Skip advert
Advertisement

New Dacia Duster EDC automatic 2017 review

Dacia's tough Duster SUV gets the option of a dual-clutch auto for the first time, but what's it like on the road?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£963 off RRP*
Find your Dacia Duster
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Adding an automatic gearbox might detract slightly from the Duster’s no frills appeal, but it’s a welcome addition to the range. You can’t argue with the bargain list price, while mid-life updates applied to the crossover last year add a handy dose of extra kit. If you want an honest, economical and cheap-to-buy SUV – the Dacia remains a solid choice.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Four years after it launched in the UK, Dacia can still lay claim to the title of Britain’s cheapest car. We recently reviewed the facelifted Sandero, but now the Romanian car maker has fitted its bargain SUV with an automatic gearbox for the first time.

Apparently, 27 per cent of small SUVs sold in the UK are ordered with an auto box – and Dacia bosses tell us that the need for a self-shifter is the single biggest request dealt with by the brand’s customer relations team. This new dual-clutch setup in the Duster couldn’t come soon enough, then.

We first drove the updated car in Croatia last year, and came away impressed by the smooth-shifting auto. It commands a £1,000 premium over the equivalent six-speed manual and is exclusively available on the two-wheel drive 1.5-litre dCi diesel. The EDC auto only comes on the top Laureate and Prestige trim levels, and while that means prices start from a lofty £14,995, it’s still considerably less than an equivalent Suzuki Vitara. It even undercuts the SsangYong Tivoli diesel auto by more than £2,000.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Duster

2021 Dacia

Duster

7,851 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,999
View Duster
Duster

2021 Dacia

Duster

29,567 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £12,219
View Duster
Duster

2019 Dacia

Duster

34,421 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £9,690
View Duster
Duster

2021 Dacia

Duster

24,942 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,400
View Duster

Best 4x4s and SUVs

It’s a decent fit, too. It’s the same gearbox fitted to the Renault Megane and Kadjar, shifting without issue under gentle acceleration. Hitting the throttle with too much haste when pulling out of tight junctions can cause the car to lurch forward, but you quickly get used to it. As with any Duster, a measured driving style works much better here.

It’s all about ease of use, really. The Duster has never been a car you particularly want to drive fast, and the vague steering and soft body control remain unchanged in this automatic model. There are no steering wheel-mounted paddles either, so if you want to take control, it’s via the conventional lever on the centre console. 

It’s a shame that Dacia has no plans to offer the new ‘box on the TCe turbo petrol, as the gruff dCi diesel isn’t the most refined unit. It’s noisy when revved, and the rudimentary cabin does little to disguise engine rattle at idle. Still, it’s punchy enough, and there’s plenty of in-gear shove for a car of this type.

Those opting for the dual-clutch Duster shouldn’t suffer too much when it comes to running costs. The manual model will do 64.2mpg, while Dacia says this EDC version should return 62.8mpg. In the real world, you’re unlikely to see much difference driving the two back-to-back. CO2 emissions of 116g/km play 115g/km in the manual, putting them in the same BiK tax band for company car drivers, too.

This Laureate is well equipped, with 16-inch alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights. Inside there’s air-con, electric windows all round and a DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity. For £900 more you can opt for the flagship Prestige version, which adds a touchscreen sat-nav and a reversing camera.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

New & used car deals

Dacia Duster

Dacia Duster

RRP £19,380Avg. savings £963 off RRP*Used from £7,350
Dacia Jogger

Dacia Jogger

RRP £18,255Avg. savings £675 off RRP*Used from £11,600
Dacia Sandero Stepway

Dacia Sandero Stepway

RRP £14,045Avg. savings £904 off RRP*Used from £8,999
Citroen C5 Aircross

Citroen C5 Aircross

RRP £24,685Avg. savings £5,041 off RRP*Used from £8,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
17 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025