The Upgraded Dacia Duster Hybrid: More Power and Efficiency

The automotive landscape continues to evolve, and the Dacia Duster Hybrid is making waves with its recent upgrades. This beloved SUV has received notable enhancements including increased horsepower and improved fuel efficiency. In this article, we'll delve into the details of these updates and what they mean for prospective buyers.

Key Enhancements in the Dacia Duster Hybrid

The Dacia Duster is known for its practicality and value, and the latest hybrid versions aim to build upon these strengths. The new versions include a carefully refined engine lineup that offers more power while maintaining efficient fuel consumption.

Increased Horsepower

The centerpiece of the upgrades is the enhancement of the middle-tier 128bhp mild-hybrid engine, which has seen an increase of 10bhp. This improvement stems from a new version of the 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. As a result, drivers can expect a slightly quicker 0-62 mph time of around 9.9 seconds.

Fuel Economy and Emissions

Despite the increased horsepower, fuel economy remains competitive at 52 miles per gallon (mpg). However, it's worth noting that the CO2 emissions have increased slightly to 122g/km. This level of efficiency makes the Duster Hybrid a strong contender in the compact SUV category, appealing to both environmentally conscious drivers and those looking to save on fuel costs.

Full-Hybrid Option

For those seeking even more power, the range-topping hybrid version now offers a significant upgrade. The 138bhp hybrid model features a new system that combines a 109bhp four-cylinder petrol engine with a 49bhp electric motor, a starter-generator, and an enlarged 1.4kWh battery pack—0.2kWh larger than its predecessor. This configuration allows the vehicle to maintain an impressive fuel economy of 58mpg while reducing CO2 emissions to 105g/km.

Interior Upgrades

Dacia has not only enhanced the powertrain but has also made thoughtful updates to the interior of the Duster. The Journey trim level showcases new upholstery options, adding a touch of modern comfort to the driving experience. Additionally, the Extreme trim now boasts stylish black 18-inch alloy wheels.

Standard Features

To enhance driver convenience, both the Journey and Extreme models are now equipped with adaptive cruise control as a standard feature. This addition reflects Dacia's commitment to providing safer and more enjoyable driving experiences for occupants.

Pricing and Availability

While Dacia has not yet released the official pricing for the updated Duster models, the expectation is that the prices will rise slightly due to the new enhancements. Currently, the mild-hybrid variant starts at approximately £21,820, while the full-hybrid model is priced from £24,830.

Order books for the updated Duster are set to open in November, making it an exciting time for those looking to purchase this versatile vehicle.

Market Reception

The third-generation Duster has been met with remarkable success. According to Luke Broad, UK brand director for Dacia, the feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, there has been a noticeable 22% increase in inquiries and deliveries. Managing this demand without overwhelming dealers has proven to be a new but