Road Test: Dacia Duster

Although around since 2010, the Dacia Duster only arrived properly here in January, writes Brian Byrne. Targeted at the budget-conscious motorist who wants a fairly big motor for his money, it comes into a small MPV market which is getting pretty crowded lately.

The underpinnings of this Rumanian-built car are pure Renault, which owns the company and set out to provide cars for the developing world and then found a niche in a developed but recession-crashed Europe.

Like the Sandero I reviewed recently, it uses a variant of the same Nissan platform which carries the Juke, the Tiida, and a bunch of Renaults including generations of Clios. In dimensions terms, it's both a bit longer and has a slightly longer wheelbase than the Juke. The newest contender will be the Peugeot 2008 when it arrives later in the summer.

The style is fairly traditional SUV, offering a bit of macho image in a car that's probably to be driven by both genders in what's likely a single-car family. The review version, in Signature grade, sports satin-finished roof rails, scuff panels and body coloured mirrors to set it off, along with its own style of alloys. The 'Duster' name on the back is right across the tailgate width, making a significant statement.

Inside, the Signature offering includes a more sophisticated radio/CD unit, some more shiny black plastic finish and fittings, and electric door switches on the doors rather than in the centre stack. So the overall feel of the car is a little more upmarket than expected. Bluetooth connectivity is standard across the range.

It's roomy enough for its segment, and the cloth finish to the seats seems rugged and likely to wear well. Some sharp edges on the door openers suggest the budget background, as does the sound made when shutting the doors. And in an era where electronic instruments displays provide very even lighting, the lopsided illumination of the main dials at night rather annoys.

Still, we're talking budget, yet getting a fair bit of car and reasonable specification in this one.

The engine is the 110hp version of the familiar 1.5 dCI that powers many Renault and Nissan models and which is a solid and respected motor. A 6-speed gearbox hefts decently, and there's a satisfying urge when the pedal is pushed for a bit of punch.

The engine is quiet enough. Or maybe seems that way when on the move because there's a fair amount of wind noise as we get faster. The steering column-mounted audio controls get a good bit of volume adjustment use as the car is used in intermitten traffic.

Fuel consumption is rated at 5L/100km, though I had a feeling that it was somewhat thirstier than that ... or maybe the 50L tank might be a little on the small side? Anyhow, the Road Tax of €280 is reasonable, from a 130g/km official emissions output.

What needs to be noted is the relatively low ENCAP crash test rating of three stars. These days there's very little out there that doesn't get the full five, even four is very rare. So somewhere, there's budget built into the safety too.

Here's a random thought. What if, someday, governments decided to variably tax cars on their safety rating as well as their emissions? The €16,000 Duster would probably get a lot more expensive ...

Anyhow, the review car comes in at €18,000, and there's a 4WD version for €20,000. Whichever, if any, is for you, will depend on a realistic comparison with the competition, and a view on whether you'll be worried about residual values four or five years down the road?

Buying budget kind of locks you into a budget brand. Just hope that you like it enough to stay.