VOLVO XC70 DIESEL ESTATE D4 [163] SE Lux 5dr 2WD Geartronic [Sat Nav]

Dacia's Duster resets value expectations for buyers of small SUVs in this third generation form. Jonathan Crouch reports

Ten Second Review

The third generation version of Dacia's Duster is a much more advanced thing. But in many ways the spirit and value of its sensible, practical small SUV predecessors still remain. Don't buy another small, lifestyle SUV until you've looked at this one.

Background

'The best bargain on the market'. That's quite a claim isn't it, particularly for a car that starts from around £20,000. But this third generation version of Dacia's Duster SUV just might be. It's not an EV but it's the first Duster that's been in any way electrified and, thanks to use of existing Renault Group tech and cheap manufacturing in Romania and Morocco, it offers easily the best value compact family SUV proposition on the market. You could argue that the Duster always has, ever since it first arrived back in 2010. Alongside the Sandero hatch, it's been the brand's biggest seller since then, updated in second generation form in 2017 and along the way notching up 2.2 million registrations. All that's been founded on a back-to-basics approach to SUV design and a platform originally created by Renault in the '90s. A structure which of course couldn't accommodate the kind of electrified engines a car like this must now have. So this MK3 Duster adopts the same Renault Group CMF-B platform of other Dacias, a move additionally supposed to benefit practicality and refinement, though one that's also pushed the price up. But as we said earlier, the Romanian brand still thinks it's a bargain. Is it? Let's see.

Engines and Tech Spec

The range kicks off with a rarely-chosen TCe100 Bi-Fuel LPG model but the two engines that Dacia wants to talk about here are both more conventionally-fuelled electrified petrol units. One is a mild hybrid TCe 130 three cylinder powerplant that features a 48V system harvesting energy into a tiny 0.9kWh battery that uses it to aid acceleration. The other option is the Hybrid 140 powertrain already used by the brand in the Jogger (borrowed from the Renault Clio). This full Hybrid setup blends a 93bhp 1.6-litre four cylinder unit with a 48bhp electric motor energised by a 1.2kWh battery which can, Dacia claims, entirely drive the car for up to 80% of the time during urban motoring. You'll have to have an automatic gearbox with the Hybrid 140, but the more affordable TCe 130 mild hybrid version offers manual or auto options; and can be had with 4WD as an option (the first time that the rear wheels have been driven on any Renault Group model fitted with this car's new CMF-B platform). This MK3 Duster has also been engineered for a simpler un-electrified TCe 100 engine, partly because Dacia wants to continue to offer the Bi-Fuel LPG system (hugely popular in Europe) that works with this unit. Of diesel power there is no sign; Dacia thinks 'diesel is dying' in this segment, so hasn't bothered with it. Which might be a disappointment to the significant proportion of customers likely to want the mild hybrid TCe 130 4WD version. This gets an evolved '4x4 Terrain Control transmission' system with five settings. Most of the time, you'll choose 'Auto', which distributes power between front and rear depending on traction and speed. There's also an 'Off-Road' setting that actively distributes torque between the axles. A rotary knob on the centre console also allows you to select either 'Snow', 'Mud/Sand' or 'Eco' options, plus in the middle of the dial there's a Hill Descent Control button to control your speed on slippery downhill slopes. Dacia claims approach and departure angles 31 and 36-degrees and up to 217mm of ground clearance.

Design and Build

Were you to be familiar with this model line, you'd just about still know this was a Duster - but only just, so radical is the redesign here. It's the same length as its predecessor, but slightly wider, lower and stockier, with beefier bumpers and chunky wheel arch cladding made of a trademarked partly-recycled material called Starkle. Parallel lines across the smarter grille flow into a distinctive daytime running light signature built into the new headlamps. At the side (where the rear door handles are now embedded in the C-pillar) a slight slope in the roof line breaks up the old squarical profile. And at the back, there are C-shaped rear lights that mimic those of the 2022 Bigster concept that heavily influenced this design. At the wheel, it's a step up from the previous Duster, but the materials used aren't as smart as in some rivals. Above base trim, you get a 7-inch instrument display and a modern 10.1-inch central touchscreen, the latter with over-the-air updates and the usual smartphone-mirroring. As with previous models, rear seat space is more generous than you'll find with obvious rivals, further aided here by the packaging benefits of the new CMF-B platform. And there's a decently-sized boot too (6% larger) at 464-litres below the parcel shelf for the TCE (with a spare wheel) or 400-litres for the Hybrid. It's all accessed via an wider tailgate aperture.

Market and Model

Prices kick off at around £19,000, but that's only for the TCe100 Bi-Fuel LPG model you probably won't want. The more conventional TCe130 4x4 model starts in base trim for just over £21,000, which is still exceptionally affordable for an SUV large enough to serve for family duties. Think closer to £25,000 if you want a really decent spec and either the Hybrid 140 version or the 4WD variant. But that's still very good value indeed. There are four trim levels - 'Essential', 'Expression', 'Journey' and 'Extreme'. Base 'Essential' spec gets you a 3.5-inch media screen on the dash, along with a smartphone holder. But otherwise, your Duster will come with a 10.1-inch centre screen which gives you 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' wireless connectivity, plus a reversing camera. There's also 7-inch drivers instrument display and 17-inch alloy wheels. Over 70% of Duster customers though, usually opt for the higher trim levels. 'Journey'-spec comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, keyless entry, automatic air conditioning, an electric parking brake, a wireless smartphone charger and an uprated sound system. Top 'Extreme' trim gets you navigation, power-folding mirrors, washable upholstery, rubber floor mats and copper brown styling additions inside and out. A key factor for customers to consider across the range is the car's latest accessory system called 'Youclip'. With this, a series of square mounts positioned around the car can take compatible accessories like a cupholder, a bag hook, an induction charging phone holder, a portable torch and a tablet stand - and in each case can take around 8kg of weight.

Cost of Ownership

Here's an area where this third generation Duster is streets ahead of its predecessors thanks to the addition of electrified tech. The mild hybrid 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engine claims a 10% improvement in emissions thanks to its electrified system. You'd expect an even bigger step forward in efficiency figures with the Hybrid 140 variant - and you get it. Combined cycle fuel economy is rated at 55.4mpg with up to 114g/km of CO2. Compare to 51.3mpg and 124g/km for the front-driven TCe130 model. With the base TCe 100 Bi-Fuel version, you can conceivably get yourself a Duster that's even more economic. In this form, the car packs a 50-litre autogas tank alongside the regular fuel tank and together, these will enable an 807 mile combined range without stopping. On to the warranty. Dacia offers its latest Zen warranty which can cover you for you to 7 years provided you get your car regularly serviced at a Dacia franchise. This is backed by three years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance. Service intervals are every year or every 12,000 miles and since most Renault dealers look after Dacias too, you shouldn't be too far from a specialist workshop. It also helps that there's a timing chain that'll last as long as the engine. Dacia offers a choice of pre-paid servicing schemes covering you for either two years and 24,000 miles or three years and 36,000 miles.

Summary

This is without doubt the most sophisticated Dacia Duster we've seen yet. But is a Dacia Duster supposed to be sophisticated? The original version certainly wasn't. And it cost around a third of the amount that most customers will be paying for this one; it's unlikely that your salary has increased by two-thirds since 2010. But your expectations of what a reasonably compact family-suitable SUV certainly have and there's no doubt that this third generation Dacia meets them - so impressively that you might wonder whether it's still true to the simple, no-nonsense concept of what a Duster should be. But some of that still remains in some areas of cabin decor and the cheap manufacturing origins and hand-me-down engineering from other brands - things that have always characterised this Romanian marque. And even the claims for continuing outstanding value stack up when you consider that for Duster money, all other brands will give you is a tiny style-led crossover no use for much but urban trips and a commute to the gym. This Duster, in contrast, can do more: take a family, take a longer trip - even, if specified properly, go off road. In all these respects, it's a true Duster. And we can see why you might like one.

Body Glass

Rain and tunnel sensor

Intermittent rear wash/wipe

Front and rear electric windows

'Global' closing of front/rear windows

Tinted windscreen

Tinted windows

Heated washer nozzles

Brakes

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

DSTC-Dynamic Stability and Traction Control

Electronic parking brake

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Driver Convenience

Power tailgate

Driver Information

Service interval indicator

Information centre

RTI Navigation system with RDS-TMC map data on hard disk

Intelligent driver information system (IDIS)

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Body colour door mirrors

Electric folding door mirrors including ground lights

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Chrome trim on air vents, side defrosters and mannequin

Chrome rotary knobs

Engine

Diesel particulate filter

Entertainment

Remote audio controls on steering wheel

Auxiliary socket for external MP3 player

Exterior Body Features

Extended silver front/rear skid plates

Roof rails

Chrome window surround

Front volvo treadplates

Charcoal bumpers with wheel arch extensions

Silver coloured inserts to side mouldings

Silver coloured inserts to bumpers

Exterior Lights

Front fog lights

Adaptive brake lights

Home safe and approach lighting

Day time running light

Front and rear side marker illumination

Active bi-xenon headlamps with headlamp cleaning system

Headlamp levelling

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

ECC electronic climate control with air quality sensor

B Pillar ventilation

Pollen filter

Interior Features

Load cover

Leather faced upholstery

12V socket in front + rear tunnel console

3-D cargo load system (aluminium Cargofix rails + 4 attachments and 4 high level anchor points)

Lockable load floor

Leather gearknob

Grocery bag holder

Rear centre armrest with 2 cupholders + storage

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Front centre armrest with 2 cupholders

Interior Lights

Front/rear reading lights

Safety

City safety

Front/rear seatbelt pre-tensioners

Inflatable curtain

Warning triangle

SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)

Passenger airbag cut-off device

Dual stage driver/passenger airbags

WHIPS whiplash protection system - front

Side Impact Protection System airbags

5 three point seatbelts

Seats

Head restraints for all seats

Versatile split folding rear seat - 40/20/40

Electric drivers seat with memory + mirrors memory

Forward folding front passenger seat

Driver/passenger seat height adjustment/lumbar support

Isofix attachments on rear seats

Electric folding rear headrests

Security

Deadlocking system

Key integrated remote control central locking

Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor

Locking wheel nuts

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated driver/passenger vanity mirrors

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 5

CO2 (g/km): 154

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders: 5

Gears: 6 SPEED

CC: 1984

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 20

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): 47.9

EC Extra Urban (mpg): 58.9

EC Urban (mpg): 36.7

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: No

General

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

EURO NCAP Pedestrian test - Star Rating.: 9

EURO NCAP Front and Side Impact test - Star Rating.: 9

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 28E

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 108000

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: 72

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 163

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Coin Description: D4 [163]

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 8

Coin Series: SE [Sat Nav]

Performance

Top Speed: 124

Engine Power - BHP: 163

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - MKG: 41

0 to 62 mph (secs): 10.2

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - NM: 400

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 295

Engine Power - RPM: 3500

Engine Power - KW: 120

Tyres

Space Saver?: 0

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Tyre Size Rear: 235/50 R18

Tyre Size Front: 235/50 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Alloys?: No

Wheel Style: ZEPHYRUS

Vehicle Dimensions

Width (including mirrors): 2119

Length: 4838

Wheelbase: 2815

Height (including roof rails): 1604

Height: N

Width: 1870

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2330

Minimum Kerbweight: 1780

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 70

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 550

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1600

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 815

No. of Seats: 5

Body Glass

Laminated windows with water repellent front side windows

Dark tinted rear windows (includes side luggage area windows)

Chassis/Suspension

Load compensating suspension

Active four-C chassis system

Communication

Volvo on call

Driver Aids

Lane departure warning with driver alert control

Front and rear park assist

Driver Convenience

PCC personal car communicator W/heat sensor and keyless drive

Driver Information

BLIS (Blind spot information system)

Embellishment Trims

Feather line aluminium trim

Walnut wood trim

Entertainment

Digital TV

Rear seat audio headset sockets x2

DAB Digital radio

Premium multimedia sound system with dolby pro logic II surround and radio/DVD, 5x130w amp/ 12 speakers and USB

Rear seat DVD entertainment system

Remote controls for audio system

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Special solid paint

Inscription paint

Electric glass tilt and slide sunroof

Interior Features

Load protection net

Walnut wood steering wheel

Packs

Family Pack - XC70

Driver support pack with BLIS - XC70

Security Pack - XC70

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Flamenco red

Metallic - Caspian blue

Metallic - Caper green

Metallic - Silver

Metallic - Seashell

Metallic - Twilight bronze

Metallic - Black sapphire

Paint - Solid

Solid - Ice white

Paint - Special

Inscription metallic - Electric silver

Special solid - Black stone

Safety

Power child locks on rear doors

Seats

Heated front seats

Electric passenger seat

Heated rear seats

Trim - Leather

Leather faced - Espresso brown

Leather faced - Blond

Leather faced - Soft beige

Leather faced - Off black

Wheels - Alloy

17" Valder silver bright alloy wheels

18" Merac black alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tempa spare wheel