Skip advert
Advertisement

‘Premium brands are being caught by less well established rivals’

As the new Dacia Duster arrives, the lines between premium and value brands are becoming blurred, writes John McIlroy

Does premium still mean premium? And even if it does, does anyone really still care? This is one of those issues of Auto Express that could really force us all to think about it.

First up, there’s our early drive of the all-new Ford Focus – a car that looks set to bring real quality touches to the cabin, while still offering mainstream pricing and, crucially, a sweet chassis that’ll keep keen drivers entertained.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The cheapest cars on sale in 2018

Then there’s our three-car test, which pitches established premium names Jaguar and Alfa Romeo against… Kia. And while I’m not about to issue spoilers, it’s worth saying here and now that the Korean brand’s Stinger does not disgrace itself in several key areas against the XE and Giulia (indeed, it may well have them licked on interior quality).

Last, but by no means least, there’s the updated version of Dacia’s remarkable Duster. Renault’s no-nonsense brand has tweaked the important bits of its family SUV, resulting in an even more appealing proposition for those who value do-it-all ability and features over image. And that’s before you start looking at the monthly deals, which could deliver an entirely respectable spec of Duster for a modest deposit and supermini-style payments.

Indeed, drive around the glamorous Côte d’Azur in southern France and you’ll see plenty of Dusters, being driven by well-heeled families who love the car’s durability and its capacity to soak up motorways or, in the case of the four-wheel-drive editions, drive up into the Alps to go skiing. It’s a car that shows how the lines can become blurred, almost to the point where the Duster is classless altogether. And when that happens, does it really matter if it has a premium badge or not?

Read our review of the all-new Dacia Duster

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA
Opinion - Jaguar

It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA

Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA
Opinion
25 May 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Seal the deal on this BYD electric saloon for just £289 a month
BYD Seal - front

Car Deal of the Day: Seal the deal on this BYD electric saloon for just £289 a month

The BYD Seal is a seriously tempting Tesla Model 3 rival, especially at this price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 26 May
News
26 May 2025
Electric car drivers won’t ever go back to petrol or diesel
Opinion - VW ID.7 GTX

Electric car drivers won’t ever go back to petrol or diesel

Editor Paul Barker thinks the EV transition is coming whether we like it or not
Opinion
28 May 2025