The B-segment SUV (small) was completely renewed. Today it debuted as Dacia. But it will also be sold under the Renault brand. Renault Group presented today the third generation of the Duster. The SUV for Segment B (small) was completely renewed and today debuted under the Dacia brand, but will also be sold later under the Renault image. The Duster (2024) will start sales next year in Europe, with production at the Renault Group plant in Romania. Like the Sandero and Jogger, the new Dacia Duster is based on Renault Group's CMF-B platform. The dimensions increased very little, with just 2 millimeters longer. What changes a lot is the front end, in line with the new Sandero and the Bigster concept, which will become a production model in 2025: it will be an SUV for Segment C (compact), with three rows of seats. According to the brand, the adoption of the new platform allowed for more space in the passenger compartment, especially at the front. In addition, the trunk floor is lower and the cargo space wider and higher, with a volume that is increased by 6% to reach a minimum total of 472 liters in the front-wheel drive version. However, the wheelbase is 16 millimeters shorter than the current model, so in practice the cabin offers good space, although not particularly abundant. That will be reserved for the Bigster. The interior features a new digital instrumentation (new in the top of the range versions, because the base Duster will remain analog) and a 10.1-inch central screen facing the driver. Also new is the automatic transmission selector, of the 'by-wire' type, to free up the central tunnel and offer a larger storage space. The steering wheel also has a new design, flattened at the top and bottom, designed to improve comfort of use. The most important new feature of the Duster 2024 concerns the engine range. First of all, it says goodbye to the diesel versions, specifically the 116 hp 1.5, which in the current generation is also combined with all-wheel drive. In its place, debuts the TCe 130 MildHybrid, based on the 1.2 three-cylinder, coupled to a 48-volt system, for a total of 130 hp. It is available for both front-wheel drive versions and the Duster 4x4. Another important innovation is the hybrid version, the same as that offered on the Jogger and some Renault models. It is composed of a 1.6 naturally aspirated 94 hp, two electric motors (one of 49 hp and one of 20 hp), a 1.2 kWh battery and an automatic gearbox, allows, according to the declared data, the system allows to drive in electric mode 80% of the time in the city, reducing consumption and emissions. And finally, the Duster ECO-G 100, powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), remains in the range. With two full tanks (50 liters for gasoline and the same amount for gas), it can travel up to 1,300 kilometers. The LPG tank is located under the trunk floor so as not to affect the load capacity (although the spare wheel is lost). The all-wheel drive option is retained for the Duster 2024, enhanced with the new Terrain Control system, which offers five driving modes: Auto (the transmission automatically distributes power between the front and rear axles, depending on road grip and speed), Snow (optimizes traction on slippery roads, thanks to specific ESP and traction control settings), Mud/Sand (assured traction on muddy and sandy terrain), Off-Road (offers maximum performance on difficult terrain, similar to the 4x4 'Lock' mode of the current Duster, with the added benefit of automatic torque distribution between the two axles as required, depending on grip and speed) and Eco (reduces fuel consumption by adjusting power, traction system and air conditioning operation, optimizing torque distribution between the front and rear wheels). In addition, the 4x4 versions have a ground clearance of 217 millimeters, with entry and exit angles of 31 and 36 degrees, respectively. Thanks to the new All Road Info system, during off-road driving extra information can be displayed on the central monitor, such as the slope and torque distribution between the two axles. Fuente: AR Motor 1
