Used Dacia Duster (Mk1, 2012-2017) review
A full used buyers guide on the Dacia Duster covering the Duster Mk1 (2012-2017)
Verdict
Since landing in dealers, around 27,000 Dacia Dusters have been sold, and it still makes waves in the compact SUV sector. It’s notched up plenty of accolades, including Carbuyer’s Best Small SUV crown (twice), plus it won the Special Award at our Tow Car of the Year awards in 2014 for offering strong 4x4 towing ability at a great price. By keeping things relatively low-tech, Dacia has ensured the Duster has a decent reliability record, and build quality is also better than expected. Some early cars could suffer rust issues, but newer models should minimise the chances of problems later on.
Few people would have predicted just how popular the Dacia brand would become when it returned to the UK in late 2012.
The first model to come from this Renault sub-brand was the Duster, and it’s fair to say that it ruffled more than a few feathers when it arrived. With a starting price of just £8,995, the Duster was marketed as being ‘shockingly affordable’; an extra £2,000 bought a four-wheel-drive edition.
Many assumed that cheap must also mean nasty, but as our annual Driver Power satisfaction survey has shown, that couldn’t be further from the truth, with the Duster proving more highly rated by owners than premium models like the current BMW 3 Series or Mercedes A-Class.
History
The first UK Dusters were delivered in January 2013. At launch, there were Access, Ambiance and Laureate trims; the 1.6-litre petrol came in entry-level form while the 1.5 dCi was offered with the top two trims only. Both engines were offered with front or four-wheel drive. A refresh in September 2014 brought design adjustments, new alloy wheels and extra colour options.
Used - available now
2020 Dacia
Duster
18,750 milesManualPetrol1.3L
Cash £11,949
2023 Dacia
Duster
28,448 milesManualPetrol1.3L
Cash £13,995
2022 Dacia
Duster
45,838 milesManualPetrol-lpg1.0L
Cash £11,995
2021 Dacia
Duster
107,000 milesManualDiesel1.5L
Cash £6,890From August 2015, there was an all-new Euro 6-compliant 1.6-litre petrol engine with 115bhp (previously 105bhp); the 1.5 dCi powerplant’s emissions were also cut.
In June 2016, a 1.2 TCe petrol engine joined the line-up, along with a new range-topping Prestige trim. And more recently, a dual-clutch transmission was introduced as an option with the 1.5-litre dCi engine.
Which one should I buy?
There are relatively few four-wheel-drive Dusters to choose from, thanks to the premium over a front-wheel-drive edition. All cars come with remote central locking, ESP, electric windows and rear wash/wipe.
Entry-level cars get black bumpers and do without a radio, but Ambiance brings a CD/tuner and body-coloured bumpers, plus Bluetooth, a multifunction steering wheel and a 60:40 split folding rear seat. The Laureate adds alloy wheels, more upmarket trim details, a trip computer and cruise control. Also included are powered rear windows, heated door mirrors and air-con. The Laureate Prime features a seven-inch touchscreen multimedia system as well.
Alternatives to the Dacia Duster
There are plenty of compact SUVs that, on paper, are up against the Duster. They’re all more costly, though, so for a given budget, you’d get an older, higher-mileage car.
Perhaps the key rival is the Nissan Qashqai, which is distantly related to the Dacia. Plentiful, practical and very capable, the Nissan is a supremely accomplished car.
The Kia Sportage and Hyundai ix35 are impressive, too, as they’re excellent value, reliable and spacious. Don’t overlook the Ford Kuga, either; it’s great to drive, and you get plenty for your money. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 major on reliability, plus there are lots to choose from, but prices are significantly higher.
What to look for
Water ingress
Check for waterlogged front footwells on early cars as they can leak. A poorly sealed bulkhead or badly fitted door seals are usually the culprits.
Dodgy blades
The 20-inch factory-fitted wiper blades aren’t as effective as they should be; swapping to Lucas or Bosch 21-inch items makes a big difference.
Rust troubles
Corrosion can be an issue on some cars, so check under the window seals, panel edges and also as many bolt holes and seams as you can.
Rattling trim
Generally, the interior trim seems to hold up pretty well, but seats can squeak and trim panels can rattle. Seatbelts can buzz sometimes, too.
Interior
The steering wheel is adjustable for rake but not reach, while there’s height adjustment for the driver’s seat on Ambiance and Laureate editions only. Low-spec editions are spartan, but posher models feel more plush. Cabin and boot space are good, though, so it’s practicality over luxury.
Running costs
All Dusters need to be serviced every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Check-ups alternate between minor and major. The brake fluid needs to be changed every four years, while fresh coolant is required every five years.
The 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5 dCi diesel engines are fitted with a cambelt that should be replaced every six years or 72,000 miles. All Dusters came with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty which could be extended to five or seven years/100,000 miles.
Recalls
Since the Dacia brand was relaunched in the UK at the end of 2012, owner Renault has launched 11 recalls for models manufactured during this period. That’s across its whole passenger car range, while its commercial vehicles have also been subject to some callbacks.
But Dacia has yet to issue any recalls for the Duster, Sandero or Logan MCV. This is despite the fact Dacias use older Renault tech to keep costs down. It’s a formula that works as it improves the ownership experience, too.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
Finishing in 56th place in the Driver Power 2016 satisfaction survey is pretty good; the Duster ranked 91st last year. Its best scores this year were for running costs (21st), practicality (33rd), ride quality (30th) and reliability (37th); seat comfort (118th), in-car tech (101st) and build quality (100th) let it down.
Dacia Duster (2009-2017) review: What we said
The Dacia Duster is a small, rugged SUV that costs about the same as a small family hatchback. The low price point means it's competitive enough to take on the best of the best in the crossover SUV and family hatchback segments of the market. If you look it as a cut-price Nissan Qashqai, you might start questioning whether you really need to spend more for "the real thing".
The Duster's range is pretty easy to get your head around, but the entry-level model is basic. In Access spec, there's black plastic everywhere, steel wheels and no radio inside; cheap and cheerful is the name of the game. Ambience and Ambience Prime versions add more toys, while the the higher-spec Laureate and Prestige models offer a genuine alternative to mainstream rivals - with cruise control and electric windows all round. The range was subtly updated in late 2015 with a slightly revised front end, and again in 2016 with a new turbo petrol engine and dual-clutch automatic model.
It does have its issues, particularly its three-star Euro NCAP crash test safety rating and engines that aren't quite as economical as more expensive alternatives. The Duster does fight back with a flexible interior, appealing looks and pretty decent driving manners.
Fans of East European budget cars will remember the Dacia name from the 80s and 90s, most notably the Renault 12-based Denem and the original Duster.
The Dacia name returned to the UK in 2012, with the Romanian company having been under Renault ownership since 1999. The Duster was the first car to be sold here under the new corporate umbrella, offering a refreshingly old-school take on the crossover-SUV formula.
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It uses running gear from Renault and Nissan models, but economies of scale mean it offers SUV-levels of practicality for the price of a supermini. As such, direct rivals are few and far between, but from a size perspective, it's up against the likes of the Suzuki Vitara, Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar.
Although it’s cheap, the Duster has plenty of appeal for drivers who aren’t badge snobs. Dacia is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, and so many of its mechanical components are tried and tested from other group models.
The Dacia Duster seats five comfortably, and will even take you some way off-road if you opt for the 4x4 option. Most people will choose front-wheel drive, though, and both drive systems can be mated to a 109bhp 1.5 dCi diesel, a 114bhp petrol 1.6 (but only in the entry model), and a 124bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol on top-spec Laureate and Prestige models. If you buy a front-wheel-drive diesel, Duster, there's also the option of a twin-clutch EDC auto gearbox on Laureate and Prestige models.
The Duster was updated in 2016, but the changes were limited to new alloy wheels, a tweaked front grille and new colours. The minor updates will be difficult to spot, yet the car’s charms in 4x4 spec mean it blends on-road comfort with grip and stability in slippery conditions at an incredibly affordable price. Performance is only adequate, but with decent efficiency, plenty of room and a good kit list in Laureate trim, the Duster is still a great compact off-roader for the money.
Engines, performance and drive
The Dacia Duster is a simple, straightforward car and this is reflected in the way it drives. If you’re looking for something a bit more engaging, look to the Ford Focus: the approach here is focused on delivering a decent ride and safe, foolproof handling, rather than the ultimate in driver enjoyment.
Long-travel suspension and a soft set-up mean the car absorbs bad bumps with greater composure than its rivals, sailing down the road where the Tivoli would skip over the surface. It does mean there’s some significant body roll in bends. Hit a bump, and the Dacia’s steering kicks back fiercely, shaking the car off your chosen cornering line. The wheel also weights up significantly in corners. It means you can actually feel what’s going on with the tyres, but it’s best to make the most of the Duster’s comfortable ride at a slower pace, where the car makes more sense.
At a more leisurely cruise, the Dacia���s quirks give it plenty of character that makes it a likeable 4x4, and although it’s not the best off-roader around, these drawbacks don’t require too much of a sacrifice – especially at this price.
Early UK-market Dusters didn’t have ESP as standard, a major safety omission. All 2015 cars now have it as standard though, and there’s a Nissan-derived three-mode 4WD system available across the range if you want the security of extra traction. There's a smooth-shifting dual-clutch automatic version too, but it's front-wheel drive only.
The high seats and raised stance mean the Duster is a confidence-inspiring drive in the city, although the budget car does still lag behind pricier rivals in its lack of safety assist tech – emergency auto-braking is unavailable, for example. Rear parking sensors are a dealer-fit option: front sensors are not offered by Dacia.
Engines
The engine choice is pretty simple for the Duster range: it starts with a 108bhp 1.6-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine that’s available only in the Access entry model. A 109bhp 1.5-litre dCi diesel is available across the range, while top Laureate and Prestige models are now also offered with a 124bhp 1.2-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol.
The diesel is easily the best option. The Renault-sourced unit can be a bit gruff under acceleration, but it’s a decent performer with lots of pull at the bottom of the rev range and ample strength to pull a family of five, especially because the Dacia isn’t very heavy, weighing a relatively low 1,325kg. You don’t have to keep changing gear to maintain progress, and the six-speed gearbox itself is light and easy; this helps keep engine noise under control when cruising. Short gearing means that the Duster hits the rev limiter in third before the car has reached 50mph, while the similarly short first gear is useful for off-road work in the 4x4 version. The dual-clutch auto detracts from the Duster's no-frills appear somewhat, but it's is a good box, so for some the £1,000 premium will be worth it.
The 1.6-litre engine is harder work. Despite being faster than the diesel Duster on paper (0-62mph is quoted at 11.0 seconds, compared to 11.8 seconds for the diesel), it feels flat on the road because it has to be revved: it has 60% less pulling power than the diesel, and this torque is delivered 2,000rpm higher up the rev range. Driving the 1.6 quickly is thus a noisy affair that you won’t enjoy. If it’s fully laden, you’ll have to work the gearbox – if you have to go for the 1.6 petrol, choose the 4x4 variant as this has a six-speed gearbox that makes it a bit easier.
The new turbocharged petrol option can do 0-62mph in as little as 10.4 seconds with front-wheel drive, but again we can’t help thinking it’s the diesel’s character suits the Duster best.
MPG, CO2 and Running Costs
The two older Renault-derived engines are both familiar units – and the best choice is the dCi diesel. Fuel economy isn’t exceptional by modern standards, but all diesels crack 60mpg. CO2 emissions of between 115 and 123g/km aren’t bad either. Those after an auto will be pleased to learn the efficient EDC dual-clutch box returns almost identical fuel economy and emissions as the manual. Stop-start or any other green assist features are unavailable on any Duster, though.
The entry level petrol engine is much less competitive. It averages 41.5mpg with 4x4, or 44.1mpg in two-wheel-drive format - figures we used to associate with 1.6 petrol cars of a decade ago. CO2 is up to 155g/km.
The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol option is not that attractive from a running cost point of view either. It might be a bit pokier than the 1.6, but it only manages 46.3mpg and 44.1mpg in 2x4 and 4x4 guise respectively. Emissions range from 138 to 145g/km of CO2.
Interior, design and technology
There have been a few subtle revisions to the Duster in 2016. Look closely, and you might notice the squarer, multi-part headlights. Together with the chrome grille, satin silver skid plates and relatively high ride height, these minor changes give the car a more rugged look. There are satin silver side sills and Duster-branded roof bars to go with the skid plates.
The no-frills models further down the range get black plastic bumpers and steel wheels. But Laureate and Prestige models get colour coded bumpers, although there’s still some black plastic in evidence. It gives the car a bit less of a utilitarian look, and combined with 16-inch alloy wheels and some of the more extravagant paint colour, it balances the Duster’s straightforward shape with a little bit of style.
The Duster's wide wheelarches give the car plenty of presence on the road, but while it might look as substantial as some rivals, it doesn’t feel that way. Pull the plasticky door handles and open the lightweight doors, and you’re met by a sea of solid surfaces.
The appealing style isn’t quite carried through to the inside. As part of the facelift there was new upholstery for the seats, while the dash finish and satin chrome inserts that flank the centre console and feature on the steering wheel are also added. Despite the updates, material quality still feels decidedly budget level.
Apart from a few flashes of brightness, including the chrome rings around the dials, it’s a dull cabin. The dashboard is neat enough, but a bit plain compared to other compact SUVs – and quality reflects its budget roots in being a bit plasticky and plain in places. It feels like a supermini-class car, rather than a more premium SUV.
The dials and switchgear will be familiar to Renault Clio drivers, and it’s all very simple to use. It lacks high-tech features, preferring good old fashioned knobs to more modern electronic displays. You don’t even get a trip computer or until the top-spec Laureate, for example.
The only version that does feature advanced tech is the Prestige: it comes with a standard MediaNav Evolution touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav. This has live traffic info and Aha web radio; the regular Laureate is available with an older version of MediaNav sat-nav as an option. At least you get a DAB radio and Bluetooth as standard, while cruise control is also included. The nav is around £450, while adding a reversing camera costs around £400. If you also choose rear parking sensors, they’ll cost another £200.
Cloth trim in Ambience models feels cheap, but things do improve as you go up the range (every variant has a different type of seat trim). You can also choose leather on all versions above Ambience, but we’d stick with cloth.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
It’s a huge black mark here for the Access – because you don’t even get a radio as standard! At least Dacia fits the pre-wiring for an aftermarket stereo and speakers.
Ambience models have an MP3-compatible CD stereo with AUX and USB connectivity, plus remote fingertip controls and Bluetooth connectivity. If you want infotainment, you must choose the optional MediaNav kit on the Laureate (it costs a bargain £300), or take the Prestige where it’s fitted as standard.
Practicality, comfort and boot space
The Duster may be priced like a supermini but one of its key showroom draws is the amount of space it offers. It’s a similar size to the Nissan Qashqai on the outside and this is reflected in the amount of space within – for drivers, passenger and luggage. Sensibly, Dacia only offers the Duster as a five-seater.
Size
At 4,315mm long, the Duster is just 55mm shorter than a Qashqai, and it’s actually a bit longer and wider than regular hatchbacks such as the Hyundai i30. It’s of course higher off the ground than a regular family hatch – at 1,695mm tall, it’s actually the same height as the more SUV-styled Nissan X-Trail.
Another key advantage over less SUV-biased models is ground clearance. The standard Duster can clear obstacles 205mm tall and the 4x4 version has an additional slight advantage in terms of ground clearance, offering 210mm. This can pay dividends in the urban jungle, not just off road.
Leg room, head room & passenger space
All occupants will appreciate the Duster’s tall design. It gives a better view out for driver and passengers and the fact that you step into it rather than lowering yourself down makes access easier. Getting in won’t be a struggle and neither will helping children do up their seat belts in the back.
The driving position is decent but do note, a height-adjustable driver’s seat is not fitted to base Access models. The ergonomics leave a little to be desired, too, as it’s difficult to see the upright seven-inch touchscreen even with the driver’s seat in the lowest position.
As for storage, there’s a big tray on top of the dashboard, with a handy ledge featuring the Duster nameplate above the glovebox and another tray underneath the sat-nav. However, the speaker pods eat into space in the door bins, while quirks such as the mirror control underneath the handbrake are a bit annoying.
Rear seat access and roominess is impressive for a car so competitively priced; three people can be loaded into the back, making it a viable family car choice. Just note, the rear seat is a bit soft, so for regular long journeys fully-laden, you may prefer a more conventional car such as a Ford Focus.
Boot
The Dacia Duster has a superb 475-litre boot. This is much bigger than models such as the Ford Focus (363 litres) and Volkswagen Golf (380 litres), and it can stretch to 1,636 litres with the seats folded. Again, though, the Access suffers here as the Duster doesn’t have a split-fold rear seat as standard.
4x4 versions of the Duster have a slightly smaller boot, due to the all-wheel drive running gear. If you have a spare wheel option, they offer 408 litres with the seats up and 1,570 litres with them down. You can choose a puncture repair kit instead though, to yield more space: 443 litres with the seats up and 1,604 litres with them folded.
The boot is a good, well planned shape and, although the boot lip is a bit higher off the ground than in a regular hatch, this actually makes it a bit easier to slide things in and get them out again. Still, those chunky wheelarches also mean the suspension doesn’t eat into the boot too much, so there’s a wide, flat area for big loads.
What the Duster lacks are any premium load bay features such as fancy tie-down points and clever sliding rear seats to trade passenger legroom for boot space. It’s a basic setup that reflects the value-led list prices – it offers space in abundance and Dacia feels for most buyers, this will be enough.
The Duster will haul a maximum braked trailer weight of 1,200kg in 4x2 guise and 1,500kg as a 4x4. Unbraked, it ranges from 615kg for the 1.6 4x2, up to 680kg for the 1.5 dCi 4x4.
Towing
Much like its no-frills approach to its cars and pricing, Dacia has kept the towing capacity of the Duster dead simple, all Dusters have a braked trailer towing capacity of 1,500kg. This means it doesn’t matter if you go for an automatic or manual, or two- or four-wheel drive, you are getting the maximum pulling power the Dacia Duster will offer.
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