Dacia Duster Test Drive
Dacia is gaining momentum in sales every year. In 2014, it delivered 359 vehicles to Europe, while this year and until November it sold 175 vehicles, an increase of more than 422%, while globally it exceeded 657 units in the first 15 months of the year , an increase of 590% over the same period last year. The company introduced the new Dacia Duster SUV to the world. Consider what's new from the developers.
Appearance
The second generation Duster debuted three months ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Despite the standard appearance, the brand new car has small changes.
The exterior is more appealing as it combines a tough, muscular style with a truly dynamic personality. It is certainly not the most beautiful car you can see on the road, but it does not qualify as a "kiosk" with wheels, although it has been modernized in relation to the past while retaining its timeless character. The car is presented in two new colors, orange (atacama orange) and silver (dune beige), nine in total.
On the front there is a radiator grill, with two headlights on the sides, which makes the model wider. The upgraded bumper has silver protectors that emphasize its off-road capabilities, while the relatively horizontal embossed hood gives the necessary dynamism.
A taller window line appears in the new model. The windshield has been moved forward 100mm compared to the outgoing Duster, and has a steeper slope that makes the cab more elongated and spacious.
New aluminum roof rails widen the windshield line for a more dynamic profile, while the 17-inch wheels on reinforced fenders are redesigned. Finally, the rear end features horizontal lines with taillights placed at the corners. New - the bumper has protectors.
dimensions
Duster is based on the same platform -B0- as the previous model, and it would be practically possible to characterize the new model as an extended version of its predecessor, because even the mechanical parts of the car have not changed.
The size of the Dacia model is slightly different: the length reaches 4,341 mm. (+26), width 1804 mm. (-18 mm) and a height of 1692 mm. (-13 mm) with rails.
The wheelbase between the 4WD and 2WD versions has little difference due to the different type of rear axle suspension and weight distribution. Thus, for the 2674 × 4 version, the wheelbase reaches 4 mm, while in the 2676 × 30 version it reaches 34 mm. The approach angle is 4 degrees, the exit angle is 2 degrees for the 33×4 and 4 degrees for the 21×210, and the pitch angle is XNUMX degrees. The clearance height remains unchanged at XNUMX mm. The car is perfect for traveling on rough roads.
Security
According to the results of the latest crash tests, the Dacia Duster received three safety stars, collecting 71% in the protection of adult passengers, 66% in the protection of children, 56% in the protection of pedestrians and 37% in the Security systems.
Interior
The center console is completely redesigned, the quality of the materials remains the same as before. Duster is designed with all requirements in mind, which is why there are hard plastics everywhere.Door panels are more durable and have a material that is more pleasant to the touch.
A new fabric upholstery is provided for the seats. Redistribution and gear lever, it has become shorter and has chrome elements. Depending on the version of the equipment, the steering wheel is covered with very durable leather with a significant improvement in the overall appearance of the finish.
The proportions of the dashboard are larger, as befits an SUV, with an infotainment system display located 74 mm higher for easier use so that the driver’s gaze does not leave the road.
The screen is equipped with a multi-image view system, which consists of four cameras throughout the car, and allows you to see what is happening in the area around the car. This will help to carry out the correct parking maneuver. it is also true when driving off-road and especially when climbing steep slopes. The system is activated automatically: and when the 1st gear is selected, the image is displayed on the screen from the front camera. At the same time, the camera can be activated manually by pressing the corresponding button, and by using the same button you can deactivate the system, which is automatically disabled in any case if the vehicle speed exceeds 20 km / h.
Below are the new piano switches for various functions that enhance the aesthetics of the cockpit as well as help improve ergonomics, far behind the previous model. The audio controls are located on the right-hand side behind the steering wheel, with the AWD selector now in an optimal position next to the parking brake.
Of the new products in the cabin - air conditioning. In fact, this is the only model of the company where it is generally installed.
The front seats have increased by 20 mm for more comfort and better support. Noise reduction in the car is excellent. The cabin is quiet while driving. But if you rush at a speed of more than 140 km / h, the driver will hear a little noise.
In terms of the space inside the cabin, it is huge. The car will comfortably carry five adult passengers, and the luggage compartment is almost square and suitable for transporting large and bulky items.
In the all-wheel drive version, the volume of the luggage compartment is 478 liters, and in the all-wheel drive version - 467 liters. When folding in the ratio of 60/40 rear seats, it reaches 1 liters.
Engine and prices
The new Duster is offered in two petrol and diesel versions. So there is the SCe 115, a naturally aspirated 1,6-liter 115-horsepower engine with 5500 rpm. and 156 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, which also accepts LPG. Then there is the TCe 125, which is a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine producing 125 hp. at 5300 rpm. and 205 Nm at 2300 rpm. Both are offered with all-wheel drive, with the gearboxes being exclusively manual, 5-speed for the first and 6-speed for the second, but also for the first in a 4 × 4 version.
The dCi 110 version has a 1500 hp 110 hp diesel engine. at 4000 rpm. and a torque of 260 Nm at 1750 rpm. Available in two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions, with a six-speed manual and an automatic 6-speed EDC gearbox, with the 4 × 4 version being combined exclusively with a manual one.
Duster with a diesel engine will cost less than 19 euros
How does a car go?
You can immediately say that this model is the king of bad roads and off-road. The car is distinguished by a soft and energy-intensive suspension, literally everything: pits and bumps, bumps of any size and shape - the suspension works out softly and quietly. You can simply plus or minus set the direction of movement and drive forward, not paying attention to the quality of the road or its absence at all: a minimum of bumps from the road for your body, a minimum of effort and jerking in the pits for your hands - "relax-mobile"!
You can relax around the city. The machine is excellent in handling and easily copes with any unevenness. Great for turning. By the way, the car is easy to drive.
