Driving test: Dacia Duster 1.3 TCe EDC (2022)

It went towards the Ardennes during our test period. Both the Flemish and the real Ardennes were delighted with a visit from the French Romanian. Not that we were going to mess around with the Duster, although it did seem to blend in nicely with the landscape, the wink to a ranger’s car was never far away.

Dacia took advantage of the facelift to make some minor aesthetic changes to the Duster. Especially the gray surfaces that were colored black provide a slightly more modern look. The basis is of course retained: a no-nonsense SUV that seems to appeal to the active fifties in particular. Although this second generation has become a little rounder, it still has the chunky appearance we expect from a Dacia SUV. It contributes to the image of this bestseller.

3 updates inside

The other changes mainly concern the interior. Dacia followed parent company Renault when it comes to the buttons of the cruise control. They are now nice on the steering wheel so that we no longer have to grope in the center console. The center console also gets its share of changes, so there is now a full-fledged armrest for the front occupants. If desired, the armrest can also be equipped with USB ports so that the rear passengers also experience some extra loading comfort. Furthermore, the interior of the Duster also looks a bit cheap in the versions with a higher trim level due to the use of hard plastics in the field of view of the occupants.

Finally, the Duster gets the entertainment system of the Sandero with the facelift. This means that the operation is a lot faster than before and that it is also possible to connect completely wirelessly with the smartphone. With us, the navigation system decided twice halfway through the ride that it was enough with route guidance, a problem that was solved by restarting the entire system.

double comfort

The top motorization of these days provided the drive for our facelifted Duster; the 1.3 petrol engine with 150 hp. That engine was carefully coupled to an EDC robotized dual-clutch automatic transmission, which primarily focuses on comfortable driving. With a calm driving style, the box switches discreetly and barely perceptible, but do not ask him to switch up quickly-quickly because then he will not give in and he will let the engine start revving.

Witness to this comfortable driving style are also the paddles behind the wheel, which stand out due to their absence. You’re not in a Porsche, are you? The Duster with 1.3 TCe then drives pleasantly away, with a consumption that is 6.5 liters to the average, although it is not too bad for a petrol with automatic transmission.

The comfortable setup of the engine and gearbox is also reflected in the handling. The Dacia Duster dampens unevenness well and sometimes feels very French soft. This is also reflected in his handling of winding roads. At those moments it becomes clear that the body wants to tilt.

the lowest in the class

Dacia is often seen as the budget brand within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. Yet they play it smart at Dacia, because many of the Dusters sold are firmly equipped. A Duster is available from 13,690 euros. If you want four-wheel drive, then you have to go to the Comfort equipment with dCi engine, which leaves the dealer for at least 21,090 euros. Our Duster was one of the Prestige format, with 1.3 TCe engine and EDC, that version costs 22,290 euros. You then have to pay extra for metal color and leather upholstery. The heated seats and a 360° camera that simplifies parking also cost a little extra, as do the hands-free boarding pass and the aforementioned USB connections in the back. All in all, the Duster remains an unbeatable car when it comes to price/equipment.

conclusion

The Duster’s facelift smooths out the rough edges, without affecting its strengths. The price remains affordable – especially for the lower trim levels – and the comfort improves. It retains a tough appearance, and a look that it can also achieve if you order it four-wheel drive.