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Dacia Duster Prestige 110 4×2 Auto: Rugged Duster gets softer with slick-shifting auto option

Dacia Duster 2017 dynamic
The new Dacia Duster - click here for review

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10 January 2017

Dacia Duster Prestige 110 4×2 Auto

What is it?

Like the rest of the range, the Dacia Duster has been face-lifted for 2017 with Dacia Duster Prestige the top model. Although, it’s harder to spot the changes, as most of the updates centre on the smaller Sandero.

In fact, the only obvious change and in response to rising automatic sales in Europe, is the addition of the Renault-supplied six-speed dual-clutch EDC gearbox.

We hit the road in the range-topping Dacia Duster Prestige 110 4×2 Auto to see what it’s like!

 Whats hot

Dacia Duster Prestige
Supportive seats in cabin
  • The 108bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine, which also boasts 260Nm of torque and feels pokey.
  • The diesel engine is well-matched to the Renault-supplied six-speed, super-slick dual-clutch gearbox.
  • Another key Duster selling point is its interior space. There really is room for five to travel in relative comfort with supportive seats. On top of this, the boot is practically-shaped.
  • The Dacia Duster was launched back in 2012, but still looks reasonably modern and rugged.
  • This EDC transmission is only available in range-topping Prestige, with standard equipment including manual air-conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a sat-nav.

Whats not 

  • If you want an all-wheel drive automatic Duster you’re going to be out of luck sadly, as the EDC transmission only comes with front-wheel drive.
  • The Duster drives well enough, but we don’t think fun is part of the Dacia recipe. For a keener drive, we’d suggest going for something like the more expensive Nissan Qashqai.
  • The Duster is solidly built, but still feels distinctively cheaper, dated and less robust inside.

Verdict

Dacia Duster Prestige
Practical boot

If you’re looking for a cut-price alternative to established crossovers such as the Nissan Qashqai, it’s difficult not to recommend the Dacia Duster, especially when you look at the £15,895 price of the best Prestige spec, as it’s got plenty of standard kit too.

Although, all that space and equipment can’t hide the fact that it’s dynamically disappointing, plus the interior also feels dated and the finish cheap.

The lowdown on: Dacia Duster Prestige 110 4×2 Auto

 

Doors and body style Five-door SUV
Engine/gearbox: 1.5-litre 4cyl petrol/six-speed automatic transmission
CO2 Emissions: 116g/km
Economy (combined): 62.8mpg
Power/torque: 108bhp/260Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 11.9secs/105mph
Insurance group: 11

What it Costs:

P11D value £15,840
Monthly business rental (ex VAT): £268
Road Tax (VED): £0 first year
Company Car Tax Band 2016/17 to 2018/19: 23%/25%/27%
Benefit in Kind 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19: £3,643, £3,960, £4,277
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%): £1,021/£85
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%): £2,042/£170
Annual/Monthly Company Car Tax (20%): £729/£61
Annual/Monthly Company Car Tax (40%): £1,457/£121

 

Dacia Duster Prestige
Rear-quarter profile of two-wheel drive Dacia Duster Prestige auto

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