Dacia is one auto maker strictly abiding by its VFM promise. The Romanian company has established itself as the affordable marque that delivers the essential motoring experience – nothing more, nothing less. From Dacia’s limited yet effective portfolio, Duster remains the most popular model, having sold more than two million units in almost 60 countries around the world. For 2024, there’s a new generation – a handsome SUV underpinned by CMF-B platform featuring three powertrain options:
TCe 100 Bi-Fuel: 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol/LPG NA engine.
TCe 130: mild hybrid with a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine using the Miller cycle and a 48V (also available as a 4X4).
Hybrid 140: 1.6-litre four-cylinder NA petrol engine and two electric motors.
APTi sampled the flagship 140 hybrid variant, which uses a run-of-the-mill 1.6-liter, four-cylinder 94hp petrol engine. However, Dacia has coupled the engine with two electric motors – one 49hp traction motor and a high-voltage starter generator. Combined, the powertrain develops 139hp at 5,600rpm and does 0-100kmph in 10.1 seconds.
The powertrain setup also incorporates a clutchless electric automatic gearbox with four engine ratios and two motor ratios. Dacia states that the new Duster can drive in all-electric mode up to 80% of the time in cities, thanks to regenerative braking, the 230V battery’s high energy recovery capacity and the gearbox’ efficiency. The company also promises this little SUV can deliver 55.39mpg (combined cycle), and we don’t doubt that figure.
The tech seems impressive, more so when you consider the £25,000 (US$31,266) asking price. But does it work? It does. The Duster could masquerade as an EV inside urban limits within limited speeds. You wouldn’t suspect it to have an ICE, as it even starts up on electric power. When solely powered by electricity, the acceleration is also brisk enough to dispatch large traffic circles with gusto. If needed, there is always the combustion engine ready to spring into life for some added punch.
The transition from all-electric mode to combustion power is seamless and this little SUV never lets you down when you need to get going. However, the gearbox is a touch lethargic, holding onto gears unnecessarily and keeping the engine on boil. We suspect the limited number of ratios to be the culprit here. Again, it is a minor hiccup and a genuine nitpick when you consider the overall package and the on-road price.
In essence, the Duster is a shining example of Dacia and its ethos – no nonsense motoring at a smart price. It is hard to argue with that, especially with the addition of the effortless hybrid powertrain.