Overview

Dacia’s Duster has always been a favourite family-sized SUV in the Parkers team for its great value, its usefulness and the fact that it’s so easy live with. So much so that it’s been a Parkers New Car Awards winner.

Now, the Duster has entered its third generation. This latest version of the Duster SUV is designed to be a lot bolder and chunkier, provide fresh technology and more efficient and up-to-date engine options, as well as handle better on and off the road than the old one.

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 close to the Dacia’s often less-than competitive monthlies.

The Duster starts 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 – the same one already used in the Jogger as well as various Renault models. This new electrified version sits along side a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a manual gearbox.

A big ask and a bold plan, especially when Dacia plans to sell the new-generation Duster from under £20,000 when it officially goes on sale in Autumn 2024.

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.