2010 Dacia Duster - Front View
The Dacia Duster is the Romanian automaker’s first SUV. This model was first unveiled in production form on December 8, 2009. The parent company, Renault wanted for this SUV to be an affordable and clever choice for the small SUV segment. Based on the B0 platform like the successful Dacia Logan, the Duster will ride higher with a ground clearance of over 200 mm (7.9 inches) and take advantage of 4×2 or 4×4 drive systems. Engine-wise the car will be fitted with a 1.6l petrol unit developing 110 hp and a 1.5l diesel one with 85 and 105 hp respectively. The car will be marketed under the Renault brand in some parts of the world, but its consumer target will be the same, meaning entry level affordable small SUV.
2010 Dacia Duster - Right Side
In Europe, Dacia’s success has highlighted the demand for modern, reliable and affordable cars. Although the current range of 4x4s and SUVs is quite extensive, it neglects the call for a functional, affordable all-terrain vehicle, favouring instead showy SUVs that are expensive and often ill-suited to the needs of all-terrain motoring.
2010 Dacia Duster - Rear Lamp
Dacia Duster is easy to drive and not only aimed at all-terrain aficionados. The combination of its low unladen weight (1.180kg in 4X2 – 1,280kg in 4X41) and compact proportions ensure particularly agile handling. In the 4X4 version, thanks to the unique and intuitive control (sourced from Nissan) located in the cabin at the foot of the central column, Dacia Duster drivers can easily adapt the vehicle’s transmission configuration to meet their needs of the moment.
2010 Dacia Duster - Rear Side
Duster will expand into other parts of the world in 2011. It will be distributed in the Gulf States, supplied from Pitesti, and will also be built alongside Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway in Curitiba, Brazil, for distribution in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Chile. At a later date, Duster will go on to be manufactured at the Avtoframos plant in Moscow, Russia.
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