Dacia Duster TCE: New engine, new look, newfound appeal

The Dacia Duster has long been the SUV of choice for budget-conscious motorists. But with the latest model being more stylish and better to drive than ever, is it time to think of it is as a worthy rival to more mainstream SUVs? Chris Knapman tests the new 1.3-litre TCE 130 turbo petrol model in order to find out.

Pros
Cheap to buy, new or used
Better finished than the old model
4x4 versions are available

Cons
Below average Euro NCAP safety rating
Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai are better to drive
Four-wheel-drive cars have smaller boots

The CarGurus verdict
Dacia’s no-nonsense Duster is not without its charms. It’s a better car than its predecessor yet remains extremely good value for money, while the availability of 4x4 models further serves to widen its audience.

However, if you’re concerned about safety or want something better to drive, you’re probably better off buying a used example of one of the alternatives, such as the Suzuki Vitara, Kia Sportage or Nissan Qashqai.

Those looking solely for a new car, and with a smaller budget, will otherwise find the Duster hard to beat. Go for a less costly 2WD TCe or dCi model, in Comfort trim, and you’ll get a practical and pleasant car that won’t cost the world to run.

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[jyotiradityaguleria]

Finally someone who doesn't compare this to cars 3 times the price

[Animal]

Hooray! Someone who finally understands this car!

[bitznpizez]

I am very satisfied with my 2018 Prestige 1, 5 Diesel automatic. Only 2 wheel drive, but had no problem driving in the mountains here in Norway last winter.

[Jim-tkzd]

Got a 2014/15 4x4 duster and love it, have done 70k miles in it and its been a joy, will be upgrading to the new one when I feel the need to change

[robstammers]

Recently bought the 2018 (9 months old) Sandero, it only lacks the touch screen, which doesn't bother me, it has all the other trappings, Central locking, Bluetooth, A/C, DAB radio, USB etc. You know what, it's an excellent car, well built, using tried and tested Renault parts. Highly delighted with the price paid too. The Duster is on the radar as my next Dacia.

[jamesbutler]

Love mine. Had to get the naturally aspirated 4x4 due to time constraints but it does the job.

The "low" price meant I could buy it outright without entering any dubious finance deals. I finally own my own car. Might not be as flash as my previous cars but at least I actually own it.

[AndrewKNI]

Great review, really balanced and fair. The new Duster looks the business. Quite handsome!

[andrebernascone]

Had mine nearly a year. It's a great car for the price and I have had no issues at all. Will be looking at the turbo petrol engine when I change the car as the 1.6 petrol is underpowered, although not as bad as some make out. Love my duster!

[SOMAsolarsystems]

I have the 2019 comfort 4x4. we as a family love it. We know what it is for the money and we have a 5 yr warranty 4x4 for £17500....It does the job and its comfortable. Android auto with Waze and music. job done

[davidmarkham]

I've had a 2016 Duster and it's been great no problems and have been all over the UK.

[mjotd]

Excellent review, I have owned a level entry Duster for 3 months now and love it! Probably in a years time I will upgrade, but I'm sold! Great value!!

[niallntaz]

I have owned a duster for 6 months now and love it.

It's a good honest car at the right price point, it's nippy comfortable and it's not got a load of BS mod cons that I don't It's good on bumpy tracks and who cares if the interior is plastic!? I'm not living in it, I'm going from A to B.

It's a great car!

[stephen.]

it deserves it success, the interior is good enough

[trackingcalin]

The clutch is a problem only on right steering cars. I guess the romanians don't have yet full experience in right handed driving. I hope they will solve this issue. This is good to know.

[Berg]

Bought an 1.5 diesel last month, the only thing that didn't live up to my expectations are the glovebox, that is very cheap made, everything else is great, amazing car to the price

[CanonPaulHamilton]

Thanks for the video. Just bought one based on this. Same colour too. Great car for a family and great price too for a family budget.

[David-jbdv]

Good review. You got the Dacia rationale right and reviewed it with that in mind. The carwow review was useless to me as it didnt do that

[rosie]

Can't go wrong with these cars, we love ours, 2020 Duster Comfort 1.3tce, nippy and comfortable and we think very stylish.

[marpinheiro]

Very happy with my 1.6 4wd ! Honest simple everyday car

[sivagurunathanparanitharan]

Really worth of time watching your review. Nice & Good Work & spot on to detail. Cheers