Weekly coexistence with the LPG car Dacia Duster reveals the aspects of his character and the reasons why he is particularly popular in our country!
Meet
It is the mid-size SUV of the Dacia, which was introduced in late 2009 and sales started in 2010. It became the company's main model that established it in many markets, including Greece. The second and current generation of the model, which we tested, was released in late 2017. We could set the stage for the Duster's history in the early 1980s with the Aro Duster... which is about other times and covered different needs. However, this model was the inspiration for the new life cycle of the Romanian SUV! It is significant that since 2010 more than 2.000.000 Duster have been sold in the Old Continent!
External design
The simple and muscular lines create a modern and easily recognizable ensemble. At the front, it adopts the company's new design identity with a distinctive grille and trapezoidal "Eco Led" headlamps ending in the flared off-road bumper. The image is completed by the hood with embossed ribs that give it dynamism!
The profile has the most design interest, as the square shape accommodates the flared fenders, making the car look more youthful.
The simplicity continues at the rear, with the vertical fifth ending in the Off-Road bumper, with square rear lights with Y-shaped Led graphics, a trademark of the model!
All in all, it is a simple and beautiful design ensemble, which seals the design language of the new era of Dacia!
Internal
Inside the cabin, simplicity reigns supreme. Hard plastics have been used throughout, in order to keep manufacturing and disposal costs low. Nevertheless, they make up a modern image that is complemented by the Media Display multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The ergonomic seats offer adequate comfort for passengers, with the rear seats being amphitheatrically positioned, providing ample space in the rear and accommodating taller people.
Ergonomics and versatility meet user requirements, with spaces and solutions! Finally, the boot capacity starts at 478 litres and reaches 1,623 with the rear seats fully folded!
Engine
Under the bonnet is the familiar 999cc three-cylinder dual-fuel engine, which produces 100 hp at 4,600-5,000 rpm and 170 Nm of torque at 2,000-3,500 rpm using LPG, while using petrol reduces it to 91 hp at 4,400-4,900 rpm and 160 Nm at 2,000-3,500 rpm. Drive is transferred exclusively to the front axle!
On the road
So what can we expect from the Dacia Duster in real-world conditions? The answer is detailed below!
In the city thanks to the high driving position and large side windows, it offers very good visibility. Quite nervous at low revs, thanks to the short-shifting six-speed manual gearbox, it makes manoeuvring through the urban environment easier when needed. At the same time, the driver is not aware of the car's bulk, giving the impression that it is a smaller vehicle!
In the mountain and rural network shows off its touring character, with a comfortable ride as the soft suspension absorbs shocks. This results in more pronounced cornering, but without being problematic! The long 217 mm ground clearance, despite the lack of all-wheel drive, allows it to navigate dirt roads and rough terrain with ease! The approach (30o), ramp (21o) and escape (34o) angles also contribute to this.
On the motorway the driver and passengers will experience a top level of comfort and good sound insulation. The Dacia Duster is stable to a satisfactory degree, showing in practice that it is in no way inferior to a more expensive car!
General the Dacia Duster 1.0 TCe LPG provides exemplary passenger comfort. The tight six-speed gearbox gives it the necessary nerve and torque for on- and off-road driving! However, the "hidden ace" is the use of LPG, which with its low price, reduces the cost of ownership to a minimum.
According to Dacia, the combined range reaches 1,200 kilometres, thanks to two large 34-litre tanks for LPG and 50 litres for petrol. Without going into unnecessary maths, the price difference between LPG and petrol is significant, with the benefit being reflected in the consumer's pocket!
Who it is aimed at
The Dacia Duster is a car for family drivers and adventure lovers who want a modern SUV, but don't accept any concessions in their budget!
Price
With the price list starting from 19.490€ in the Ambiance version it is the most affordable car in its class! The Sportive version is priced at €20,730 while the more luxurious Prestige version comes in at €21,690.
Technical characteristics
| AMAXOMA | |
| Press | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| SUBSIDIES - CONSUMPTION - EMISSIONS | |
| Average combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 4.9-6.4 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 128-146 g/km |
| Fuel type | Petrol / LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) |
| maximum speed | 173 km/h |
| Exhaust Gas Specifications | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| Weight/power ratio | 13.1 kg/Hp, 76.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight/torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm, 128.1 Nm/tonne |
| ENGINE | |
| Power | 101 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Rated motor torque | 170 Nm @ 2000 rpm |
| Position of the engine | Forward, transverse |
| Engine model/code | H4D 480 |
| Engine casing | 999 cm3 |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Position of the rollers | In series |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel system | Multi-point spraying |
| Engine system | Turbocharger , Intercooler |
| HEIGHT AND WEIGHT | |
| Weight | 1327-1380 kg |
| Maximum payload | 375-428 kg |
| Minimum volume of luggage space | 445 l |
| Maximum volume of luggage space | 1478 l |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (LPG) | 34 l |
| Permissible towing capacity with brakes (12%) | 1300 kilos |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Length | 4341 mm |
| Width | 1804 mm |
| Height | 1693 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2674 mm |
| Distance from the ground | 210 mm |
| Minimum turning diameter (turning diameter) | 10.7 m |
| Angle of entry | 30° |
| Exit angle | 34° |
| ARCHITECTURE | |
| Movement | Movement on the front wheels |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 speeds, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | ventilated trays , 280×24 mm |
| Rear brakes | Taboura |
| Auxiliary systems | ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) |
| Type of address | Management chukrania (with teeth) |
| Steering system | Electric Steering Wheel |
| Wheels | 215/60 R17 |
