The title is no exaggeration – especially considering our local Bulgarian market, where Dacia has been a sales leader for over a decade. But Duster’s success is not limited to developing markets. Even in Western and Central Europe, where purchasing power is significantly higher, many customers have chosen the affordable Duster, turning it into the best-selling SUV in Europe.
With that in mind – and after seeing the first official images, which genuinely impressed me with their bold design – it’s easy to understand why the new Duster is such an interesting car. Let’s see whether it can win us over not only with its looks, but with its real-world performance.
Design
This is where the new Duster immediately stands out. At first glance, the design places it in a higher category. It no longer feels like “just a budget car.”
More importantly, the new design seems future-proof. It may sound bold, but I would even say Duster is moving toward something close to “iconic.” It reminds me of cult off-road models such as the Wrangler, Defender or Bronco.
The front end is simple, yet looks robust – largely thanks to the sculpted geometry of the bonnet. An interesting detail is that the grey protective elements are dyed before being extruded, meaning inevitable scratches over time will be far less visible.
The side profile is a pleasant surprise. The car looks dynamic, with a relatively flat bonnet line and upright A-pillars – design cues more commonly associated with premium brands. The hidden rear door handles, now integrated into the C-pillars, are perhaps a slightly unnecessary flourish and not the most ergonomic solution, but they shift attention toward the muscular rear wheel arches, which give the Duster a strong stance.
The rear design features distinctive lighting elements that add further dynamism.
My opinion of the new Duster’s design is strongly positive. It looks good – not “good for a Dacia,” but simply good. A job very well done.
Interior
The interior is also a significant step forward compared to the second generation. There’s a clear effort toward a more thoughtful design. I would describe it as “lifestyle-utilitarian” – in other words, I notice details that subtly echo those legendary 4×4 models mentioned earlier.
Material-wise, it’s classic Dacia – if something can be plastic, it is plastic. But here it doesn’t feel cheap; it feels unpretentious. The relatively solid build quality and the Extreme trim upholstery – which resembles neoprene – elevate the perception of quality.
In front of the driver sits a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The layout feels slightly busy, but graphics are clear and perfectly adequate for this class.
The 10.1-inch central infotainment screen is a strong point, especially thanks to wireless Apple CarPlay. The system is simple, responsive and informative, even offering off-road data. I particularly appreciate what it does not do – you cannot control the climate system through the touchscreen. Dacia could have removed the physical climate controls to save money, but they didn’t. Excellent decision.
In terms of space, Duster has improved noticeably. The rear bench is comfortable enough for longer journeys, though I would have liked to see a center armrest on higher trims. Clever accessory solutions include the U-Clip mounting system inside the cabin and boot, allowing you to attach original accessories such as flashlights, tablet holders, cup holders and hooks. Even better, these accessories are offered at reasonable prices.
On the Road
One major change is the disappearance of the diesel engine. The new Duster range starts with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine producing 100 hp, offered as a bi-fuel solution with a 50-liter petrol tank and a 51-liter LPG tank. It lacks dynamic performance but promises low running costs.
Следват разумните решения, отново с трицилиндров двигател, но работен обем 1.2 литра и мощност 130 к.с. Тук има избор между задвижване на предните или на четирите колела.
На върха на гамата като цена е хибридната версия. Само тук имаме автоматични скорости и четирицилиндров двигател, а мощността достига 140 к.с.
Next comes the more sensible 1.2-liter three-cylinder with 130 hp, available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
At the top of the price range sits the hybrid version – the only one with an automatic transmission and a four-cylinder engine, delivering 140 hp.
My first experience with the Duster was from the rear seat during a journalist drive event. It was actually a good opportunity to assess its family suitability. Space is decent, and aside from the missing armrest, there’s little to complain about.
The real test began on the winding Bistritsa–Zheleznitsa road. Even at normal speeds, the Duster feels stable, without excessive body roll – good news for rear passengers prone to motion sickness.
Later, it was time for some light off-roading. Years ago, I spent a summer with the first-generation Duster and was impressed by its off-road capabilities. The new model builds on that legacy with selectable off-road modes, respectable ground clearance and low weight – just 1,390 kg for the 4×4 version tested here. Muddy trails in the Plana region were a modest challenge, but the Duster handled them confidently, with suspension providing surprisingly good comfort.
Back on asphalt, driving in Eco mode, the car feels generally pleasant. However, the clutch requires some precision, and gear shifts are not always perfectly smooth. First gear is notably short. Steering is slow and not particularly engaging. On the positive side, suspension tuning strikes a good balance between comfort and stability – ideal for the kind of imperfect roads we know too well.
The three-cylinder engine has character. Its slightly unbalanced operation adds charm, and at higher revs the sound is even enjoyable. Performance is modest, but with anticipation and planning, it’s sufficient. More impressive is the fuel consumption – I recorded under 5 L/100 km between Smolyan and Blagoevgrad.
If refinement is your priority, the hybrid is the better choice. It’s not the most efficient variant, but it feels the most mature. With 49 hp from the electric motor, the Duster operates in EV mode more often than expected. The automatic transmission isn’t particularly fast, but it’s smooth. For urban use or comfort-focused buyers, the hybrid makes sense.
Conclusion
The new generation Duster impressed me and represents a serious step forward. The first generation was ideal as a company car. The second generation attempted to become a proper family car, but didn’t quite succeed. The third generation finally delivers – even for more demanding customers.
Pricing remains attractive. The base Essential bi-fuel version starts at approximately €18,800 (BGN 36,790). The Expression trim, already well equipped, ranges between roughly €20,500 and €26,000 depending on drivetrain. At the top are Journey and Extreme, offering similar equipment with different styling themes – more adventure-oriented or more comfort-focused – priced about €1,500 higher than Expression.
The new Duster proves that an “ordinary” car can be genuinely interesting. And perhaps that’s exactly why it continues to be such a success.
Eng. Tsvetan Iliev
