Dacia Duster 2014 – 2018 SUV review | Mat Watson Reviews

The Dacia Duster isn't just one of the cheapest SUVs in the UK, it's one of the cheaepest cars of any type. A starting price of less than ten grand means that even some city cars cost more, so if space is what matters the most, the Dacia is something of a bargain. So we know that it's cheap, but is that prefix followed by "and cheerful" or "and nasty"? Are rivals really worth twice the price, or will the Duster provide everything you'll need? Find out in my full in-depth review.

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[ThomasLePew]

I own a Duster for nearly six years now, and I've learned to love it, because it's very reliable. I've made some long trips with it, Munich to Paris, Munich to Vienna, Munich to northern Germany, and I never worried if I would make it there or back. Now I've ordered my new car, again a Duster. This time with automatic transmission, rear driving camera, heated seats. Sure, it's not really comparable to the newest VW, Mercedes or BMW SUV's, but it has everything I expect from a car.

[dzigi]

We just love this car here in Serbia. It's very popular, especually in southern part of county, with lots of hills and mountains. Our neighbours (Romania) did the great job for making it.
Relaible, cheap to run, cheap to maintain, repair...

[AymenMusnic]

Most honest vehicle review channel, damn if u check those indian reviews, u won't be able to make a difference between a duster and an audi Q5 !

[weedmastersr]

Should've taken the Duster offroad Mat. The Duster's more set up for off-roading than road holding. It's the cars strong point.

[LumeaLuiSucre]

Trebuia sa o duci in padure boss sau sa bagi un drag race cu o Solenza

[stateofmind]

I've got one of these, they are great cars. They appeal to a certain audience and most people will just dismiss them as cheap nonsense while they drive their overpriced German equivalents... They are basic and utilitarian and that's what makes them great. They are one of the last modern cars that you can feel confident working on your driveway and you don't need a Masters degree in Electrical engineering to open the bonnet. They are basic, lightweight, compact, utilitarian cars with a decent 4wd system, decent grip, good towing capacity for their size, great practicality and a good driving position. They will never be a BMW X5 but they're not trying to be, which is where automotive journalists make their mistake in comparing them to them. Also, their build quality and reliability aren't anywhere near as bad as people make them out to be, I guarantee in 10 years time you will still see a decent amount of them on the roads. They are becoming popular cars with farmers and horse owners etc because they are exploiting a gap in the market previously occupied by Landrover Defenders... My missus tows a horse box in one and I'd rather her do it in a Duster than a BMW X1 any day of the week.

[PhilipKerry]

This is the first negative review of the Duster that I've seen, everyone else has praised its value for money and superb offroad capabilities .

[MrYuenH]

GOOD NEWS!!! what? the new dacia duster

[ComunidadeMirage]

The best car that I’ve owned, I trust it 100%, I own the 1.5dci turbo 4x4 version, very honest and reliable, I love it!

[orenarmstrong]

Just bought a Dacia Duster laureate black shadow 1.5 dci 4wd 2017. Handles fantastic on road and off road, grips the road really well when cornering and doesn't roll. Very very happy great SUV! 😁l

[jakedickinson]

It's cheap because it's tried and tested technology with no frills. They haven't had to spend a lot on development and testing because the components are from past models and that filters down in the end price. It's Renault/Nissan alliance built like many cars. Renault engine with old Xtrail running gear. A very capable off-roader with a utilitarian build quality. Not a great review by just putting the car down for what it was never meant to be.
There is nothing else like this on the market now. There are no capable small/medium off-roaders everything's gone soft roader in the quest of good road handling, but this has stuck to its roots.
It's refreshing to see a car that is just purposeful. New technology is great in cars for all the right reasons, but its also nice to see a manufacturer going back to basics for a bargain price.

[mowglilp]

As a Romanian and having a Duster in the family, I agree with your comments on it. I will say that for the price, you can't get a better package on the market. What disappoints me in this review is the fact that you didn't mention anything about the 4x4 option, nor whether it's worth going to the 4x4 or sticking with the 4x2. Fortunately, the Duster is very capable off-road and in Romania they participate in off-road rally events quite often, with good success even. Aftermarket parts can be found, such as lower coilovers, brake kits and well as higher and more off-road orientated shocks.

[alecbrown]

Honestly, these cars are becoming incredibly popular in my area (SW england). Retirement cars and second cars especially. Cheap and reliable, and if you have horses, dogs or dont want to worry about muddy boots or bikes or paws inside then it ticks boxes ( thats what locals here say).
And at half the price of a fiesta and 30k less than a similar sized Japanese or French main manufacturer i am not suprised. This thing is fast replacing old landrovers, rangerovers, landcruisers etc. Dacia are playing clever games in the car market

[eyeCU]

In my country, all the private security companies have bought plenty of Dusters, because they are cheap and they do the business.

[vladalex]

Here's what, lads. This is a big car, extremely cheap, safe, which transports the driver from the point A to the point B. Insted of buying an old-ass second-hand car, like a 2006 bmw which rakt by the old driver, you get a brand new car from Dacia which is going to be yours for a long period of time. It's also extremely cheap to take care about it.
Don't get me wrong, i am not a fan of this romanian car, but you need to understand why Dacia makes it like that. Dont expect a brand new dacia dister worth of about 10.000€ to be as good as a brand mew audi suv.
Think before you speak people. Hope i made myself clear ✌🏻️

[BillyNoMates]

Ive had mine for a year and it's been brilliant. very reliable and faultless.
The only extras i brought was the four year servicing and the Media Nav system.
Even the 5 year warranty was chucked in for free.

Plus when i brought it I found out it came with 4 years RAC breakdown cover.
Overall Dacia have a very well thought out package (bearing in mind the break down cover, warranty etc).

I won't deny there are better cars out there but not just looking at the car, the whole package overall is well targeted and thought out.

[mrquordlepleen]

I bought a Duster new in February 2016 and - given the bargain price - was prepared to forgive it a lot.
Well....there was no need. This car has been far better than it has any right to be.
In that time - and 35, 000 miles - the only fault has been 1 headlight bulb. And that cost me a grand total of £4.00 plus it took me 3 minutes to fit! Been a long time since I've been able to do that.
Over the years I've had about 30 cars ranging from Citroen, FIAT, VW, Volvo, Audi, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, Toyota, Renault, Nissan....and way back an old Triumph😅 As an overall package - especially given the price - this has been the best of the bunch, certainly the most reliable.
That basic interior is quite 'utility' but there's not a single squeak or creak from any of it and nothing has worked loose. A very pleasant surprise.
Aircon works well, SatNav is pretty accurate and Cruise Control performs well too.
It's very kind on its tyre too. The Continental's fitted have loads of tread left; apparently the car is noted for this.
I also find the car very comfy. Again a surprise.
It's also giving around 50mpg on - 1.5 diesel.
It's all a mix of Nissan and Renault and everything is tried and tested.
The only niggle? Passengers in the rest sometimes open their window as the button for these is placed where a resting elbow can press it 😅
Overall an excellent, surprising and competent car. Well done Renault/Nissan/Dacia.

The only nigg

[jgulfstream]

I actually own 2014 Duster Facelift and I got to say that I would recommend that car to anyone looking for a practical, cheap new car. There are lot of flaws but only when u compare it to other new cars. My first impression was - good looks, terrible plasticky interior, underpowered (1.6 petrol powered by LPG/Autogas) and almost the worst car audio I've ever heard. But then - steering isn't all that bad - especially considering cars performance. It' quite comfy on long distances - side support for this type of car is an overkill. It handles pretty good, can run corners considerably fast without excesive body roll, it's quite easy to drive, own and like. There's nothing special about how it drives, accelerates and so on - that's why I agree there's sth from 90-ties in the feel - but it's actually less engaging, more like whatever drive. For never-had-suv users - it offers good sitting position and some manly feelin - my car's bigger than yours ;) And then there's a price tag! My Duster've seen some terrain, bushes screeking body paint, mud holes, ..., and? It's scratched and happy, almost like a good o' mule. I treet it as a typical (budget) Utility Vehicle and it works great. As a special purpose, second family car, I should say u just go ahead and buy it. During last 3 years I had 3 main purpose cars and still keepin the duster. I'll trade it only for a newer one (considering Duster 2 rumours).

[Fc-cbtn]

"Good news!"
"What?"
"The new Dacia Duster, it's in the U.K.!"
That ought to be how you start a Dacia review.

[vic]

this car is great off-road. better then it's more expensive counterparts, brothers: the Nissan Quashquai, The Renault Kadjar