Dacia Duster Is Going To Unleash It's Power. (Launch, Design, Specifications, Features)

The third generation (Renault) Dacia Duster made its world premiere prior to sales starting in 2024. It was first shown as the Dacia Bigster concept back in early 2021. The new Duster, in contrast to its predecessors, is now based on Renault's CMF-B platform and does not have a diesel engine option for European markets. Instead, it has the option of a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, among other options. It is anticipated that the vehicles will be unveiled in late 2024, with a potential debut at the Delhi Auto Expo in 2025.

In 2024, the new Duster will go on sale in European markets, and it's possible that the model will also end up in India. The SUV will be sold in India under the Renault brand, which is the parent company of Dacia, as opposed to the European market where it will be sold under the Dacia brand. Though, in contrast to international markets, the Duster was only the first generation SUV to be sold in India when it was discontinued in 2022. The Indian market was never graced with the second-generation SUV.

Design

To begin with, the design appears to have undergone minimal modification from the concept presented in 2021. A closer inspection reveals a few minor detail changes, but the front of the vehicle, including the grille design, bumper, and LED DRL patterning, are all very similar to the concept. The concept also includes the prominent haunches and squared-out fenders on the sides, along with the plastic detailing on the front doors. The Y-shaped taillights, large bumper, and roof-mounted spoiler on the back are similar to those on the Bigster concept.

Additionally, the cabin has Y-shaped design elements, most notably in the air conditioning vent design. The air conditioning vents and controls are located beneath the 10.1-inch touchscreen that is perched atop the centre console. The centre console's lower section has cubby holes and charging ports, including USB and 12V outlets, while the entire upper section is inclined towards the driver. In addition, the new Duster has a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a mobile phone holder mounted to the dashboard in between the steering wheel and the central touchscreen. Similar to its forerunners, the SUV's name is once more inscribed on the passenger side of the dashboard.

Specifications

Engine

Regarding the engine, Renault is able to provide customers with the option of a hybrid powertrain in the Duster for the first time thanks to the CMF-B platform. 

With the Hybrid 140 powertrain, the SUV can be driven entirely on electricity for short distances due to a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors, and a 1.2 kWh battery pack. 48 horsepower is produced by the main electric motor and 93 horsepower by the petrol mill. The starter generator is the function of the second motor. 

The next engine is a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder, 48-volt turbocharged petrol engine with the option of two- or all-wheel drive. With the TCe 100 Bi-Fuel powertrain, which is also

available for the SUV, users can select between LPG and petrol as the fuel source. Both fuel sources are kept in 50-liter tanks. When both tanks are full, Dacia says the Bi-Fuel Duster can travel up to 1,300 kilometres.

Gearbox

The engine is coupled with a electric automatic gearbox, which the manufacturer claims has clutchless operation and four ratios two for the electric motor and two for the gasoline engine. Regenerative braking is another feature of the SUV. 

Performance

Dacia states that it has increased the SUV's interior width and rear legroom by 30 mm thanks to the new CMF-B platform. There is also more boot space, with 472 litres. According to Dacia, the system is set up to always run on electricity and then transition to the engine when the battery runs out. New Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for the Duster include traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking with automobile, and driver attention alerts. 

Features

With a 31-degree approach and 36-degree departure angle, the all-wheel drive versions are elevated above the ground in comparison to the 4x2 models. Additionally, it has selectable drive modes—auto, eco, snow, mud, and off-road. The SUV also gains a new hill descent control feature that limits speed using the brakes of the vehicle. Up to 30 kmph can be reached while using this function.