The new Dacia Duster is an econo-4WD, probably designed on the same platform as the Logan, Sandero, Logan Van, Logan MCV and Logan pick-up. It will be manufactured in Romania for the European, Turkish and Maghreb markets, and will eventually be available in worldwide markets as either a Renault or a Dacia. When we talk about worldwide, it isn’t worldwide in the sense that you’ll see it in ASEAN – countries mention to offer the Duster eventually include South America, Russia, the Middle East and Africa.
Three engines are available – two of them turbodiesels making 85hp and 105hp. The petrol engine is a 1.6 litre unit making 110hp. The 4WD system is optional, so you only buy it if you need it, otherwise you can just opt for a 2 wheel driven version, which combined with a turbodiesel engine will emit less than 140g/km of CO2. The 4X4 versions don’t do so bad either, putting out less than 150g/km of CO2.
The 4X4 system has three modes – AUTO, LOCK and 4X2. I believe the last mode is self-explanatory. AUTO means the front to rear axle torque split is varied on the fly. By default the AUTO mode only drives the front wheels and only transfers power to the rear axle when it is needed. LOCK mode forces a 50:50 split, designed for low speed low grip conditions.
The Duster is quite small, being just slightly wider than a Kia Sportage but shorter. We used to have an economical 4WD like this in our country. It was called the Perodua Kembara, but that has since been replaced by the rather expensive Perodua Nautica. Now that void is pretty much empty save for the CKD Chery Tiggo, but I’ve yet to see one on the road. Perhaps TC Euro Cars could bring this baby in as a Renault.
Look after the jump for more pix of the Duster.
[zenphotopress number=999 album=669]
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if this thing coming to Malaysia, don't think its gonna be cheap
Ah…, the nostalgic Kembara. It's one of the most reliable automobiles that i have the privilege to own. 7 years +, and nary a complaint. The usual niggling things, but has never been left on the raodside.
Nautica? Good if take into account fully imported from Japan. What choice do we have…
Duster? Will never see it or the price will be beyond redemption. Wait until we are dust.
If it is Proton then people will say; "What? 1.6? underpower." Sure the engineer have figure out the power from the 1.6 block.
Well, good looking. but the name of this car is just..nvm..
looks like Hyundai Tucson, I dont think the 1.6 litre engine could done well in off-roading, sure underpower
If only proton can make cars like dacia….. cheap, cheerful and good looking…. you can buy them according to your needs….. not what the dealer/car-maker only offers that you can not refuse…….BTW I saw quite a number of Chery Tiggo in Langkawi ….. where it is much,much cheaper to buy cars….
Looks likeFortuner married with 2nd gen CRV and got this bastards.
Looks likeFortuner married with 2nd gen CRV and got this bastards.
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LOL damn good one.
Seen 3 Tiggos on the road. If TC brings this in, will the interior be beige? :-P
azrai,
was thinking the same…
damn right about the big void. An SUV around RM90K – RM120K that looks good and drives good (Sportage & Tucson just looks lousy & Suzuki Vitara's built quality is terrible!).
The old Pajero iO is not bad.
Sorry, range of RM70K – RM100K should be better!
1.6 around rm90-100k, i agree!
hope tc malaysia will bring in soon!
haha.. wat a name.. Duster…
A Sportage just cost <90K only, shiftronic, and cantik the novus one. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Prev gen Tucson is ugly, but the latest one is beautiful, and with moonroof; hope it is around 120K. Hyundai cars is getting more and more expensive, like the i30. BTW, this Duster (from school?) is pretty good looking, from the top picture. RM70k should be OK, otherwise I recommend Sportage at RM90k.
It looks decent to me. 1.6 is enough as a city mover like Kembara or Nautica.
Sounds like Dust Buster
the sport rim and tyre look too heavy for a 1.6L ^^,sure underpower..
but it looks good..was hoping kia can produce nive SUVs,then put naza badge,and tada!!!the price will be competitive ^^
nice car dacia/renault!…hmm kembara…owned it.and still in my posession..worked that car until now – to haul goodies from my kebun. really good small 4wd. sadly it have been replace with much xpensive model.
hahaha…
i wonder why no one will bashing this 4 it powertrain.
why?because it is not proton…
hmmm,narrow minded….
hahaha why nobody comment on it powertrain?
because it is not proton…
common lar…
be open minded…
Just great Power/price ratio wonder when it will be available inRSA