The new Dacia Duster arrives at the beginning of next year in more than 100 countries around the world… all over the world, except Portugal. Why? Because of the ill-fated national rules for classifying vehicles on highways.
Dacia advanced the windshield of the new Duster by 100 mm, due to the improvements made to the cabin. This change was enough to push the Duster to Class 2 on the highways, even though in structural terms it is the same car as always. Nonsense, isn't it?
So what now?
As you know, the Dacia Duster is one of the best-selling models of the Franco-Romanian brand in Portugal. In a model like this, where price and reduced running costs count for a lot, classifying it as Class 2 would be dooming it to failure.
In statements to Ledger Automobile, one of the responsible for the brand in Portugal stated that the new Dacia Duster “will be guaranteed Class 1 on national highways”. The brand is making efforts with the model's development team to try to lose the «millimeters of discord» — without saying where or how — and is also trying to sensitize the Portuguese Government to the need to change the criteria for classifying the models.
It is not the first time that Renault Portugal does this «gymnastics» to avoid Class 2. Do you remember the Renault Kadjar? The complete novel is here.
Is it worth the wait?
The brand claims that the new Dacia Duster arrives in Portugal in 2018, without indicating in which month. “It's not totally dependent on us, and we don't want to take on dates with our clients that we can't meet”, one of those responsible told us.
That said, the following question arises: “I'm thinking about buying a Dacia Duster, is it worth the wait, Guilherme?”. Well, unless the typical discounts that brands make on end-of-life models are worth it, my answer is categorical: it's worth the wait! And it won't be that long...
Much better
The third generation of Duster is light years away from the first generation — one of the many names of the Romanian Aro 10 — and far removed from the current generation, despite sharing the same platform, suspensions and in some cases even the same engine — as is the case of veteran 1.5 dCi 110 hp.
So, is it «much better» where? Inside. The new Duster improved on what was its main flaw: the interior.
Plastics are still tough, but the assembly, ergonomics and presentation make the current model blush.
The front seats and steering wheel are also new and offer more comfort and support. In addition, the soundproofing has also been completely revised and the new Duster is quieter than its predecessors — even a lot.
As a negative point, we only have to highlight the loss of some interior space, as a result of the increase in the dimension of all the interior coverings, but it is hardly noticeable.
The equipment list also gained important items: cruise control, keyless ignition system, 360º parking cameras, curtain airbags, automatic air conditioning, blind spot warning, hill-hold assist, among other news.
As for the exterior design, it's the latest evolution of a line debuted in 2011. To a large extent, it has lost its cheap look, remaining the same as itself.
on the road
The suspensions, chassis and brakes have not undergone any changes that are reflected in dynamics — there have been changes to the chassis, it is true, but only to improve energy absorption in the event of an accident. Despite this, the new Dacia Duster felt better behaved and safer in corners.
The explanation lies in the new electric steering gear that no longer has the feeling of a… potato. This change together with the use of tires with a lower profile transformed the Duster's handling for the better. Our confidence behind the wheel is reinforced.
In the woods
Sorry… in a quarry. I tested the new Dacia Duster on an obstacle course prepared by the brand in a Greek quarry. Was I impressed? Not really.The obstacles that Dacia put us were not a real challenge for the 4×4 version of Duster. Knowing in advance that the traction system and suspensions are the same as the previous generation, I've been through much worse places with this model. There is no SUV of this segment as capable on off-road as the Duster.
Price of the new Dacia Duster in Portugal
The new Dacia Duster will be available in Portugal in 4×2 and 4×4 versions, with diesel and petrol engines, with manual or automatic EDC dual-clutch gearbox. In the diesel version we have a 1.5 dCi of 110 hp (the 90 hp version will not be sold between us) and in the gasoline version we have a 1.2 TCe of 125 hp.
As for prices, no significant changes are expected . In other European markets, the base versions of the new Dacia Duster did not suffer any deterioration compared to the generation that ceased to function. This means that we can expect the new Dacia Duster in Portugal to be sold for close to €15,000.
I said it was worth the wait...
