Dacia Duster – Boot space, comfort & practicality

The Mk3 Duster is the first model to include Dacia’s new ‘YouClip’ system (Dacia assured us there were no copyright issues with YouTube). It allows you to attach different accessories to one of up to eight individual clips dotted around the cabin. These can be as simple as an extra cup holder or a small light. 

The Duster's lofty driving position and low window line make visibility excellent. However, the raked rear window does mean rearward visibility isn’t as good as we’d like, and we noticed the rear-view jiggles on harsh roads, too. The bonnet extends quite far out in front, but you can get a feel for the edges of the car, helping you to place the Duster on the road.

Dimensions and size

Despite sharing its platform with a supermini, the Duster feels spacious inside. The latest Duster is slightly longer and wider than the old model at 4,343mm long, 1,921mm wide, and 1,656mm tall. It isn't quite as tall as it was before, but it still has a height advantage over the likes of the Skoda Kamiq.

How practical is the Dacia Duster?  

Seats & space in the front

The Duster’s vertical dashboard and relatively low centre console help make it feel very spacious up front. There’s lots of adjustment in the driving position too, as every Duster comes with a reach and height adjustable steering wheel, plus a height-adjustable driver’s seat. 

You will need the top-of-the-range Extreme trim to get adjustable lumbar support for the driver, though. Meanwhile Expression trim and above include a sliding armrest, improving comfort on longer journeys and providing additional storage.

Seats & space in the back

The latest Duster's larger dimensions mean there is 30mm more legroom than in the old model, and the boxy shape provides lots of headroom all around. Even tall adults can get comfortable in the back, and there’s space under the front seats for their feet.

For parents with younger children who need to use car seats, the Duster has two ISOFIX mounting points on the rear bench, with the points hidden behind some zips.

Boot space 

Boot space in the Duster varies depending on which engine you go for. Models with the TCe 130 engine boast the most boot capacity, with Dacia claiming there’s up to 594 litres available, or 1,696 litres when the rear seats are folded down.

Add the four-wheel drive system, and the boot capacity drops to 520 litres because it uses a different suspension that takes up more space. Similarly, the entry-level Bi-Fuel version with its two fuel tanks provides 513 litres of storage, while the Duster Hybrid has a maximum boot capacity of 496 litres. 

Even so, all the figures are still incredibly generous for a small SUV, though do also include space under the boot floor. Handily, the opening to the cargo area is wider compared to the last model to make loading bigger items easier. 

Towing

Engine choice also affects the Duster’s towing capacity. The hybrid is the least capable in this department, with a maximum towing capacity of 750kg. If you’ve got things to haul, the TCe 130 engine in either front or four-wheel drive guise can pull up to 1,500kg.