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CAROLINE GETS MOTORING Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in Ireland. Caroline is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing Lanes and a jury member for Irish Car of the Year. Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at
www.changinglanes.ie
DACIA DUSTER The Dacia Duster has been a huge success in Ireland since it was first launched back in 2013. Over 14,000 Dusters have found homes in Ireland since it first went on sale. Now in its second generation, Dacia has updated the Duster again for 2022. Duster gets more modern features to keep it competitive in the compact SUV segment. Priced from €21,190, the Dacia Duster is one of Ireland's truly affordable new cars. The Duster is now very recognisable on Irish roads for its chunky, rugged design. You don't mess with an icon! So the Duster facelift has been minor. New light units include Y-shaped daytime running
lights, which look more contemporary and seem to fit better, especially at the rear. This shape also inspired the new 3D chromed radiator grille. Front LED indicators debut here for the first time in the Dacia range. There’s also a new colour – Arizona Orange – that really makes the Duster pop. Inside, the cabin has been lifted with the addition of a new 8” touchscreen with modern graphics and a glossier finish. It replaces the old 7” unit. The USB ports have also moved to a neater location further down in the centre console so the cable no longer dangles across the touchscreen. There are few soft touch plastics in the cabin but it’s acceptable at this price range.
The Dacia Duster will seat five and is one of the more spacious small SUVs on the market today. The high roofline gives loads of headroom, adding to that feeling of space. The boot is also a good size with up to 478 litres available in two wheel drive models, and 467 in four wheel drive Dusters. Isofix child-seat mounting points are fitted to the outer rear seats. The new Duster is available in Ireland with petrol and diesel engines in 2022, as well as a petrol/LPG 'bifuel option' by special order. All wheel drive is available on diesel models. The range kicks off with the 1.0-litre TCe petrol engine with 90 hp and a manual gearbox at €21,190. There's also a new petrol/LPG option priced the same, with 100 hp and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The
Dacia Duster
Page 80 - 5th April 2022
