Dacia Duster 3 (2024). Photos, prices, engines — everything about the new SUV
Dacia Duster 3 (2024). Photos, prices, engines — everything about the new SUV

Dacia Duster 3 (2024). Photos, prices, engines — everything about the new SUV

Just like the Dacia Logan, the upcoming Dacia Duster 3(P1310) is one of the most anticipated new models in Europe. Ahead of its presentation in the fall of 2023 and launch in the spring of 2024, we can already reveal all the secrets about this 100% new third generation.

All about the new Duster 3 (2024)

For twelve years and two generations, Dacia Duster has managed to establish itself as a bestseller in the automotive market (more than 2 million units sold). Who would have thought it when the first generation Duster was launched in 2010?

Although at the end of its career, the Duster 2 (launched in 2018) is the 3rd best-selling SUV in Europe and is ranked 9th in the overall 2022 ranking. The Romanian crossover, like a good wine, improves over time.

Renault Duster 2018
Renault Duster 2018

For the third generation, the manufacturer is done with the past. Or almost done. The old B0+ platform has been replaced with the CMF-B, known for the new Sandero and Jogger, but in a longer, wider wheelbase. It will also have a multi-link rear suspension (shared with the Renault 4 and 5 and Alpine A290) and a new “Sweet 400” electronic architecture;

The latter will be installed on new Renault Group models from the beginning of 2024 (Renault Scénic, Austral coupe, etc.) and will allow the installation of all the driving assistance systems required to comply with the GSR2 standard. With the current specifications, the new Duster will make a huge leap forward in terms of road performance, available equipment and service life.

Design and characteristics of Duster 3

The length of the Romanian crossover, which is currently 4.34 meters, will increase by about ten centimeters. This increase will benefit passenger and luggage space. The Duster 3 will also have access to new equipment from Dacia, such as a panoramic roof, and will follow the latest digital trends in high-end trims;

Although hidden by the manufacturer, the Bigster concept gave a glimpse of the dashboard with a digital instrument cluster facing the driver and a central touchscreen that will be fitted as standard. Two features that the Duster is likely to share with its cousin, the Renault Captur. In terms of connectivity, it may find common ground with the Los Angeles SUV, whose restyled version will receive the Android Automotive system from Austral in early 2024.

дастер 3

Duster 3 will cultivate the new exterior image introduced by the brand in 2021, while maintaining the principle of “less is more” preached by David Durand (Dacia’s Head of Design). Making it simple but attractive is now the designers’ mission to meet customer expectations;

Although the Duster’s DNA is still present (pronounced wheel arches, plastic part at the rear of the front fenders, etc.), the roundness has been replaced by taut, geometric lines that enhance the image of a crossover with a hint of off-road capabilities.

The vertical fore and aft sections and sculpted bonnet reinforce the impression of strength, and there are references to the Land Rover Defender. The double roof spoiler, bumper, and wheel arches made of recycled Starckle plastic, as well as the optimized design of the rear lights that do not protrude above the tailgate, give the car a more attractive appearance.

Engines: before and after Euro 7

With the entry into force of the Euro 7 standard (date yet to be determined), Dacia will introduce the new Renault Group powertrains in two phases, according to sources from the manufacturer. At the initial stage, the Duster will be equipped with the 140-horsepower 1.6 hybrid engine introduced on the Jogger, as well as the 105-horsepower 1.0 TCe GPL for the base configuration;

In between will be a 130 hp 1.2-liter hybrid unit. With the introduction of the Euro 7 standard (2025?), the model range will be turned upside down, as the 1.2 mild hybrid 48V will be available in 120 and 140 hp versions, as well as in the LPG Eco-G gas version. All these engines are paired with a manual transmission.

двигун дастер 3
The Duster no longer has a diesel engine, but there is a 1.6 hybrid version with 140 hp.

A new robotic dual-clutch transmission (Magna/Getrag DW23) will complete the catalog. By the end of 2025, the 1.6 Hybrid version will be replaced by the 1.8 Hybrid (HR18) with a new axial electric motor developed in conjunction with the French startup Whylot.

Will the new Duster 3 have 4×4 drive?

The same goes for pre- and post-Euro 7 engines. When it comes out, the Duster 3 will retain the all-wheel drive of its predecessor (mechanical rear differential), probably paired with a 1.3 TCe engine;

But the mandatory reduction of CO2 emissions will be the reason for the reconstruction of the outdated 4×4. Engineers are working on an e-AWD system (electric rear differential), which will be installed on the 140-horsepower 1.2 48V LPG version with an automatic transmission.

Equipment and prices of the new Duster 3

On paper, the new Duster looks like a potential hit. Since it does not change the production facilities in southern Spain and Romania, the Romanian bestseller will be presented in late fall and will enter the market in the spring of 2024;

But will it be competitive in terms of price? That’s the question, given its level of practicality and the steady rise in manufacturer prices since 2022. Currently, the second-generation Romanian crossover costs from 17,990 euros for the Eco-G Essential version to 25,800 euros for the 4×4 diesel version.

According to expert estimates, the price of the Duster 3 should start in Europe from 19,000 euros and exceed 26,000 euros in the hybrid version. It will certainly be less affordable than in the past, but the gap with other crossovers of the same class remains in its favor;

For example, the Peugeot 2008 starts at 25,570 euros, the Peugeot 3008 at 35,320 euros, the Nissan Qashqai at 31,300 euros, and the Suzuki S-Cross at 28,390 euros. In short, the new 2024 Duster has every chance of success.

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