Dacia Duster TCE: New engine, new look, newfound appeal

The Dacia Duster has long been the SUV of choice for budget-conscious motorists. But with the latest model being more stylish and better to drive than ever, is it time to think of it is as a worthy rival to more mainstream SUVs? Chris Knapman tests the new 1.3-litre TCE 130 turbo petrol model in order to find out.
Written review: www.cargurus.co.uk/research/D...
Pros
Cheap to buy, new or used
Better finished than the old model
4x4 versions are available
Cons
Below average Euro NCAP safety rating
Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai are better to drive
Four-wheel-drive cars have smaller boots
The CarGurus verdict
Dacia’s no-nonsense Duster is not without its charms. It’s a better car than its predecessor yet remains extremely good value for money, while the availability of 4x4 models further serves to widen its audience.
However, if you’re concerned about safety or want something better to drive, you’re probably better off buying a used example of one of the alternatives, such as the Suzuki Vitara, Kia Sportage or Nissan Qashqai.
Those looking solely for a new car, and with a smaller budget, will otherwise find the Duster hard to beat. Go for a less costly 2WD TCe or dCi model, in Comfort trim, and you’ll get a practical and pleasant car that won’t cost the world to run.
CarGurus can help you find great deals on used cars from top-rated dealers in your area. To find out more, visit www.cargurus.co.uk/
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Follow us on social ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
TikTok: / cargurus_uk
Facebook: / cargurusuk
Twitter: / cargurusuk
Instagram: / cargurus_uk
For more reviews, check out our US channel, too!
/ cargurus
#cargurusuk #daciaduster #dacia

[@jyotiradityaguleria907]

Finally someone who doesn't compare this to cars 3 times the price

[@Animal5036]

Hooray! Someone who finally understands this car!

[@Jim-tk1zd]

Got a 2014/15 4x4 duster and love it , have done 70k miles in it and its been a joy , will be upgrading to the new one when I feel the need to change

[@valruscheniko2321]

Ditto! Mine has done 66000 kms, don’t use the 4x4 application much, and am getting a consistent 16km/liter. Not in any hurry to update.

[@bitznpizez]

I am very satisfied with my 2018 Prestige 1,5 Diesel automatic. Only 2 wheel drive, but had no problem driving in the mountains here in Norway last winter.

[@weedmastersr]

Good tires make all the difference.

[@ezbolah1793]

Same here friend. I have EDC Duster too. Love it so much.

[@bitznpizez]

Dragos Puscasu hey😃. The taxes are high in Norway whatever car u choose, except for electric. I payed around 26000 euro here. The diesel ban will only be for the inner city of Oslo, so it wont affect me👍😁.

[@teebeshore]

@@bitznpizez And let's not forget that by 2024 the car will be 5 years old ...

[@teslatrev5764]

In Norway i'm surprised you have not opted for an EV...

[@AndrewKNI]

Great review, really balanced and fair. The new Duster looks the business. Quite handsome!

[@robstammers7149]

Recently bought the 2018 (9 months old) Sandero, it only lacks the touch screen, which doesn't bother me, it has all the other trappings, Central locking, Bluetooth, A/C, DAB radio, USB etc. You know what, it's an excellent car, well built, using tried and tested Renault parts. Highly delighted with the price paid too. The Duster is on the radar as my next Dacia.

[@jamesbutler1029]

Love mine. Had to get the naturally aspirated 4x4 due to time constraints but it does the job. The "low" price meant I could buy it outright without entering any dubious finance deals. I finally own my own car. Might not be as flash as my previous cars but at least I actually own it.

[@weedmastersr]

Hey, the naturally aspirated engine might not be the fastest but it will be the best choice for reliability. It's a bulletproof engine, naturally aspirated, multiport injection. Compared to the smaller turbo, direct injection and particle filtered newer engines it will prove superior in terms of durability and reliability, IMO. I've seen some of these 1.6 engines on older Dacia Logan models here in Romania with an LPG conversion used as taxis with 300,000 miles on the original engine with no major work.

[@jamesbutler1029]

@@weedmastersr as long as I look after it properly :p

[@dj_efk]

J B - I applaud your attitude - no flashy bling bling look at me while I nearly bankrupt myself with monthly payments - I’m all for the nice things in life but if you can’t really afford a flashy car then don’t be hooked into buying one! Hope you get many happy miles out of your rugged and down-to-earth Dacia

[@weedmastersr]

@@jamesbutler1029 That matters a lot, but with diligent, regular maintenance, you shouldn't normally have any problems for a very long time.

[@jamesbutler1029]

@@weedmastersr yeah that's my thinking exactly. Tbh the plan is to give it a good 5 year and see what the next model is like. I've got a feeling this will be my last none electric car though, might even be my last car the way things are going in my city.

[@stephen10.]

it deserves it success, the interior is good enough

[@trackingcalin1988]

The clutch is a problem only on right steering cars. I guess the romanians don't have yet full experience in right handed driving. I hope they will solve this issue. This is good to know.

[@andrebernascone2630]

Had mine nearly a year. It's a great car for the price and I have had no issues at all. Will be looking at the turbo petrol engine when I change the car as the 1.6 petrol is underpowered, although not as bad as some make out. Love my duster!

[@weedmastersr]

The 1.6 is a bit underpowered but the big advantage with it is that it is a naturally aspirated multi port injection engine, which means it's bulletproof in terms of reliability compared to these smaller turbo engines with direct injection and particle filters.

[@MegaBartle]

@@weedmastersr Could not put it better, I'm glad you flagged the exhaust filter and the difference in injection types.

[@sssssneaker]

@@weedmastersr it's true that more complexity = more potential for breakdowns, but actually the smaller turbos seem to be doing pretty well

[@joeamos-somasystemspvbatte6]

I have the 2019 comfort 4x4. we as a family love it. We know what it is for the money and we have a 5 yr warranty 4x4 for £17500....It does the job and its comfortable. Android auto with Waze and music. job done

[@mjotd8670]

Excellent review, I have owned a level entry Duster for 3 months now and love it! Probably in a years time I will upgrade, but I'm sold! Great value!!

[@davidmarkham1812]

I've had a 2016 Duster and it's been great no problems and have been all over the UK.

[@trackingcalin1988]

When you see that it has only 1300 kilograms you start to appreciate all its simplicity.

[@thesayxx]

thats the weight of a golf mk6

[@mar7pinheiro]

Very happy with my 1.6 4wd ! Honest simple everyday car

[@Berg126]

Bought an 1.5 diesel last month, the only thing that didn't live up to my expectations are the glovebox, that is very cheap made, everything else is great, amazing car to the price

[@teslatrev5764]

wow just brought a diesel .... don't keep it too long

[@Berg126]

@@teslatrev5764 what's wrong with diesel

[@teslatrev5764]

@@Berg126 Diesel turns clean air into poison which is quite unfashionable .. so depreciation will be a problem ...

[@sportivo_awd]

@@teslatrev5764 latest diesels turn "clean city air" into cleaner one. Modern diesel is ok, old one, worn is a problem.

[@teslatrev5764]

@@sportivo_awd You think burning oil makes the air cleaner ...i guess you will stay in a closed garage with the engine running to prove your point...

[@CanonPaulHamilton]

Thanks for the video. Just bought one based on this. Same colour too. Great car for a family and great price too for a family budget.

[@sivagurunathanparanitharan4714]

Really worth of time watching your review. Nice & Good Work & spot on to detail. Cheers

[@andreim841]

At least you can pronounce Dacia 👍

[@evilmario6061]

You'd have to be nuts to choose a Kadjar or Qashqai over this

[@mrdemocracy7106]

Looks better as well and better Value for your money by far. Duster for me no contest.

[@38dragoon38]

The 3 star (Euro) safety rating is BS. The higher ratings refer to safety "gimmicks" which cost a fortune and are unnecessary if you pay attention while driving.

[@Svoss6]

Also half the time you turn them off anyway because they either break or always malfunction

[@oojimmyflip]

when i passed my test we only had seatbelts and no modern trinkets

[@mracemodes]

I have a 2014 access model and it really is awesome in all departments. I find it handles perfect and rides over bumps in true comfort. I would highly recommend.

[@David-jb5dv]

Good review. You got the Dacia rationale right and reviewed it with that in mind. The carwow review was useless to me as it didnt do that

[@bid84]

likes mountains Car wow is shit, Matt would eat himself if he was mate out of chocolate.

[@gohumberto]

Car Wow is ridiculous. I couldn't give a damn about putting 2 litre bottles in the door bins. Reviews need to reflect the price of a car because we all know an £80,000 Range Rover will most likely have some nicer features that a £15K Duster.

[@andreitaga5988]

Good car for romanian people, it's nice indeed that for this price you get such aesthetic looks.

[@Liviu__]

🇷🇴 Bravo Mioveni. Arată-le meserie 🇷🇴

[@PopescuSorin]

80% din totalul Daciilor produse la Mioveni anul acesta sunt Dustere! no joke

[@MrBau007]

@@PopescuSorin păi dacă chiar se vând,de ce nu? ☝️

[@roll1968]

Nothing at all wrong with the Dacia Duster. It's Nissan-Renault in all but name.

[@engleblerthumferlumpadinck6536]

All Renault. There's no Nissan parts in this

[@sevesellors2831]

Great review well presented, good value no nonsense vehicle, would consider one.

[@mrdemocracy7106]

Good looking car at a good price with no non essential unessesary gimmicks.

[@rosie553]

Can't go wrong with these cars, we love ours, 2020 Duster Comfort 1.3tce, nippy and comfortable and we think very stylish.

[@simonjones575]

They are nice looking cars and reliable

[@MrSammotube]

I find these really good. Regarding safety ratings, I believe those are based on the lowest spec,which has nothing. The top spec is on par with anything else I believe. I have had one for 2 years and it is the most reliable and enjoyable machine I have had to date :)

[@sssssneaker]

It's not on par with the norm regarding safety avoidance and assistance stuff, but none of that actually helps if you get in a crash. On the other hand, I found the Duster's headlights massively impressive considering they're halogens, very pleasantly surprised.

[@bobbythompson3544]

Everyone does hard and scratchy plastic, every car tester wants to be a Jeremy!

[@ryanm.3681]

If these were sold in the USA I'd buy one

[@mart872uk]

Its interesting todays motoring journalists , the TCE 1.3 engine puts out former Lotus Cortina or similar 130bhp - amazing . Many a car is surprised at the oomph of my Duster Prestige. As to economy realistic is 45mpg , but if you cruise around 2000 revs you're in the 50mpg area, as with any car you could get it down to 40 mpg by being a straight line bully blaster. But there is finesse especially with this engine . Gear box is fine , but an auto would be nice. Its not completely auto I believe you can change gears if you wish . It is a comfortable utility family car , good boot space and useful ground clearance . Mine has ( probably standard ) is a sump guard . The headlights are impressive and the car feels long term reliable . If you kept the car for a long time I suspect there will be low cost maintenance . Nothing exotic to break down . Rough country lanes or tracks no problem , and there is the Four Wheel Drive models . I'm impressed Mr Reggie Renault . The 1.3 Tce engine is worth looking up , it has a few innovations and is being specified in even more expensive cars . Grab a bargain . Ps The Radio , Apple Play , Blue tooth Phone link, Auto Air Con , all lovely .

[@pw191164]

I have a 2018 petrol prestige, why isn't there a performance chip for the petrol engine?

[@markverrinder7135]

love my new 69 1.3 prestige. great value

[@mihayy2000]

The automated manual gearbox is a bit clunky, when you floor the pedal you will get the same jolt as with a manual gearbox so Dacia still has some work to do in that regard.

[@SXsoft99]

it's the auto from renault

[@cosminxxx5287]

this care is perfect for work. You have an electric company and need 4-5 cars for your employees to go on field and fix stuff? or maybe you have a small company with 10-11 employees and your business is about painting houses and need 2-3 cars for your guys to go around with buckets of paint and tools? or maybe you just need a car ,like i said in other comments, to carry you to your favorite fishing or hunting spot and you dont want to get dirt on your 40-50k euro car? well, here it is. The Duster:) . this is perfect utility car. This would be good also if you own a big factory and you want to make a gift t 20-30 of your employees that are very important for your factory,like mechanics and electricians and stuff , and you want to give them a car with relatively low fuel costs so they wont have to use their more expensive car.Utility is the name for this car and it worths every penny for that.Buying this and complaining it's not luxury or something, is stupid. Imagine me being your friend and i know today you work 12 hours instead of usualy 8, and i bring you a basic sandwich with a piece of ham ,tomato and cucumber and some mayo,just to keep you going 3-4 more hours.And than you complain saying a 3 course meal at a 5 star restaurant would have been much better. well doh!... one is to feed you and the other is for you to feel pampered. this is the care that feeds you. for pumping your chest around go get an Audi R8. but wait..that costs 15-16 times more! :) . end of rambling and thanks for this fair and honest video. This is a decent car and some people should remove the stick out of their ass and admit it.I get it ,you guys love your alfa romeo, cause you are italian, or you love your Mercedes, cause you are a german and i get it.But for christ sake, dont forget the price of the car and fuel costs and utility of it.This is made to help you not to make you look good .

[@hclandscapes]

I drove a 2019 1.3tce duster today, I liked it apart from the handbrake, when i released the handbrake it felt really flimsy and made a twang sound like a really weak spring, Is this normal?

[@deltafoxtrot2]

I was looking at second hand SUVs, dealers were asking £27k for a 5 year old, Range Rover Evoque with 50k on the clock. A new 4x4 Dacia Duster with a warranty was £20k..

[@NAKMUAYACADEMY]

Is there big difference between dacia duster models 2018-2020?

[@SameerGgov]

They could make it little more plush from the inside

[@oojimmyflip]

if you pull the rear seat base up before you fold the seat backs down the load lip disappears.

[@apaul13150]

I am thinking about buying the diesel prestige, if anyone has advice I would appreciate it. Thanks

[@onyxul]

It's a good car,lowest running costs possible in a car,real offroad capabilities,good comfort,good engine used and tested for many years.Not wrong if you buy/buyed one.

[@peterwilliams4842]

Does anyone have the problem as I do with my 2019 Duster Diesel. Every 6 months the battery goes flat overnight, even though, it gets driven nearly everyday. It's had a new battery but the Dacia dealer has no idea what is causing it. Any thoughts please.....

[@onyxul]

Maybe the alternator doesn't charge.

[@ResidenzFirlefanz]

Excellent vehicle that we have tested. The 2022 model is a good evolution of the current one, but not a revolution: Dacia has not to change a winner ! Too bad for the economy, Dacia only offers the 3 cylinder 1.0 liter engine with LPG. We have chosen to order the 4x4 1.3 Prestige fully loaded with 150 HP and we will have to install the LPG by Prins. Too bad an automatic version with the 4x4 is not available. Maybe in 2023 !

[@elizabethtaylor9321]

Come on Dacia ,get that foot space sorted out , that’s what’s stoping me from getting one, as much as I’ve tried I can’t get any info or prices for the automatic version , could you vid on the auto version .

[@weedmastersr]

Foot space is fine if you don't move the front seats all the way back.

[@elenikafetzi180]

Would you choose this over the Subaru XV ? Thank you.

[@alexandruchivu7327]

For sure! Larger space, better diesel an gasoline engines... etc. XV is more of a hatch, usually with the Subaru faulty diesel engines.

[@MrSammotube]

So the 150bhp 1.3 turbo petrol, is a fair bit slower than the previous model's 125bhp 1.2 (0-60 in 10.1 seconds).

[@classicgamingtimes6505]

wrong, the 1.3 is far superior to the 1.2 engine...

[@martian9999]

good review which understands what this car is about. I recently rented a 0.9 Sandero, and while I found the car quite pleasant overall, it had considerable turbo lag under 1500 revs. Therefore, you couldn't move off somewhat quickly without letting the clutch slip more than I like. My girlfriend in particular was always accelerating from a red light with a lot of engine noise. And the engine management (probably to get Euro 6 cert) held the revs up when you shifted, so putting in second gear meant even more clutch abrasion. I wonder whether this Duster has any comparable driveability issues.

[@MartinLV.]

Martin Schwoerer you drove fastest car in world, thats why. every rental car is pushed to red revs... 0,9 does not represent the whole engine fleet, just eco norm petrol.

[@jt-la777]

Next time rent a Ferrari. 😁😉

[@terrynorton3182]

Change your girlfriend!

[@martian9999]

@@terrynorton3182 you probably think you're funny.

[@Darth_Chicken]

Just test driven a 2019 1.3 turbo petrol in the UK. Amazed at how well it drove and very comfortable for us and the two large dogs in the back. Am going to buy it. Simple motoring for those of us who just need a car rather than a status symbol so we are getting rid of the V6 Merc SUV in favour of one. And avoiding Merc service bills to boot!

[@leifradstrom635]

I on a Duster 2013 its driven 10500 kiometer wit no problem often in dirtroads a hunt in nort of Sweden and it is a disel motor 4 veil drive i 0,6- 07 lit on hayway wen it starts to fail me a i bay a new won sorry for the spelling

[@timgladman5130]

Scratchy plastic.... for gods sake stop at ‘hard’...it doesn’t scratch

[@38dragoon38]

Why are motoring journalists so obsessed with this "scratchy plastic"? But at least he didn't mention that there's no "lumbar support"!

[@mrdemocracy7106]

Plastic is plastic

[@DaciaDusterTrails]

The Dacia Duster EPIC art collection - @

[@phil8437]

I like these cars. They are amazing value for money especially with the new 1.4 turbo engine. What puts me off is the model name Duster. This name makes it sound cheap and nasty while the car itself certainly isn't.

[@wayneheyes4934]

Why no automatic? I don’t get it

[@wyo112]

there is an automatic on the way...but not this year ...

[@wayneheyes4934]

wyo angel so in the uk in 2020?

[@wyo112]

@@wayneheyes4934 sory,dont know that

[@davel9359]

I understand it's next year, but I don't understand why they ceased the diesel autothat was in the pre facelift or why the Indian facelifts are getting autos now.

[@davel9359]

@Iulian Bujniga what's difficult to understand? In the UK, the pre facelift diesel had an auto option. Now, with the facelift models we get no auto option until next year. However, it seems the Indian market facelift models get the auto option immediately. I don't understand why they couldn't continue with the diesel auto option at least.

[@ma.da.3712]

This is the best option for UK after brexit. Romanian car ;).Next step will be Bajaj Qute;).

[@wyo112]

at that price you cant even buy a golf...

[@teslatrev5764]

I'm not surprised a Golf is a better car...

[@karenoreilly7951]

Tesla Trev in different circumstances

[@andypandy5613]

@@teslatrev5764 that breaks down more than a duster

[@MrWannabeartist]

On comparing additions I wanted for a 2litre 4x4 engine I prefer the Nissan Terrano. Same car but better priced when adding the extras.

[@ghoststories1198]

Lovely car but one problem Drive shaft will go in them Problem with them

[@fulwoodphantom]

Why

[@teslatrev5764]

Come on Dacia EV put a battery in

[@JOE_150]

aka. Nissan Terrano

[@teslatrev5764]

£20,000 for (when its available) top range duster... it would be worth looking at a clean new MG ZS EV .... and save on average mileage £1000 per year in fuel and road tax..and its faster and of course quieter and it does not turn clean air into poison ...

[@chillievans]

,.....It's just that the pollution happens at a factory, instead of the car. Sounds like a con to me

[@teslatrev5764]

@@chillievans is the factory in town next to a school...

[@ome.sarvatge]

I think you didn't get the "off-road" side of this car. Duster is an accessible choice (maybe the only one) for those who need high ground clearance and ramp angles with 4x4 traction and adequate load space. MG ZS EV is no way appropriate to ride on rutty mountain and country roads.

[@puladan9296]

@@teslatrev5764 2021-2022 Dacia will sell the most accessible EV in europe. A city car with rage of 250km at 100km/h. All this for 13k. The car i based on Renault K-ZE, but it will be adapted for European roads and laws (inside tip, this is a good thing!; EU laws force manufacturers to step up their production game and quality) www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/dacia-electric-city-car-confirmed-launch-within-two-years

[@leemingmerlin]

No Chinese built cars for me what with their terrible workers rights and very poor factory standards!

[@HooverLux]

Used SUV definitely

[@neptunevibe]

New excrement

[@andypandy5613]

You looking in the mirror Neptune??

[@hermanmunster3358]

Keep it. I'd rather buy a better quality used car with more toys and better trim.

[@mrdemocracy7106]

Why pay for all the unessesary gimmicks? This car looks great and is great value for money

[@independentwith1]

I prefer a second hand german car instead

[@talpatv512]

Ew

[@simonjones575]

Emissions cheats the kruts

[@robstammers7149]

Then go buy one... Then see your running costs shoot up.

[@archie100]

Until it breaks

[@mrdemocracy7106]

Same old boring German looking cars with no character see so many on the road. The Duster is a fresh stylish honest car with no silly gimmicks with a bonus of a great price.

[@abhishekjain9583]

Duster is Poor man SUV.

[@68404]

Elitist much...

[@pw191164]

Well i have a 2018 prestige and paid 16200€ for it..i don't think that makes me poor.

[@TheWintrader]

I am certainly not poor.. can buy any car I want ..and I mean any!!! but I am thinking about a duster because better when ppl think you have no money.. take it from me ...I have been there!!!

[@mrdemocracy7106]

Not really the others are well overpriced anyway,who needs all the unessesary gimmicks in a car anyway more things can go wrong. The Duster looks great and in my opinion much more stylish than some of the more overpriced cars. Why waste money when there is no need to when you have the Duster.

[@rosie553]

@@mrdemocracy7106 well said! new Dacia duster 1.3tce is one of the best cars I have driven and it is also fun in my opinion, rugged and stylish, who cares about no soft plastic! I bet most critics have never driven one.

[@emeagain8359]

You can't polish a turd.

[@lglubbock7593]

cant polish you lol

[@CosgroveNotts]

You have no idea what you are talking about🤡

[@emeagain8359]

Funny that. They had a zero crash rating before they got air bags fitted. Now that's a car I would be worried about. Value for money not to bad. But not the best.