Dacia ups price of Duster by £1000 19 | 08 | 2019

DACIA HAS INCREASED the price of its entry-level Duster SUV model after introducing a new three-cylinder petrol unit. Available on Dusters equipped with Access, Essential and Comfort trim, prices now range from £10,995 to £13,995. That’s a £1000 hike in the price of the previous entry-model’s £9995. (Related: Dacia confirms Duster TCe prices)

Despite the increase, the Duster remains the cheapest mainstream SUV on sale in the UK. Next closest is the MG ZS, which starts at £12,495.

There are though a number of notable improvements delivered by the new turbocharged, three-cylinder TCe 100 engine, also available in the new Clio and which replaces the previous 1.6-litre SCe 115 in the Duster. Ok, it’s down on power — the new engine produces 99bhp — but improvements have been made in both emissions and fuel economy. (Related: Dacia tops 'most affordable' list)

The new model now returns 48.7-49.5mpg, compared to the larger engine’s 40.9-43.5mpg, and CO2 figures are now 126g/km; that’s an 18% improvement over the 1.6-litre SCe 115.

There’s also an improvement in the new model’s torque figure, with the TCe 100 producing 192lb/ft, 66% more than the SCe unit’s 115lb/ft. However, there’s not such good news when it comes to acceleration and top speed.

Both are slightly down on the 1.6-litre SCe 115, with the new three-cylinder taking 12.5sec to cover 0-62mph, and top speed down to 104mph. That’s despite Renault claiming the new engine is lighter and more compact than the engine it replaces.

UK sales of the Duster though continue to rise; and rise significantly. So far this year 10,000 have been sold, which is an impressive 89% increase on the same period in 2018.

Related: New Dacia Sandero on-sale at £5995

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Jim McGill