NEW Dacia Duster Review: Most value for money vehicle??

The 2023 Dacia Duster reflects everything that the Duster is known for. Affordable. Practical. Versatile. But, how does the 2023 version differ from previous models?
Well, with the introduction of the new Dacia link logo, the look has had a facelift. Giving the Duster a refreshed and modern look. Interior offers space and practicality. With an array of features, the Duster is a very convenient vehicle no matter what journey you're on.
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[@giuseppecalabro6873]

I bought the journey 4x4 diesel dark gray 2023. I'm completely satisfied. Greetings from Italy 🇮🇹

[@simonproctor7896]

The small circular "hole" in the centre is for the rotary control on 4wd cars. For cost-saving, Dacia obviously didn't want the expense of manufacturing a whole new piece of trim for 2wd variants.

[@colinhill2393]

It's the same on my kadjar

[@alunhoskins4513]

It’s also perfect for an espresso coffee cup😉

[@ssnm0984]

Which you can utilise to put sauce cups and dips 😂

[@simonbijlsma8324]

I thought it was for my espresso.

[@Replicess2012]

Picked up my new Duster Journey yesterday, and assumed it was to put £1 coin/Trolley token in? That's what I'll be using it for 😊

[@Cyberdyne-kg8ku]

Why do car reviews always do the 'scratchy plastic ' routine? Most cars have hard plastic. And why scratch it? Who goes round scratching their car! It's door trim, not a duck down stuffed pillow for chrissake!

[@MG-ce3dx]

To see the quality of the materials used 🤷‍♂️😅 In a Mazda 3 for example, all materials you touch are soft and feels very nice ,in all Dacia models ,everything is cheap plastic. A regular user will not scratch the plastics in his car , true ,but car reviewers scratch it to proof how bad materials are ,makes sense lol 😆

[@timhancock6626]

@@MG-ce3dx They are not bad materials though. Its more pointless verbiage to keep trying to labour the point that using these materials somehow denigrates the car. It doesn't, it makes complete sense to me.

[@stepheng8779]

​@@MG-ce3dx how often do you touch the front of your windscreen & down by your feet?

[@ziondanny7081]

Yeah, I guess it's just a thing these reviewers have seen other reviewers do.

[@terropa]

That’s from CarWow 😂

[@eoinstechhobbychannel-eoin6609]

My Duster BiFuel is a year old in two weeks. It has saved me over £2,000 in fuel costs in that time, given the sharp rise in petrol/diesel last year. It’s lovely and smooth to drive, very comfortable and I paid the little extra for all the trimmings. I love it! The ‘scratchy plastic’? I’d rather that than soft, degradable material/fabric that eventually sunbleaches or withers. The 12v back deck socket? I’m a fly fisherman and use it for my coffee maker when I’m out. It was a bloody inspired design decision, in my opinion. I think we need to see more reviews from people who spend a longer period of time with cars. Owners are better sampled as I’ve very few gripes about the car at all. Personally, the reviewer needed to do a bit more homework on the car. “Why’s this little box here? What’s it for?” A simple check on the other models would have given him the answer - it’s the blank for the LPG on/off toggle switch! 🙄 Putting the seatbelt on incorrectly is really a bit sloppy. Check out the BiFuel version, especially if you travel abroad on hollibobs 😉👍

[@btf1287]

I just did a full month testing with mine 4x2 bi-fuel and pulled 480km/300miles with 40 euros ahah Its no joke one of the most comfortable cars I ever owned, driving is a breeze, sure id like to see less plastic and more metal like the americans but I quite enjoy not being tied to the bloody banks. Only thing id like to change is the ignition space its ridiculously small to fit my hand Hopefully it will last me a good long while lets see

[@joegaffney1959]

Do you live in the UK? I was thinking of getting bi fuel but autogas stations seems to be getting fewer.

[@btf1287]

@@joegaffney1959 I do not, not sure if that is just incidental or lobbying, so far in a radius of 60 kms around where I live there are plenty of options

[@tonyburton5706]

@@btf1287 none to be found in the whole of norfolk/suffolk , if anyone knows different please inform us.

[@thespecialwayne]

I've done 600 miles in mine now. It's easily the best car I've owned for the price paid. Things that I don't like are 1. that the seatbelts don't height-adjust (I hate anything touching my neck, petty I know, but a £5 thing from Halfords sorted that out), 2. the grab handle to close the boot would be loads better if it was an "Overhand" grip rather than an underhand, and 3. the controls for the electric windows are awkwardly sited for someone tall with long arms. But are these deal-breakers? No way. A top of the range SUV for many thousands less than a bottom of the range Clio? No brainer.

[@claytoncrider734]

how tall are you?

[@BatfinksWings]

One of the most reliable cars I've had and I stupidly got rid of. The 1.3tce is a great engine. It is cheap and cheerful inside though.

[@holdcroft]

Certainly does the job though!

[@pauloraposo871]

@@holdcroftAre you gay? Do you like men?

[@baylessnow]

If you want a reliable car, get a Toyota. I have recently and reluctantly traded in my 2000 Toyota Yaris Verso 1.3 VVTi. In the 9+ years I owned it, I changed tyres, brakes, exhausts (but it still had the original catalytic convertor) and a water pump, because the bearings had worn out. I had it serviced every year and it passed every MOT. Stupidly I didn't keep an eye on the rust under the rear of the car thus I eventually had to let it go! The BEST car I've ever owned. Well, car and van actually because, the rear seats fold away into the void beneath the front seats creating a large cargo area.

[@karvast5726]

My mom has a duster and i think the 12v outlet in the back is actually clever for something like a car fridge especially when this car is advertised for the outdoors,i agree about the seatbelt for the middle seat in the back it really looks like an afterthought

[@Narinjas]

Same, it is useful for many things in the boot that would need power.

[@hyperlv2725]

The small hole in the central console that you mentioned not knowing the purpose of it, it is for 4x4 variant and its the switch between 4x4 lock, 2x4 lock and auto. Thats what its there for. Also, why the cigarette lighter is in the back there? - thats for in case you want a small fridge, ice box or vacuum cleaner or stuff like that in the boot to be charged.

[@CityStarrzz]

You could use that hole for a mini espresso too. Win

[@hyperlv2725]

@@CityStarrzz doubt it but we'll see

[@local56]

The inset square on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel is for the controls of any optional extras you might request. The one in the centre console is for the 4x4 settings if you option 4x4. And the 12v socket in the rear is for anything you need to plug in, in the rear.......

[@adrian.munteanu-mc5bk]

Love Romania 🇷🇴 ❤️ God bless Romania 🇷🇴

[@timtube1663]

I hired a 2019 Duster in Spain. Initially I was sceptical but open minded. I absolutely loved the car! It drove beautifully and was very comfortable. I'd definitely consider getting one.

[@joemclaughlin995]

Great car ! Go for the 15dci diesel ,60s mpg ,great torque and over 600 mile range . Bulletproof reliability

[@mihailhidler5400]

Lpg is also great tbh. the quality of gas is crucial though

[@MrItaliansound]

6:50 the 12v socket in the rear could be used for a fridge

[@jackbackband7733]

Can also be used for rear dashcam.

[@clawrence6190]

Great car for the price, reliable and tough. More reliable than the German cars nowadays. Just bought one from Holdcroft, to replace an Audi whose prices are now just stupidly expensive. Two friends of mine have Dusters and love them.

[@darknessislight3689]

If they were sold here 🇺🇸 I’m sure they’d be very popular 😊 affordable with a good design

[@a.g.8871]

In our company we have 2 Dusters with over 300.000 kilometers on them and they still run. To be fair, compared to the Skoda Octavias we also use they cost more than twice in maintenance over their lifetime so far. So overall cost after about 250k Kilometers is more or less equal if you take resell value into consideration.

[@yolkyhorizon]

As a Romanian (Dacia is from Romania), if I had to pick an ordinary car to drive, it would be this one, they are becoming better or just as good as the German cars which is nice to see

[@derekwhyle1884]

Just as good as the German cars ? What do they put in the water in Romania Denis ? 🤪

[@yolkyhorizon]

@@derekwhyle1884 By German cars I meant instead of a 2006 - 2014 volkswagen, the 2023 Dacia's are more better. We are catching up slowly

[@ericnaude8158]

The plug in the back is really handy if you want to inflate bicycle tires or even the rear tires of the car with the pug in compressor.

[@stepheng8779]

Yeah out the boot or rear door, really handy 👍

[@Time2fly.]

I agree plus I often use a plug in cool/hot box which can sit happily in the boot or belted up on the rear seat

[@henrik_worst_of_sinners]

This reviewer obviously has never/seldom gone car camping.

[@4x4adventure_pl]

Good, reliable and affordable car. We have one, we uset it in some offroading. Doing great.

[@Signedpeach]

I use the rear aux all the time in mine for lots of things. Take the parcel shelf out, I do in all cars. The Duster is a thing of beauty, lovely and rugged looking. Best car I ever owned.

[@royfontaine5526]

Rear aux? 🤔

[@apolitis1]

I recently drove a diesel version of this as a company car for a business trip and I was pleasantly surprised with it's ease of use and acceleration

[@petergaskin1811]

I rented a Duster in Lanzarote about two years ago. One of the better 2WD SUVs I've driven. The only rental car where I've been able to fit two full size suitcases into the boot. Drove quite well for a rental.

[@watannen]

the back seat head rests are brilliant. they are in all/most recent renaults. they are easily out of your rear view when nobody's sat in the back, but they have to be erected when somebody is, otherwise they are uncomfortable. This means they will always be in the correct position and will actually help like they are meant to, if you're rear-ended.

[@rosswhittleton6277]

Agree it's like the size if the door pockets blah blah blah.😕

[@akhinasheedi]

you earned yourself a new subscriber, im really happy i met your channel!

[@takyiyakvsi]

What a great review! Thanks!

[@oldgriff8559]

Awaiting delivery of the 2023 Automatic Duster..in Green from our local dealer in Murcia Spain..

[@terryosborn]

You say £19000 for the top of the range Duster, I don’t think so - 1.5dci 4x4 Journey is £24000, not so inexpensive eh!

[@mesco8200]

Agreed, I ordered the 4x4 new so not that cheap but 15k cheaper than equivalent kia sportage etc so it is cheaper in that sense

[@lexa7759]

How good that I bought the Duster Extreme 2022. He looks a lot better.

[@doughall8727]

The small hole in the centre console is blanked as in the 4 wheel drive it houses the rotary control. You should know that. Similarly, the blank squares are likely for any further additional controls.

[@anirbanchakraborty5331]

I am from India and I own a Renault Duster 110 PS DCi. It’s a lovely car with a ride quality that’s second to none in its price bracket. Of course the ergonomics are bit quirky but not something you can’t get used to. Supremely comfortable on the open highway, practical, and frugal- the Duster makes for a very good proposition.

[@HooverLux]

Love the channel and the reviews, one little thing. I am a KZbinr and i use the same Rode microphone system. You need to turn the db level on the receiver to low, minimum as you’re pitching out when you use the microphone as is. Just a tip. Keep up the good work and look forward to your content 😊

[@arnoldsnodgrass2953]

Agreed. The audio distortion on his voice was horrid to listen to. Set your levels properly!

[@craigvaux619]

Shame that you wrongly demonstrated the rear middle seat belt by failing to connect it up properly so you only had a shoulder strap and no lap strap. Sloppy review on your part.

[@THMark66]

What was the engine size on this, 1.3?

[@viktorroswell1041]

I am on my second Duster ‘18 and ‘22 my wife on her third Sandero not because any thing wrong with them simply to to upgrade had a loads of cars over the years they are by far the best cars we have owned

[@jamiefowler3050]

What was the engine size of this one?

[@lonewolfluke7367]

Is the horn on the actual steering wheel instead of the indicator on the left hand side?

[@NoBion]

I like the carbuyer style review and host is great. Thanks!

[@holdcroft]

😆😆

[@peterweldon3721]

Very impressed

[@bumblebee2956]

Always love and respect for value for money cars 🎉still waiting for a 4x4 with automatic petrol 4 cylinder turbo 🎉

[@alieNussss]

I am Romanian. Glad to see people enjoying Romanian cars. 👏🤝

[@davidllewellyn5168]

Great overview of the Dacia Duster and a No nonsense explanation for anybody who is considering buying a car, congratulations.

[@Tom_3017]

I get the duster extreme SE next month gone for the 1.3tci looks class for the money

[@RetroGamesCollector]

Haha, that little 'useless hole' is just where the 2wd/4wd rotary toggle goes on 4wd models. I'm guessing they didn't want to put a blanking plate in and put a cup in instead. I actually find it useful for £1 coins for supermarket trolleys :D

[@mindscapetherapy]

I reckon the 12v connected is good for connecting pumps for SUP or air bed

[@fergalfoley6718]

Excellent review 👏

[@andrewmorgan7871]

12v socket in rear luggage compartment facilitates plugging in the emergency tyre compressor to mend the back tyres - and is also useful for powering a 12v coolbox in the boot on hot days.

[@bongdan]

any ford has that

[@tonyburton5706]

The plug in the back among other uses are for electric cool boxes , tyre inflators etc

[@markmcdermott5902]

Lovely little car. Can't be beaten for the price.

[@antonionunes9525]

The rear plug 12v are for connect a small refrigerator. Very useful

[@cartouchator]

the little cubby is for the wheel you turn on the 4wd version. the cigarette lighter socket in the back is for one of those car handheld hoovers that get powered with it.

[@davecobb5649]

An interesting review of the new duster. The reviewer could have easily pointed out the positives instead of questioning why, especially with 12v socket in the rear, ideal for a 12v fridge or, as i use, a tyre inflator. Would be good to know if the 12v stays on after ignition is switched off. Interior noise sounded pretty good compared to earlier models, how's it handle UK pot-hole ridden roads? How much of a load lip is there in the boot, e.g. for dog owners? Seats look better than the first gen dusters, but what are they like on long trips? This review could have been so much more.

[@bobbytables464]

Yeah, you'd expect the reviewer to think for a moment why Dacia would go through the trouble of adding a 12v socket there instead of expressing incredulity. I immediately thought fridge, but inflator is also a great point - I hate having to run the thing through to the front.

[@SuperNeloo]

The dashboard is the old one. I have no ideea why in UK you have that version.

[@ancaudaniel1699]

the 12v slot from backseat is for the mini vacum cleaner, u can lower the bench and u have a lot of cargo space in the rear

[@boritobe2752]

3:12 my biggest guess would be that it’s for the 4x4 models, because the “drive modes” selector is there in those variants

[@costas8999]

Why the right wheel Duster 2023 has the previous model aircondition vents?? (circle ones)

[@MG-ce3dx]

True ,in Europe, New Duster has the nicer straight vents

[@timhancock6626]

Almost certainly a cost decision to leave the UK and RHD markets with circular vents, which is a minor point, but a shame as the new vents look a lot better.

[@Jehowy666]

​@@timhancock6626 I think the circular vents are much better than the new straight ones, because of the configurability.

[@cristianmorar5558]

Now I realize this !!!👍

[@royfontaine5526]

I reckon they possibly updated the LHD dash so late in the production life, as the moulds were perhaps wearing out and they took it as an opportunity to update. Whereas only a fraction of RHD dashes are made, and therefore perhaps the moulds are much less worn. Just a thought I’ve had.

[@terryah2136]

I’m considering one of these to replace my 2013 Audi A3. I’m after something bigger but I’m not prepared to pay Audi Q5 prices

[@user-cl3de8xn8p]

Look for 4x4, 1.3 CVT, if it is possible in UK.

[@Hyperborean_2]

Honda CR-V

[@user-cl3de8xn8p]

@@Hyperborean_2 It's more spacy and pricy. For sure.

[@69svejk]

@@Hyperborean_2 it’s expensive and ugly. If you fancy something made in Japan better look at Mazda CX-5. Looks and drives better and for less cost.

[@andrewmorgan7871]

Middle rear seatbelt is a 3-point lock. If you clip BOTH locks in rather than 1 as per your demo, the belt goes across your shoulder and down, then across your lap - so doesn't strangle you.

[@number6ix929]

He's not the sharpest tool in the box....lol

[@PejicVladimir]

There`s something a little odd with this particular version you tested, cause I noticed that the actuall new Duster doesnt have those circular air vents on the dashboard anymore, I think that they`ve took some little older models and just switched their grill with new one. I mean the car is pretty much same from the first iteration, it`s just cosmetics innit. That newer dash does look a lot better though, I think they`ve somewhat reduced the cheap plastic in the latest latest ones.

[@advisorsandy2068]

I think the front grill is fantastic and the wing mirrors are brilliant the cup holders super. I'm not in the slightest way interested in what it will tow it's fuel consumption reliability and cost,and the leatherette Sterling wheel wow.

[@grantfryer407]

i own a white 4x4 2013 looks like a stormtroopers helmet but i love it.. swapped my xtype sovereign for it..i saw one being used as an ambulance in Aberystwyth today..and i reckon they'd make a great dune buggy..tbh 😢

[@zombie53b]

6:50 That plug is perfect to have a freezer or an electric BBQ on weekends

[@mrwhatevah6095]

That little circle is for espresso holder or for soju glass

[@eddiemichael4333]

That little circule slot is for the 4x4 switch,your test Dacia Duster is only 4x2 😊

[@antemiu]

the 12v outlet for the trunk is very usefull if you consider an electric chiller...

[@jackbackband7733]

That little hole will be fine for supermarket trolley disc.

[@goldies26]

Small hole good for change for parking, socket in boot good to plug into electric cool box placed in boot or on back seat.

[@thanoskills7178]

Anyone know any crash test rating for this car

[@eddiemichael4333]

The blank spot on dash is for electric mirrors switch and blind spot monitoring switch.

[@emgee44]

This new design isn't too bad, they're coming along aren't they.

[@davidllewellyn5168]

Good review, simple and effective. Other so called reviewers take note.

[@holdcroft]

Glad you liked it!

[@martinbyrne6643]

Is it five wheel drive , can you drive over concrete blocks , is it easy stolen with keyless

[@royfontaine5526]

Yes of course it is five wheel drive - so long as you opt for the spare.

[@keithdenyer3937]

The square on the dash is for mirror adjustment on some versions. The round hole behind the gear stick is for four wheel drive dial, for those who can afford it. reaching in the boot is a long way but the shelf is not in the way. Looks are an opinion, but what's wrong ,it looks great, third rear belt is double latch lap and shoulder. Not a large car it could be wider, so boot and middle seat would benefit. Vision is very good. Earlier versions had wind noise, Steering vagueness, so they say, but this mk 2. 2023 does not. These cars are recommended to try out.

[@Classic_Vinyl_Only]

Don’t know if I could live without my arm rest anymore 😂

[@frglee]

The Renault Group made a very wise decision buying Dacia - akin to VW buying Skoda to produce affordable well-designed cars using VW engines and parts bin to save money and to beat Far Eastern manufacturers at their own game. An interesting reverse effect was the VW group being influenced by Skoda design and engineering - some might argue now that Skoda produce more interesting and better cars than the core VW marque itself - and for a lower price.

[@didomitkopinatores]

you can use the small cup holder for espresso

[@samueleee4912]

That little hole is for the 4×4 choose option in the 4×4 version! Cheers

[@andrashavas]

Very nice. I have a 2015 Duster with 89000 km in it. The right front wheel started giving metallic knock-knock sounds. Turned out it was the right semi-axis. Took 2 years for the big service shop (being branch sellers of at least 10 brands) to realize. After changing the component, only 95% of sound gone. When on rough tarmac on the road at slow speeds, straight. knock knock, knock albeit softer... So it is a nice advert, but if the repair guys are deaf and blind, what car should you buy? One that does not have symptoms to be fixed. Other than that, the roof is constantly giving sounds as it is made of plastic/paper that hardens in heat and grows in size making these noises non-existent under 20 degrees Celsius. Service shop could not repair it. After 7 years it was said I should go to a private interior company.... Oh, and the gear bowden gave whirring sounds for appx 3 years before a private service guy figured out they forgot to put rubber tubing around the bowden. So is this a better car? So is this car has a soft ceiling or hard plastic/paper? Will it have the same symptoms after 50k km?

[@fbr8602]

The blank square is where the controls are on the LPG option.

[@nevv90]

Did it start coming with clutch foot rest?

[@thmsprbr]

Yes, since the new model in 2018

[@royfontaine5526]

@@thmsprbrno it didn’t. One thing that annoys me about the Duster!

[@themetallab3053]

My 2019 Prestige model mirrors everything inside..

[@CosgroveNotts]

Depends on how good the 3 year warranty support is if it's any good which people tend to forget

[@williamhodgson6250]

Personally I much prefer it to the Kadjar. It’s great value for money and has all the kit my top of the range 2017 Megane has. I’m seriously considering one.

[@yosipko5282]

I have seen mose test with few suv cars. Nissan almost had rollover, while duster ran thru with ease. If that, and very little construction changes over the years dont tell you they build reliable car, nothing will.

[@sparky6996]

The little round thing you talk of is for 4x4 which you don't really get in the UK

[@johnguest7541]

These are ok when they get delivered, have been waiting since beginning of February, and still no sign of any delivery date

[@lab-by-the-sea]

3:10 espressocupholder?

[@holdcroft]

Great idea!! 😅

[@jtk1ify]

nice video and to relate the duster to the greatest english player IMO peter Beardsley is clever and you look too young to have seen his early years at NUFC PD was a great deal more than his first impression stature would suggest one criticism i would say is a little bit more info about engine sizes types and 4WD ability would help

[@jadams3427]

sticker branding is easier to clean and less likely to cause rust.

[@nasimahm3d]

most modern (big) cars have 12v sockets in the back for things like vacuums ☝🤓

[@jacquelinetaylor8683]

The 12 volt slot in the back is for a small12 v fridge.

[@Coastmac2001]

Not a bad vehicle. Maybe its time for them to be sold in Australia. Its been on the radar for a few yrs, but nothing concrete so far

[@ronflynn5043]

did you find it clostrofobic ?

[@johnpark-jones4285]

That slot is for the 4 wd control.

[@jadams3427]

The 12V socket in the back is for a coolbox.

[@hotstick12]

The 12v outlet at the back of the car, could be used for a rear facing camera.

[@hotstick12]

@juicyg2564 for that, I'm afraid you would have to do a little research, but all I can say is that they are an excellent choice for a car.

[@Narinjas]

Adding a Hybrid option to all vehicles, with an ~100HP back wheel electric motor, and an ~7KWh battery and an efficient ~70hp front engine mostly used for charging the battery, and a 120km/h battery only top speed, and a possible but not recommend 160km/h with the combination of all motor power, but extreme consumption, also an in line with the petrol engine, a ~30HP mottor that is focused on energy generation regeneration, that can also power the wheels for that needed AWD full electric. (With the arrival of the new mandatory ecologic synthetic petrol, the hybrid would make the most sense, since being synthetic the price will be greater, and also having less power output compared to current petrol, having an efficient engine that mostly generates electricity for the vehicle, would also mean it will be ok if it produces 20~30% less power, since it is not the main driving force of the vehicle)

[@peterboxshall6587]

great car, but needs an adult reviewer

[@advancedwindowandguttercle685]

Attention to detail upgrade for the next facelift....line those grille lines up with the DRL light shape. German manufacturers would, and it wouldn't cost anything

[@Ian_UK]

We keep the trolley coins in the little round bucket (not a 4wd)

[@benghazi4216]

Honestly, it looks good! Much more of an actual car than the "high-end" offerings from others, which all look too "Tron".