Dacia will be making the Duster crossover even friendlier on your wallet and the planet with the introduction of a new EU6-compliant engine.
The Renault-owned manufacturer announced a 1.6-litre 16v 115 petrol that is said to improve performance, reduce fuel bills and cut down on harmful CO2 emissions. It is brand new and comes mated to a five-speed manual gearbox in the 4×2 model and a six-speed in the 4×4.
Those who go for the new 115 engine 4×4 can expect 10hp more than its 105 replacement and an extra 8Nm of torque in addition to a noticeable CO2 emissions drop of 30g/km to 155g/km and fuel consumption of 41.5mpg, an increase of 6.2mpg.
The 4×2, meanwhile, pumps out 20g/km less CO2, at 145g/km, and offers a claimed 44.1mpg, which is an improvement of 4.3mpg. Both the 4×4 and 4×2 are nippier, too, with the former taking 11 seconds (down from 11.5) and the latter 12 seconds (down from 12.8).
Stop and Start is standard on both models, helping reduce your fuel bills when the car is idle. The new engine is available on the entry-level Access model and Ambiance but not the top-spec Laureate and Laureate Prime.
Dacia has also made the Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Logan MCV more efficient, thanks to improvements to the 1.2-litre 16v 75, which now offers CO2 emissions of 130g/km, the 0.9-litre TCe 90, which is better on fuel and CO2, and the 1.5 dCi 90, which now dips under the 100g/km CO2 bar and is up to 80.7mpg.
An entry-level 1.6 16v 115 4×2 starts from £9,465, while the 4×4 version is £2,000 more expensive. Atop the range is the Laureate Prime dCi 110 4×4, priced at £15,995 before extras.
We found the Duster to be a dependable, if a little bland, option for those who want a seriously cheap off-roader in our full-fat review. Just keep the extras basic or you are better off looking elsewhere.
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