DACIA DUSTER WILL BE SOLD IN THE UK

The Romanian-built Dacia Duster budget-priced crossover made its show debut at the recent Geneva Motor Show, with production of left-hand drive examples set to start in early 2011. And Dacia owner Renault finally confirmed that the Duster WILL be sold in the UK.

The Duster will be available in either two- or four-wheel drive, with a choice of a 108bhp 1.6-litre 16v petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel in either 84 or 104bhp guise. And – rather refreshingly – the newcomer is being hailed as a genuine off-roader when fitted with four-wheel drive, aided by a 20cm ground clearance, 30-degree approach angle and 35-degree departure angle.

There will be three driving modes on 4x4-spec Dusters, comprising Auto (altering torque according to grip), Lock (splitting the torque 50/50) and 4x2, which locks the car in front-wheel drive.

The on-off UK launch of Renault's affordable Dacia brand looks set for late 2012, with only  the Duster available initially. ‘Dacia by Renault is a new way of doing business,’ Renault's chief operating officer Patrick Pelata told UK journalists when he made the announcement.

‘People buying Dacias don't haggle over price because the cars are affordable. The new Duster will sell from €11,900 in two-wheel drive and €14,000 in four-wheel drive in Europe – and people have already made up their minds,’ he added.

Pelata even went on to describe the Duster as a ‘…Renault 4 for 2010. It's simple, cheap, robust and big inside. It’s also practical.’

In the UK, Dacia will be sold through Renault dealers with a ‘Dacia Store' in the corner of a showroom or, where justified, a stand-alone showroom sharing the workshop and office functions with the Renault dealer.