Like many Renault models, Dacia also benefits from the new petrol engines. Losange Magazine put it to the test with the Duster TCe 130, which takes a large step forward thanks to increased flexibility and lower fuel consumption.
With the arrival of the current generation, the Dacia Duster has gained a lot in appearance and refinement. The car has become considerably quieter, is finished with more beautiful materials and can also be chosen with numerous electronic features.
Now there are a number of additions to the engine range. The latest TCe-engines make their appearance in the sturdy model. At the base a 100 hp strong 1 liter tjree-cylinder has recently appeared, while the the strongest 1.3 liter four-cylinder delivers 150 hp. Also the 1,330 cc four-cylinder turbo with particulate filter, which is already well equipped with 130 hp. The torque of 240 Nm at only 1,600 rpm confirms this even more. Combined with a manual six-speed gearbox, the generously proportioned Duster is not short of anything. In 10.4 seconds the car accelerates to 100 km/h and reaches a top speed of 191 km/h.
An important goal of the introduction of the new engines is to reduce fuel consumption within the new WLTP consumption cycle. Effortlessly this Duster in the front-wheel-drive version achieves an average of 6,7 litre per 100 kilometres. The price list also includes a 4x4 version with this power source. The engine is not only powerful, but also pleasantly quiet and smooth to handle.
This particular version is a Série Limitée Tech Road. This temporarily available, extra complete version is placed at the top of the range. On the outside the car has modest red accents on the mirror covers and the wheels. In the interior, this theme continues with red in the upholstery, around the gear lever, on the door panels and on the ventilation grids. It is the cheerful note in the otherwise mainly black and grey decoration.
Dacia also applies some matt chrome details. An automatically controlled climate control is standard. A MediaNav multimedia system is taken over from the Prestige equipment level. In addition to navigation, this system also includes audio and can be linked to the driver's smartphone via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Features such as rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, aluminium-coloured roof rails and skidplates and a storage drawer under the passenger seat help make this Duster a very complete car for a Dacia-price.