2024 Dacia Duster could be the coolest crossover

The new third-generation model promises more of the same in a slightly more grown-up package. Headline news is that it will be available as a hybrid using the same powertrain first seen in the Jogger seven-seater, which should be an ideal choice if you live in the city. The new Duster’s safer than the old car and better to drive on the road, while – as these launch pictures allude to – it remains pretty handy off it. Inside, there's more space and more tech.

All of which sounds like positive news for a nametag in its 14th year which has shifted 2.2 million units, and been central to Dacia's worldwide success as a cheap but cheerful budget brand.

2024 Dacia Duster engines, on and off-road handling and performance

You can expect Dacia's CMF-B platform to inject a new-found maturity into the Duster. The pitch, wallow and noisy cabin of the old model is out the window. Dacia claims body roll has been reduced by around a fifth across the range thanks to chunkier anti-roll bars, and the interior is 2dB quieter – an improvement that, we're told, is much more noticeable than it sounds.

For the first time, the Duster offers hybrid power in the form of a 1.6-litre petrol engine boosted by two electric motors (one an enlarged starter) to deliver 140PS (103kW) to the front wheels.

The engine always starts in electric mode, which should allow the Duster to drive on electricity 80 per cent of the time in town. Compared to conventional engines, this improves efficiency by 40 per cent in the city and 20 per cent out of town. The car makes use of two transmissions to maximise that efficiency, a four-speed gearbox for the engine and a two-speed for the electric motor.

The same unit allows the Dacia Jogger to return fuel economy of more than 55mpg and get from 0 to 62mph in around 10 seconds; you'd expect the Duster to turn in comparable figures.

The 4x4 Duster sticks to its serious off-roader roots; Dacia says its abilities are unparalleled in the "non-expert 4x4 market" (cars without a low-range gearbox). The four-wheel drive mode gets a 4x4 Terrain Control transmission with Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-road and Eco modes. 

Off-road, it has the same Lock function as the old Duster but can automatically distribute torque to whichever end of the car needs it most. With hill descent control and class-leading ground clearance of 217mm (translating to 31-degree approach and 36-degree departure angles), the Duster is not a soft-roader like many of its on-paper rivals.

If you want four-wheel drive, you'll need to go for the TCe 130PS (96kW) 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol hooked up to a six-speed manual gearbox, which is also available with front-wheel drive. It features a 48V power supply that gives a mild electric boost under acceleration and also offers brake force regeneration – like the hybrid. Expect fuel economy of around 45mpg and performance comparable to the hybrid.

The final model is a curiosity unique to Dacia: its TCe 100 Bi-Fuel, which runs on petrol and LPG. Along with the fuel cost savings of running on LPG (it currently retails at 80p per litre), the Bi-Fuel also boasts a continent-crushing 870-mile range thanks to a 100-litre fuel capacity split equally between petrol and gas.

2024 Dacia Duster styling, design and dimensions

Outside, the Duster has chiselled into the rich vein of cool that the rest of the Dacia range currently enjoys. "Stronger and more assertive" is how the company puts it, and it's got a point. The new Duster looks like an old Duster that has been hitting protein shakes and twice-hourly kettlebell sessions. 

The new-found muscle starts with boxed creases in the bonnet and what looks like serious underbody protection (actually, it's made from colour-injected recycled plastics). The new look sweeps around to the car's meaty wheel arches and finishes with a flair in the form of taillights that match the 'Y' insignia of the headlights.

The apologetic steel wheels and appliance-white of old Dusters are gone. Instead, you get eye-catching paint jobs like metallic green, with bronze highlights, and black-painted, diamond-cut alloy wheels – it reeks of a car built by a company giddy with confidence. 

Under the glitz, you'll find Renault and Nissan's hybrid-ready CMF-B platform, a variation of what underpins the Renault Captur and Nissan Qashqai. At 4,340mm long, it's the same length as the outgoing Duster.

2024 Dacia Duster interior design, tech and practicality

Inside, the 'Y' details from the outside carry through in the design of the air vents and you get the same angular design, with two-tone plastics and 'Duster' stamped into the passenger side of the dashboard.

The technology on show is impressive so long as you skip the basic Essential trim level. The Duster has a seven-inch digital driver's display and a 10.1-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Essential models make do with the Media Control system comprising an analogue binnacle with a 3.5-inch display nestled between the dials and a phone holder in place of the central screen, with stereo and phone controls via a Dacia app and a Bluetooth connection. 

Another upgrade comes in the form of more interior space. We're told the new Duster feels notably wider than the old model and has 30mm more rear legroom. Boot space has also increased by 15 per cent to 474 litres in two-wheel-drive models and 358 litres with four-wheel drive. Maximum capacity is 1,609 litres with the rear seats down. 

Dacia has also added some unique inNature accessories to the mix including the Sleep Pack which converts your Duster into a mobile double bed that can be assembled in two minutes and includes a tray table and storage. The bed is 1,900mm long and 1,300mm wide. 

Another feature is a roof rack that fits into the modular bars and can hulk 80kg.

2024 Dacia Duster safety and standard equipment

Safety has seen some worthwhile upgrades compared to the old Duster, with automatic emergency braking, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, traffic sign recognition and speeding alert added to the standard equipment list.

You can choose from four versions of the Duster: Essential, Expression, Extreme, and Journey. Essential gives you the bare minimum tech, although unlike Dacia's of old, a four-speaker stereo is included. You can add the aforementioned media control system, fixed roof bars, six airbags, and parking sensors.

Expression models look like the best value and spruce up the Dusters' appearance with 17-inch alloy wheels. They get seven—and 10.1-inch screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a handy reversing camera.

Extreme models are aimed at active lifestyle types. They have modular roof bars, rubber floor mats, and washable interior upholstery. They also get built-in satellite navigation, automatic air conditioning, and cool looks courtesy of 18-inch wheels and bronze exterior highlights.

Journey models represent the highest echelons of Dacia ownership and will likely expose you to steep depreciation. Stomaching the expense gets you wireless phone charging, keyless entry and an all-singing-and-dancing stereo with six speakers and surround sound.

2024 Dacia Duster price and release date

Dacia has yet to set a price for the new Duster, but you expect it to start from around £18,000 for a basic two-wheel drive model and rise to more than £25,000 for a four-wheel drive in high-end Journey trim. Sales are expected to start any day now, with first deliveries expected in the winter.