Most
affordable SUV - Dacia Duster sets world record (HD Video)
GENEVA, Switzerland -- The mid-sized Dacia
Duster 4×4 (measuring in at 4.31m long x 1.82m wide) has
been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and will be available
in 4×2 (for $16,200 or 11,900 Euros) and 4×4 specification
(for $18,390 or 13,900 Euros) - setting the new world record
for the Most
affordable SUV. (enlarge
photo) Dacia Duster, the world's
Most affordable SUV, is available with a choice of
engines that include one petrol (1.6-litre / 82kW) and two
diesel units (1.6-litre / 63kW & 1.6-litre / 82kW).
The
diesel versions emit from 135g of CO2/km (for the 4×2 version)
and from 145g of CO2/km in the case of the 4×4 version.
Available in 4×2 and 4×4 specification,
the light-weight Duster
weighs in at 1,160kg and 1,250kg respectively; the Duster
is based on a platform sourced from the Logan family and uses
a wishbone (front) / multi-arm (rear) suspension arrangement.
Inside, the five-seat cabin is modern, uncluttered
and functional, and offers seveal areas that can be modified
with different colours and surface finishes. Particular attention
has been paid to cabin ergonomics to ensure that the controls
are conveniently positioned and that driving data is easy
to read.
Active safety features include ABS, EBA,
EBA, ESC (an option on some versions), CSV understeer control
and Traction Control, while on the passive front, dual front
airbags and three-point inertia reel seatbelts are standard.
Depending on the varaint, and country sold, side and curtain
airbags are also available.
The Dacia
Duster is the cheapest
SUV with seven seats on the market and will be sold under
a range of brands including Renault, Logan and Sandero depending
on the country of sale, and goes on sale in Europe following
the Geneva Motor Show.
Like all Dacias, value for money is key,
with the Duster
offering plenty of space and equipment for the money - at
over 4300mm long and with a boot capacity ranging from 474
to 1636 litres, it's a similar size to a Toyota RAV4.
Renault-owned, Romanian budget marque Dacia
has proved a big hit in Europe with its range of value-for-money
family models.
Dacia – pronounced Datcha – has been transformed
under the Renault banner to the point that it has sold 1.25
million vehicles in the past five years, thanks to a cocktail
of price, space and equipment.
Among the first customers to receive the
new Dacia
Duster 4×4 is the Romanian President, a very active
promoter of another Dacia brand - the Logan model which he
use frequently and drive by himself.
