Dacia Duster

FIRST UK DRIVE New crossover retains bargain price. Does it still add up in UK?

- Richard Ingram

WHEN Dacia arrived in the UK in 2012, it stunned the industry with its value-packed new cars. Six years later the recipe is unchanged; the Duster is still the cheapest crossover on sale.

For 2018, the firm’s sole SUV has been updated with fresh styling and kit – yet with a similarly tempting price. But is the Duster the bargain it once was? We’ve driven one in the UK to find out.

The first thing you spot is the new face. While the design is an evolution of the previous car, Dacia insists every panel is new. Tweaks include a wider grille, sharper belt line and a revised rear. The lights have been pushed to the corners to try and emphasise a sportier stance.

At launch, this naturally-aspirated 1.6 petrol model is the only version you can buy. There’s no auto box (yet), but you do get a choice of 4x2 and 4x4 powertrains, plus four trim levels. A diesel-powered version arrives later, while the turbo petrol is due in 2019.