Should you buy one?

In short, yes, but it’s no longer the absolute bargain it once was. The latest Dacia Duster builds on the success, practicality, usefulness and general no-nonsense approach of the older generation and includes a much-improved interior, stylish exterior design and more technology for not much more extra money. However cash prices have taken a significant rise, but luckily for Dacia, so have its rivals.

Sure, the Ford Kuga, Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai – to name but three – are superior to the Duster in many ways, but in each instance, while the top models are hovering around the £40,000 mark, the priciest Dacia is a little more than half of that.

But its strongest challenger now hails from China in cash terms. The MG ZS SUV has a similarly-low cash price and is arguably more polished in terms interior fit and finish and infotainment. Only the MG’s poor ride lets it down, and as such the Duster is the more comfortable option. Also, most people finance their car monthly, and the aforementioned Nissan, especially, can be had at eyecatching monthly PCP or PCH price – meaning you could grab one for a similar outlay to the Dacia. Food for thought.

What’s new?

With more efficient petrol engines on offer, no more diesels, and even more tech included, this latest Duster certainly looks the part on paper. Its body has been redesigned to up the model’s rugged presence, while the off-roading capability that comes part and parcel with the four-wheel drive version ensure it’s as tough as it looks.

As was the case with the outgoing Duster, picking rivals is tough for a car that’s so well priced. But choosing family SUVs generally available for around the £200 per month mark is a good starting point – where you’ll find that you’ll fit into a Suzuki S-Cross, Vauxhall Grandland or Peugeot 2008 – and you’ll get closer to the Dacia’s often less-than competitive monthlies. In cash terms, its closest rival if the MG ZS SUV, and that car offers an all-hybrid model range.

We recently assembled just about every small SUV on the market to participate in a giant small SUV group test. The Duster achieved a commendable sixth place out of 19 cars, beating some highly competent opponents that cost considerably more money.

The Duster range kicks off with the Essential model, with even the cheapest Duster including air-conditioning, rear parking sensors and a range of safety assistance technology. As you move up the range to Expression, Extreme and Journey, technology like a digital instrument cluster, large central infotainment screen and bonus luxuries become available.

Interestingly, the new Duster also sees the arrival of a hybrid engine option – it’s the same E-Tech system that’s already used in the Jogger as well as various Renault models. This new electrified version sits alongside a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a manual gearbox, and in many ways replaces the old bi-fuel LPG Duster beloved of long-distance drivers.

Over the next few pages, we’ll be thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the new Dacia Duster and rating them in our verdict. Our scores will take into account the driving experience, how pleasant the interior is, the practicality on offer and what it’ll cost you to run. If you’d like to find out how we reached our verdict, head over to our how we test cars page to find out everything you need to know.