In this instalment of John Murdoch’s Drive Time, John tries outthe all-new Dacia Duster and discovers that too many drivers aren’t up to date with Highway Code updates introduced back in 2022.
The new Dacia Duster is a handsome, practical compact SUV that delivers everything you need for a budget price.
This third generation model arrived late last year and it represents great value for money and will build on the success of the first two generation models.
Since it arrived back in 2010 the Duster has notched over two million sales and when it came to the UK a couple of years later it became an instant hit with over 100,000 sales – mostly to private buyers who appreciate its charm, a good deal and reliable motoring.
It may not be the most refined or luxurious small SUV on the market but its honesty is part of its appeal and its new modern look turns heads.
The Romanian brand is part of the Renault group so the newcomer shares a platform with the Clio, Captur and its Dacia sibling Jogger.
That means it is a significant improvement over its predecessor with improvements in dynamics and tech.
With prices starting at just under £19,000 for the entry model, there is only a slight rise over the model it replaced – and that is impressive because this is an all-new car and not just a major facelift.
There are three engine choices and four trim levels to choose from, along with automatic and 4×4 options but no diesels this time.
The entry-level Essential model is only available with a TCe 100 Bi-Fuel engine and a six-speed manual gearbox.
The 1.0-litre three-cylinder motor can run on petrol or LPG, but because it only produces 99bhp, 0-62mph takes 14.1 seconds and will be the least popular option.
The rest of the range comes with a TCe 130 mild-hybrid petrol engine and the 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit delivers 128bhp and 230Nm of torque, so is good for a 0-62mph time of 9.9 seconds.
The mild-hybrid assistance helps it to return 51.4mpg. Front-wheel drive is standard, but you can add four-wheel drive for an extra £2200. The only gearbox option is a six-speed manual.
If you want an automatic, you’ll have to choose the Hybrid 140 powertrain I sampled.
This is a tried-and-tested full-hybrid system from Renault, and is also used in the Dacia Jogger Hybrid.
It features a 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder and a fairly smooth six-speed automatic transmission that are paired with an electric motor to drive the front wheels, plus a separator starter-generator motor that helps bring the engine to life and take some load off the powertrain, too.
It produces 138bhp, while the main e-motor delivers up to 205Nm of torque and Dacia claims that the Duster Hybrid can drive using electric-only power for up to 80 per cent of the time in urban conditions.
Essential trim offers a smartphone holder on the dashboard to use with an app-based infotainment system, plus analogue dials with a 3.5-inch TFT display, manually adjustable door mirrors and air-conditioning.
Safety kit includes cruise control, driver attention warning and advanced emergency braking.
Next is the Expression version adds a 10.1-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch digital driver’s display, reversing camera and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Upgrade to the Journey I drove and the kit list is substantial and includes keyless entry, a wireless smartphone charging pad, 18-inch wheels, adaptive headlights and automatic air-conditioning, sat-nav and a decent sound system.
The Hybrid is excellent around town and the suspension deals well with poor surfaces.
It is also at home on country roads and cruises at motorway speeds with only a little wind noise.
I averaged more than 50 mpg without really trying, so the claimed figure of 55.3 should be in reach if you drive carefully.
Chunky bumpers and protective cladding help to make the Duster live up to its robust reputation. Inside it offers lots of space and although hard plastics are the norm, this will help the cabin to withstand family life. Clever use of colours means that the cabin is not bleak.
A big boot with easy access is another bonus and there are also a number of useful storage places inside the cabin.
There are now more safety features including automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, a speed-limit alert, rear-parking assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and driver-attention alert.
Many drivers can find these systems a pain, so the Duster’s solution is the ‘My Safety’ button on the dashboard, which drivers just have to press twice, activating a personalised mode for the ADAS suite.
This new model makes the Duster an even more attractive proposition and it will continue to shine in the sales charts thanks to its affordable price, practicality and looks.
I enjoyed my time with it and if you are not a badge snob it is well worth a look and test drive.
FAST FACTS:
Price: £26,050.
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 4-speed automatic gearbox.
Max speed: 105mph.
0-62mph: 10.1 seconds.
Combined MPG: 55.39.
Insurance group: 24.
CO2 emissions: 114g/km.
Bik rating: 27 per cent.
Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles.
Overall rating (out of 5): 4.5.
In other motoring developments, road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to ensure they understand – and adhere to – the Highway Code changes which were introduced back in January 2022.
The changes were intended to ensure that those who can cause the most harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce danger to others. Specifically the changes include:
– Giving priority to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at junctions.
– Requiring drivers to give way to cyclists going straight ahead when turning in or out of junctions,
– Establishing safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists and horse riders,
– Encouraging the “Dutch Reach” method when opening car doors to avoid hitting cyclists.
Three years on, GEM is concerned that the new rules – and the responsibility now placed on drivers – are not well enough understood.
In 2023, 405 pedestrians were killed on the roads of Great Britain, with 6067 seriously injured, while 87 pedal cyclists were killed, with 4942 seriously injured.
GEM head of road safety, James Luckhurst, said: “This has been one of the most frequently asked questions by GEM members, many of whom feel they do not have a clear understanding of their increased responsibility under the 2022 ‘hierarchy of road users.
“They worry that this could lead to confusion and conflict.
“The changes were welcome when they came out as they reflect a shift towards prioritising the safety of vulnerable road users and encouraging more considerate behaviour on the roads.
“However, they have no chance of being effective when so few drivers appear to know about them or are confused as to what they should be doing differently.
“It is also concerning to read surveys which suggest that as many as half of drivers are unaware of the ‘new’ rules.
“We encourage the government to lead the way in correcting this situation.
“A clear communication campaign to car drivers is vital if we want them to know what they are now expected to do differently.”
GEM has compiled a brief summary of the Highway code changes and what car drivers should now do:
– Be more vigilant at junctions. Give way to pedestrians and cyclists.
– Maintain safe distances when passing vulnerable road users.
– When overtaking a cyclist at up to 30mph, allow a space of at least 1.5 metres. If you are driving faster than this, ensure the space you allow is greater.
– When passing a horse on the road, slow down to a maximum of 10mph and allow a space of at least two metres as you go past.
– Take extra care when turning, ensuring you don’t cut across cyclists or horse riders.
– Be mindful of the harm you can cause and adjust your driving accordingly.
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