The Dacia Duster has been the brand’s outstanding success in Ireland. This value SUV created waves on the market with its low price and delivered sales of more than 10,000 for the first generation model. Recently, Dacia, which is part of the Renault Group, upgraded the Duster and I’ve given their entry petrol powered model a try.

A preference for petrol or non-diesel seems to be the trend, so I was conscious of the running costs of this new Duster.

The latest Duster has a refreshed styling

While the on-road performance is good, with smooth power delivery from a four-cylinder 1.2l petrol engine, SUV drivers are always striving for greater economy. I’ve compared the petrol and diesel Duster models more in terms of running costs than specifications, the latter of which are broadly the same.

I drove the entry level Techroad model, branded as the TCe 130 model, which comes with a 1.3l petrol engine from the original Renault family of engines. Less powerful petrol versions are available at a competitive looking entry price of €17,990. The entry level diesel versions, which come with a starting price of €19,700, are almost a €2,000 price jump. So is the price difference worth it?

Styling

The new-look Dacia Duster has some fresh styling in the front, back and inside to give it a more modern look. This is a more compact and value-friendly SUV, with entry prices starting at €17,990 or £15,645 in N. Ireland for the petrol-powered models.

On first impression, the latest Duster has a refreshed styling. While Dacia claims that the exterior styling is brand-new and not one body panel has been carried over from the previous generation car, you’ll still recognise it as a Duster. There are also new 17in wheels with arch trims and a new, more distinctive grille extending to the head lights. The car looks a little wider and more modern.

The Dacia Duster is not the most spacious SUV, elbow room is a little tight.

There are even bigger changes on the inside. The dashboard and interior have been totally revised, while remaining uncomplicated. The centre console is now positioned higher for easier use and Dacia claims that it has a short viewing distance.

The brand claims that the seats are new, with a longer base and fitted with denser foam for improved comfort and support. The front seats have an armrest, lumbar adjustment and a better height-adjustment system. Dacia also claims that the new Duster is quieter, while its petrol engine is gentle on the ear.

The dash design on the Dacia Duster is plain and simple, with a functional and raised infotainment screen.

The Duster TCe 130 has an electric power steering system, common on many modern cars, which makes parking easier. There is a host of new safety technology features, but the car has yet to complete a Euro NCAP test, as its previous rating was low at three stars.

Climate control is available for the first time on the Duster and the improved layout of the cabin features three rotary controls to match the three air vents located at the top of the dashboard.

The new Duster is also available with Blind Spot Warning, where four ultrasound sensors detect any vehicles, including motorcycles and trucks, coming from the rear or side. A warning light flashes in the door mirror if any danger is detected. The car is said to be safer due to its reinforced vehicle frame, new seat frames, curtain airbags and automatic headlight activation.

Impressions

My Duster was supposed to deliver a range of 603km based on the previous driver’s performance, while I achieved a figure of close to 700km, being conscious of the engine’s economy behaviour once you push up the engine revs. That’s about 12% off the rated economy level of 14.1km/l (7.1l/100km or 40mpg), which in itself is impressive.

I’ve since had a run in the commercial version of the Dacia Duster with its 1.4l diesel engine and I was even more impressed.

The test version of the Dacia Duster that I drove was powered by a 1.3l Renault-developed petrol engine, which develops 130bhp and 240Nm of torque and is a smooth but thirsty performer.

I much preferred driving the diesel version and the economy figures are also far more impressive at 18.5km/l (5.4l/100km or 52mpg). That’s roughly a 30% difference in fuel economy for a 10% difference in price.

Add the price difference between diesel and petrol and you’ll notice the weekly running cost difference. That should be enough to convince anyone that diesel power is by far the more economical choice for Dacia Duster drivers.

The Techroad version of the Dacia Duster comes with new design 17in alloy wheels, while standard versions come on smaller 16in wheel rims.

My overall impression of the new Dacia Duster is that it retains its value for money badge with honour. The entry price at €17,990 or £15,645 in N. Ireland is still value if you don’t require a heavy-duty SUV or strong towing power, which is reasonable at 1.5t for the diesel versions. The three-year or 100,000km warranty rounds off the value package.