IN SHORT
SUV
Petrol/LPG dual fuel
From €19,690
An attack price lower than €20,000, or €1,800 less than the 130 hp TCE version and even €5,000 cheaper than the hybrid version, here is the unbeatable argument of this version, which was the best-selling on the previous generation. But that’s not all: the use of LPG is also an important savings criterion, this fuel being half as expensive as SP95-E10. Beyond its ultra-attractive price, here is another advantage in its favor. Finally, to crack down on the last hesitants, it offers a record autonomy of 1,200 km thanks to its dual carburetion and its two tanks (50 liters for LPG + 50 liters also for the SP95-E10) which allow it to cross France with a single full tank.
Figures are good, but what is this Duster really worth on the road? Above all, like the other versions we have tested, it inherits all the progress of the latest generation of Dacia’s SUV. Thus, the Duster vintage 2024 benefits from significantly more rigorous road behavior than before. Body movements are better contained and all this goes hand in hand with increased comfort thanks to quality damping and more careful soundproofing of rolling noise. Be careful, however, with the tire you choose, because the optional 18-inch rims toughen the driving conditions when the bitumen deteriorates or when passing the grooves. Although improving, the pleasant steering around town lacks consistency at higher speeds. A pace which is also accompanied by some sounds of air.
Even if Dacia has given in to the hybrid, the Romanian brand remains faithful to LPG, very popular in many Eastern European countries, but also in Spain or Italy. The Eco-G remains in the catalog while, for example, the diesel has disappeared. We therefore find the three-cylinder 1.0 which develops 90 hp and 160 Nm when it runs on gasoline compared to 100 hp and 170 Nm on LPG. In use, our Duster still starts with gasoline, but the switch to LPG occurs quickly and less noticeably than before. At first glance, one might think that this engine would struggle due to modest torque and power, but that is not really the case, given its reasonable weight (1,276 kg). So certainly, with a 0 to 100 km/h achieved in 13.2 s, this Duster is not a lightning bolt, but the driver very rarely has the impression of being short of resources due in particular to to the character of the three-cylinder. It was ultimately on climbs or when the Duster was loaded that it seemed a little tight, thus forcing the driver to downshift. You will also have to deal with a classic problem for the three cylinders, namely a sound that is a little too present, especially during acceleration phases.
Let’s talk budget
It is known that an LPG vehicle tends to consume more compared to a conventional gasoline one. An observation that we were able to verify during our test. Thus, as Dacia had the good idea of installing a gauge for each fuel, we were able to record respective consumptions of 7.3 l/100 km for gasoline and 11 l/100 km for LPG. However, this does not matter, because the difference in the price at the pump is so significant (1.95 €/l for SP95-E10 compared to 1 €/l for LPG), that this largely absorbs the consumption surplus. We advise you to choose this fuel for daily use, which is significantly more economical than SP95. Simply unmissable today.
A Duster, always more Duster
Over the generations, the Duster continues to become more and more attractive. This trend is confirmed with the new opus displaying lines that become even more robust than before. This also involves a reinforced personality with a significantly more expressive front and the adoption of the new brand identity. A real success.
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In the cabin, there are also many improvements. The dashboard also gains in robustness with very square lines and the emphasis on the “Duster” name facing the passenger.
The instrumentation becomes digital and it is possible to have a 10.1-inch multimedia screen that is easy to use and fluid. There are, however, some particularities on this version, notably in terms of the instrumentation, which is equipped with a double gauge for the two fuels. Another new feature: the appearance of a button to switch between the two carburetions. For the rest, everything is identical, whether in shape or quality, with hard plastics, but very well assembled.
Like many other areas, the practical aspects are improving. Thus, with the change of generation, the trunk increases from 445 to 517 liters. The installation of the LPG tank in the under-boot does not impact its capacity, but prevents having a spare wheel, which can be a handicap for some customers. Good point regarding the generous rear roominess, which increases its knee space.
