An improved Dacia Duster will open for ordering later this summer with subtle exterior styling tweaks concealing big improvements to onboard infotainment systems and CO2 emissions.
Today’s top-spec infotainment system is a fairly dated-looking 7.0-inch setup. Facelifted 2021 models can have a screen up to 8.0-inches, housed within a more premium-look chrome-edged display.
Two grades are offered: Media Display has Bluetooth connectivity and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The higher-spec Media Nav has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus onboard navigation. Both versions have an eco driving screen – and four-wheel drive versions have a 4×4 Monitor which includes altimeter, inclinometer and compass.
Entry-level Duster feature a clever Dacia Plug & Music system that includes radio, USB and Bluetooth, for fuss-free pairing with smartphones.
New seat upholstery, more slimline head restraints and a ‘high’ centre console with sliding centre armrest are among other improvements within the facelifted Duster.
Lower CO2
Dacia is promising better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions from the broad engine range, which includes 90hp, 130hp and 150hp turbo petrol engines, a 115hp diesel and a 100hp Bi-Fuel petrol-LPG version.
Dacia has significantly enlarged the LPG range by over 16 litres compared to the previous model, which it says gives more than 155 miles’ greater range.
An LPG Duster, with both petrol and LPG tanks full, offers a total range of nearly 770 miles between refills.
An EDC dual-clutch automatic Duster is also available, and higher-grade versions offer high-traction all-wheel drive – these cars also have grippier tyres and hill descent control.
Safety aids
Dacia is highlighting the improved safety features of the facelifted Duster, after its new Sandero supermini scored just two stars earlier this year in Euro NCAP testing.
The new Duster comes with cruise control, a speed limiter and auto high-beam as standard, while there are a range of optional safety aids too.
These include blind spot warning, park assist, hill start assist and a four-camera ‘Multiview’ parking system.
Dacia says this doesn’t just help when parking, either: it can also be used off-road. The camera feed is displayed through the infotainment screen, and automatically switches off when vehicle speed exceeds 12mph.
Facelift features
Externally, new headlights have a revised ‘Y-shaped’ LED daytime running light, complete with LED front indicators (a Dacia first). Dipped headlights and number plate lights are also now LED.
There’s a 3D-look chrome radiator grille and the Desert Orange paint featured here is also new.
Dacia’s even aero-tuned the new 16-inc and 17-inch alloy wheels which, along with other improvements, help reduce CO2 by up to 5.8g compared to the pre-facelift models.
Luke Broad, Dacia UK head of sales, said: “The new Duster is a sporty, all-terrain vehicle which continues to make the SUV accessible for consumers. It now comes with even more advanced technology, features, style, enhanced driving pleasure and efficiency.
“Duster’s winning formula has made sure it has led its class in Europe’s SUV market since 2019, and with the new Duster and its unmatched combination of exceptional reliability, comfort and price, we only expect this to accelerate.”
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