The Dacia Duster lineup has been expanded to offer reduced running costs and more engine options, including a brand new EU6-compliant 1.6-litre 16V 115 petrol unit.
Replacing the previous 1.6 16V 105 engine, the new unit improves performance and efficiency, while boosting the towing capacity of 4x2 models.
With its arrival, Dacia has increased the number of petrol-engined models in the Duster line-up. Mid-range Ambiance 4x2 and 4x4 versions have been added whereby previously, only entry-level Access models were offered with a petrol engine.
There are also reductions in fuel consumption and emissions for Duster models powered by the dCi 110 turbodiesel engine, which now meets EU6 emissions standards. As with the new petrol engine, this has the effect of lowering the VED band of every model.
The new petrol engine is a 1,598cc unit with multi-point fuel injection, driving through a five-speed manual gearbox in 4x2 models and a six-speed manual in the 4x4s. Engine Stop and Start is standard.
It develops 10hp more than its predecessor at 5,500rpm and has an extra 8Nm of torque – now 156Nm at 4,000rpm. This cuts the 0-62mph acceleration time of 4x2 versions from 11.5 to 11.0 seconds, while for 4x4 models the reduction is 0.8 seconds to 12.0 seconds. The top speeds rise by 1mph and 5mph respectively.
For 4x4 versions, NEDC fuel consumption has been reduced by 6.2mpg and is now 41.5mpg, while CO2 emissions are cut by 30g/km to 155g/km – resulting in a £170 saving on the annual VED cost which drops to £180.
CO2 is also down on the 4x2 models by 20g/km to 145g/km, while fuel economy improves by 4.3mpg to 44.1mpg and the yearly VED charge is £35 less at £145. The increase in power and torque also raises the towing capacity of 4x2 versions from 1,200 to 1,500kg so that it is now on a par with that of the 4x4 versions. Benefit-in-kind (BIK) taxation is four bands lower with all-wheel drive and two bands lower with front-wheel drive.
The advent of EU6 emissions controls also brings improvements in the fuel efficiency and running costs of Duster models powered by the 1.5-litre dCi 110 turbodiesel engine, which now has 20Nm more torque at 260Nm.
NEDC combined fuel consumption is now 64.2mpg (-7.7mpg) in 4x2 models and 60.1mpg (-6.8mpg) in 4x4s; CO2 emissions are down to 115g/km (-15g/km) and 123g/km (-12g/km) respectively; and every model is one band lower in the VED and BIK scales.
Dacia now offers 10 versions of the Duster in the revamped range. There are two entry-level Access models (4x2 and 4x4), both powered by the new 1.6 16V 115 engine; mid-range Ambiance trim is available with both engines and both drivelines; and at the top of the range there are Lauréate and Lauréate Prime versions, all diesel, in 4x2 and 4x4 formats.
The new Ambiance versions are priced at £10,495 (4x2) and £12,495 (4x4). The new petrol engine is also fitted to Access versions, which are priced at £9,495 (4x2) and £11,495 (4x4).