Dacia Duster Mid-life upgrades for high-value SUV

Mid-life upgrade for Dacia Duster

New styling, greater effi ciency • Improved cabin, better tech • 4x4 likely to start at £20,000

If you’re planning to buy a new Dacia Duster this year, give it a couple of months. Later this summer, the order book will open for a revised version of the current model – with updated looks and improved effi ciency to go with a slew of new tech features and safety aids.

Styling-wise, the vehicle gains a new grille and headlamps with

Y-shaped DRLs, while at the back there’s a redesigned spoiler. It’s not just about appearances, though – the Duster’s shape is now more aerodynamically effi cient, and the increased use of LEDs means less power goes on lighting.

Combined with the use of new, more effi cient tyres and wheel bearings, this all means that the dCi 115 4x4 model (the only version with all-wheel drive) now emits 5.8g/km less carbon than before, with a fuel saving to match.

The dCi 115 engine is only available in six-speed manual form, however a number of other units are also offered. The most powerful of these, the TCe 150 petrol, comes as standard with a dual-clutch auto.

Although the Duster doesn’t have low range, Dacia is adamant that it’s ‘a dependable SUV for both everyday and off-road use.’ Bizarrely, the 4x4 model has slightly less ground clearance than the 4x2, however it can still clear 214mm obstacles. Approach, breakover and departure angles are 30°, 33° and 21° respectively, and 4x4 models come fi tted as standard with 3PMSF-compliant all-season tyres.

Inside, the seats gain new new headrests and upholstery. Between them, depending on the model, is a revised fl oor console with a 1.1-litre cubby box whose lid serves as an armrest. All Dusters now get a multimedia system accessed through an 8.0” touchscreen, with DAB, Bluetooth and smartphone pairing as standard; on higher-spec models, the system also runs sat-nav, while 4x4 models gain a compass, altimeter and inclinometer.

Hardcore off-roaders like to sneer at toys like these, but the Duster has an altogether more useful feature too in the shape of a hill descent control system which can be set to any speed in the range from 3-18mph. In the absence of low range, this makes a real difference to the vehicle’s viability on severe terrain. A surround-view camera system also has the potential to be useful off-road, though this is intended mainly as a parking aid.

Pricing for the new Duster is yet to be announced, however Dacia built its reputation on value and there’s no reason for that to change. Pricing will therefoe start in the low teens – though for a 4x4 model, it’s likely to be very close to £20,000.

Charity worker wins Range Rover Evoque in Vanarama competition

A CHARITY VOLUNTEER FROM MIDDLESEX has won a new Range Rover Evoque in a competition run by leasing specialist Vanarama. Juliette Morrison, whose serviced apartment business fell victim to the pandemic, took part in the company’s New Lease of Life promotion – and ended up as the proud owner of an Evoque D180 S R-Dynamic worth around £40,000.

Juliette, who started working with homelessness charity New Hope just before the pandemic struck, had to sell her own car to raise money after losing her business. She’s also an ambassador for the Pink Ribbon Foundation – a charity which supports research into breast cancer and supports those affected by it.

Picking up the Evoque from Vanarama’s Hemel Hempstead offi ce, Juliette said: ’2020 did have its diffi culties. But there were many others who had a far tougher time than me.

‘Working with the homeless community, I can’t say that I’ve had bad luck. I’m lucky to have a nice house and a lovely family and we all have our health.

‘Winning the car will make a massive difference though, and I’m delighted!’

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