an extra 8Nm of torque – now 156Nm at 4,000rpm. This trims the 0-62mph acceleration time of 4x2 versions from 11.5 to 11.0 seconds, while for 4x4 models the reduction is 0.8 seconds to 12.0 seconds. The top speeds rise by 1mph and 5mph respectively.
The greatest gains are in fuel efficiency and running costs. For 4x4 versions, CO2 emissions are down to 155g/km, while NEDC fuel consumption is now 41.5mpg. This is cuts the annual VED cost by £170 to £180. The gains with 4x2 models are CO2 down to 145g/km, fuel economy improved to 44.1mpg and the yearly VED charge is £35 less at £145. The increase in power and torque also raises the towing capacity of 4x2 versions from 1,200 to 1,500kg so that it is now on a par with that of the 4x4 versions. Benefit-in-kind (BIK) taxation is four bands lower with all-wheel drive and two bands lower with front-wheel drive.
The new engine is a 1,598cc unit with multi-point fuel injection, driving through a five-speed manual gearbox in 4x2 models and a six-speed manual in the 4x4s. Engine Stop and Start is standard.
Model |
Price (On The Road) |
Access 1.6 16V 115 4x2 |
£9,495 |
Access 1.6 16V 115 4x4 |
£11,495 |
Ambiance 1.6 16V 115 4x2 |
£10,495 |
Ambiance 1.6 16V 115 4x4 |
£12,495 |
Ambiance dCi 110 4x2 |
£11,995 |
Ambiance dCi 110 4x4 |
£13,995 |
Lauréate dCi 110 4x2 |
£13,495 |
Lauréate dCi 110 4x4 |
£15,495 |
Lauréate Prime dCi 110 4x2 |
£13,995 |
Lauréate Prime dCi 110 4x4 |
£15,995 |
December 2016
Automatic six-speed EDC transmission launched
Available on Lauréate and flagship Prestige 4x2 Duster variants, the automatic EDC gearbox is mated to the 1.5 dCi 110 turbodiesel engine. NEDC fuel economy is 62.8mpg (Combined) and CO2 emissions 116g/km.
Duster EDC |
0-62mph (secs) |
CO 2 (g/km) |
VED band |
MPG (NEDC combined) |
Insurance group |
Price (OTR) |
Lauréate dCi 110 4x2 Auto |
11.9 |
116 |
C |
62.8 |
12 |
£14,995 |
Prestige dCi 110 4x2 Auto |
11.9 |
116 |
C |
62.8 |
12 |
£15,895 |
May 2017
Duster SE Summit introduced
It comes in a new Nordic Grey metallic paint and with 16-inch diamond-cut black ‘Cyclades’ alloy wheels. The SE Summit also adds a body kit consisting of wheelarch guards and protective side mouldings, enhancing the rugged exterior of the Duster.
Inside, the seats feature Burnt Orange piping and top-stitching, with the name ‘Duster’ embroidered into the fabric. The air vent surrounds are highlighted in Burnt Orange, and the carpet mats are finished with matching top-stitching.
This is on top of the high amount of equipment that comes as standard on Prestige trim such as a rear parking camera, MediaNav touchscreen navigation with satellite navigation, DAB radio and SIRI ‘Eyes Free’ and electric front and rear windows as standard.
The Duster SE Summit is priced from £15,195 – £1,000 above the equivalent Prestige model which includes exclusive metallic paint and rugged new exterior protection.
What to watch out for
Reader reported that his Duster diesel needed a new gearbox after 40 miles.
21-03-2014:Paint and surface rust problems on the sills, around the door seals and under the bonnet of a 3 month old Duster.
30-03-2014:Poor preparation and thin paint seems to be causing numerous complaints of rust showing in seams and generally all over normally unseen areas of plain white RHD Indian build Dacia Duster.
17-04-2014:Early 2002/62 Dacia Duster required a replacement of a part within the steering column to remove a grating noise when turning the steering wheel.
17-04-2014:Renault is quoting long-term back orders for front windscreens, which the garage says can be up to a couple of months wait, with no spares in the UK. (Screen eventually arrived after a 6 week wait. Apparently very easy to fit.)
01-05-2014:Another rusting Dacia Duster reported. This one purchased 21-12-2013 and already rusting in the seams due to poor paint preparation at the Indian factory.
30-05-2014:Faults with 2013 Dacia Duster 1.5 dCi Laureate to date as follows: Back seat was not fitted properly and had a hole in it; water in footwell bung round wrong way; hand brake didn't hold on hills; front brake caliper came loose; fuel gauge in petrol tank not working had new fitted;rubber seals missing under car; driver seat at back kept unclicking 4 attempts new fitted; airbag rattles in steering wheel; insturment panel not lit proberly still waiting to get fixed; door seals rusted; car pulls to the left not fixed from day 1; passenger front door hits wing been told the wing is not fitted right and needs to be realigned still waiting; rust around child locks in doors.
27-03-2017:Report of 2015 old Dacia Duster owned for 10 months suffering electrical problems, leaving it with no lights, that the dealer seems unable to fix.
17-05-2017:Report of 2013 Dacia Duster needing a new steering rack. 30% discount offered on the part, but none in stock. One previous report of steering rack problem 17-4-2004.
25-06-2017:Extreme n/s front wheel vibration reported on new 2017 Dacia Duster Laureate 2WD at 2,200 miles. Always preceded by the sound of running over "pebbles" and appearing between 30-40mph. Checked balances and unable to nail it down; swapped wheels front to rear and ruled them out. Dacia Technical wanted new front wheel bearings fitted, done the next day to no avail. Dacia Technical then thought it might be a failed n/s strut, but dealer ruled that out and changed the n/s driveshaft. That fixed it.
01-08-2017:Report of "rust" in boot and under the front passenger seat in early 2014 Duster (Indian built, prior to shift of UK production to India). Not clear if it is merely surface rust after paint lifted or penetrated rust. Car was under 3 year mechanical and paint warranty when first reported. Owner thinks it will cost £2,500 to repair.
12-12-2017:Report of ignition switch "sticking on" in 2013 Dacia Duster, ultimately burning out the starter motor. Switch and starter motor were replaced under warranty in May 2016, but same problem recurred in November 2017.
23-01-2018:Report of No. 4 injector of Dacia Duster 1.5DCI failing at 4,000 miles. Replaced under warranty, but Dacia refused top replace the other three injectors as a precaution.
28-01-2018:The scissor jack supplied with the spare wheel kit for the Duster does not quite lift the car far enough without a block of wood underneath. So best to carry a short block of 4x4. Also, the weight of the spare make fitting quite heavy work unless you buy a pair of quick align wheel tools (Demon Tweaks, etc). The correct thread size is not obvious, but it is 12x1.5mm.
03-08-2018:Report of warm weather running problems with 2015 Dacia Duster 1.5 dCi 110 4x4 Laureate. Hesitates and struggles to pull up owner's (steep) driveway, almost stalling. Dealer unable to replicate and find the fault. Might be a fuel tank sender pump problem related to the steepness of the driveway.
21-10-2018:Report of crankshaft end seal failure on 2014 Dacia Duster 1.5DCI at 85,000 miles. Owner initially quoted £1.895 for replacement of seal plust new dual mass flywheel and clutch. Can probably be done independently for about £1,000.
05-06-2019:Report of a 2016 Dacia Duster 1.2TCe "juddering when driving at constant speed" for the past 6 months. Car still has 6 months warranty left. Car has been in and out of the dealer for the last 6 months and issue is still not resolved.
12-03-2021:Report of water ingress on 65-plate Duster leaving carpets sodden after heavy rain.