UP CLOSE
Headline act among the many practical details in the new Duster is the clever YouClip modular storage system. It places eight mounts around the cabin and boot, allowing owners to attach items such as phone holders and coat hooks. The Duster gets YouClip first and it’ll quickly spread across most models in the range, engineers reveal.
THERE’S CONSIDERABLY MORE INTERIOR SPACE AND THE BOOT FLOOR IS LOWER
Switching to the CMF-B architecture brings packaging benefits, too. There’s considerably more interior space and the boot floor is lower, while the tailgate opening is wider and taller –meaning the boot capacity grows by six per cent to 472 litres under the parcel shelf.
CAR has sat in the new Duster and can report it’s roomy in both rows, with easier access now that the rear door aperture is wider. The upticked rear side window makes you worry about a pinched, sporting SUV roofline, but it’s a trick of the eye; there’s actually plenty of space for limbs and luggage.
Dacia has historically spurned tech for tech’s sake (even banning electric seats in all models to date), but Duster v3 has a 10.1-inch touchscreen joined by an electronic parking brake on all but the base model; over-the-air updates refresh the software; and a suite of safety systems will nudge you back into lane and auto-brake in an emergency.
Has all this gone too far? Customers expect a degree of connectivity nowadays, and regulations insist on safety features, but on the other hand simplicity is among Dacia’s selling points.
The Duster should still hold its head high off road. Dacia claims ability ‘unparalleled in the non-expert 4x4 market’ – meaning it’s better than anything without a close-ratio transfer ’box.
To boost aero efficiency, ground clearance is lower than before, but there’s still 217mm between tarmac and axle to scramble over obstacles and Dacia quotes 31º/36º approach/ departure angles, while a new 4x4 Terrain Control system lets drivers pick
