Signature 1.5 dci 110 4x4

Duster the Ruster

Bought the Dacia as the commercial version in top spec. 4x4. I added the extras of the centre armrest (I would see it as a necessity!) and I added rear parking sensors and cruise control as an aftermarket extra. The car came with mats, mud guards and tow bar. After owning a Mercedes C220, I was pleasantly surprised by the ride comfort and the its image - utilitarian chic! The engine is strong, however it developed what I could describe as unusual behaviour after about 10,000km, heavy on fuel and ridiculously thirsty and high revved at motorway speeds - at 35,000km the main dealer replaced the turbo and did other things to the engine under warranty and its driving like a new car again! After owning a Qashqai, I can see how the duster is actually better built, however, you do notice the lack of engine noise deadening at motorway speeds in particular, cost saving! The best thing about the Duster is the seating position, hugely impressed, as I am a high mileage driver. Disappointing is the fuel economy, with the replacement of the turbo, I am barely averaging 14.0 l/km which works out at just under 40mpg and that is with long distance driving. The bluetooth system is atrocious, I get many complaints of background noise (because there is!) while on the phone. Also I am hugely disappointed with the rust that is appearing. I cannot fault Dacia customer service or the local dealer. It is booked in to have the rust problem sorted so hopefully that will be successful. So all in all, alot of issues for a car that is barely a year old. But it has a charm that I like. A friend of mine purchased a new 2015 revised model and I can see how much better the paint job is on this model and they have experienced none of the issues I have had.

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