Dacia, the Romanian automaker known for its rugged and affordable vehicles, is making waves at the Geneva International Motor Show with not one but three exciting world premieres. The brand’s 900m2 stand is abuzz with anticipation as automotive enthusiasts and industry insiders gather to witness the unveiling of the all-new Dacia Duster, the New Spring, and the recently revealed World-Rally Raid Championship contender: Sandrider.
1. The All-New Duster: A Bold Evolution
The Dacia Duster has long been a favorite among budget-conscious SUV buyers. The brand is taking a bold step forward with the all-new Dacia Duster. Here are the key highlights:
- Design Evolution: The exterior design has undergone a subtle yet impactful evolution. The All-New Duster boasts sharper lines, a more prominent grille, and sleek LED headlights. It’s a modern take on the rugged SUV aesthetic that Dacia fans adore.
- Enhanced Interior: Inside, the cabin exudes comfort and practicality. Soft-touch materials, ergonomic controls, and ample storage space make the All-New Duster a compelling choice for families and adventure seekers alike.
- Advanced Safety Features: Dacia has upped the safety game with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These enhancements ensure peace of mind on every journey.
2. New Spring: The Electric Revolution
As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification, Dacia is not lagging behind. The new Dacia Spring is the brand’s first all-electric model, and it’s poised to disrupt the market. Here’s what you need to know:
- Affordability: Dacia’s commitment to affordability remains intact. The New Spring offers an accessible entry point for electric mobility without compromising on quality.
- Urban Agility: With a compact footprint and nimble handling, the New Spring is tailor-made for city driving. Its electric powertrain delivers instant torque, making stop-and-go traffic a breeze.
- Eco-Friendly Credentials: Zero emissions and a range suitable for daily commutes—what more could eco-conscious drivers ask for? The New Spring is a step toward a greener future.
3. Sandrider: Conquering the Desert
Dacia’s entry into the World-Rally Raid Championship is turning heads. The Dacia Sandrider, purpose-built for off-road endurance racing, embodies the spirit of adventure. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Robust Engineering: The Sandrider’s reinforced chassis, long-travel suspension, and powerful engine are designed to tackle the harshest terrains. Sand dunes, rocky trails, and desert heat—bring it on.
- Navigational Prowess: Rally raids demand precision navigation. The Sandrider features state-of-the-art GPS systems, rally-specific mapping, and real-time telemetry. It’s a navigator’s dream.
- Team Dacia: The Sandrider represents Dacia’s commitment to pushing boundaries. With experienced drivers and a dedicated crew, Team Dacia aims to conquer the grueling desert stages.
In Conclusion
Dacia’s triple premiere (Duster, Spring and Sandrider) at the Geneva International Motor Show underscores the brand’s resilience and ambition. From the rugged new Duster to the eco-friendly new Dacia Spring and the adrenaline-fueled Sandrider, Dacia is carving its path in the ever-evolving automotive landscape. Buckle up—the journey has just begun.
The Dacia Duster is one of Europe’s most popular and affordable SUVs, with more than 2.1 million units sold since its launch in 2010. The Romanian brand has unveiled the third generation of its iconic model, which promises to offer more style, technology, comfort, and capability than ever before.
A New Design for a New Era
The 2024 Dacia Duster features a completely redesigned exterior that gives it a more modern and dynamic look. The front end has a new grille with chrome inserts, new LED headlights with a distinctive signature, and a new bumper with a larger air intake and fog lights. The side profile has more pronounced wheel arches, new 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, and roof rails. The rear end has new LED taillights, a new spoiler, and a new bumper with a skid plate.
The new Duster is slightly longer and wider than the previous model but retains the same height and wheelbase. It also has a generous ground clearance of 214 mm and a 4×4 version that can easily tackle any terrain.
A More Comfortable and Functional Interior
The new Dacia Duster has a revamped interior that offers more space, quality, and functionality. The dashboard has a new design, with a horizontal layout and a central console that houses an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera, a 4×4 monitor, and a navigation system. The instrument cluster has a 7-inch digital display that shows various information and settings.
The new Dacia Duster also has more storage space, including a glove box, a central armrest, and door pockets. The seats have been improved, with more padding, support, and adjustability. The rear seats have a 60/40 split-folding function, and the boot has a capacity of 445 liters, which can be expanded to 1,478 liters by folding the rear seats.
The new Duster also offers more comfort and convenience features, such as automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless entry and start, electric windows and mirrors, and a multifunction steering wheel. The new Duster also has more safety features, such as six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, hill start assist, hill descent control, blind spot warning, and rear parking sensors.
A Range of Efficient and Powerful Engines
The new Dacia Duster is powered by a range of efficient and powerful engines, which are compliant with the latest Euro 6d emissions standards. The petrol engines are a 1.0-liter TCe 90 with 90 hp and 160 Nm of torque, a 1.3-liter TCe 130 with 130 hp and 240 Nm of torque, and a 1.3-liter TCe 150 with 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque. The diesel engine is a 1.5-liter Blue dCi 115 with 115 hp and 260 Nm of torque.
Petrol engines are available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while diesel engines are only available with a six-speed manual transmission. The 4×4 version is only available with the TCe 130 engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
The new Dacia Duster also offers a bi-fuel option, which can run on either petrol or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). The bi-fuel engine is a 1.0-liter TCe 100 with 100 hp and 170 Nm of torque, and it can switch between the two fuels seamlessly. The bi-fuel option reduces CO2 emissions by 11% compared to the petrol-only version and lowers running costs by up to 30%.
A Competitive Price and a Generous Warranty
The new Dacia Duster is expected to go on sale in Europe in early 2024, starting at around $19,500. The new Duster will be available in four trim levels: Access, Essential, Comfort, and Prestige. The new Duster will also come with a generous warranty of three years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first.
The new Dacia Duster is a remarkable SUV that offers much value for money. It combines a new design, a more comfortable and functional interior, a range of efficient and powerful engines, a competitive price, and a generous warranty. The new Duster is the next chapter in the saga of Europe’s best-selling SUV, and it is ready to conquer new markets and customers.