Frankfurt Auto Show 2013: Dacia Duster
Just like any other manufacturer, Dacia also revealed some press shots of the facelifted Duster before the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. While details at that time were scarce, the Romanian automaker has unfurled more information on the car and also images before its actual showcase. Previous images had Dacia showcasing a beefed up Duster with LED head lamp elements and the works, this time around there are interior shots as well. Dacia mentions in their press release that the facelifted Duster has improved quality and styling on the inside. There is the media navigation system, speed limiter/cruise control, rear parking assist and electronic stability control as standard equipment on Euro5 models. There is also new upholstery and the dashboard design also has been altered. The power window switches have now been moved onto the driver's side, replacing the earlier ergonomically poor positioning below the parking brake. The audio controls are now mounted on the steering wheel as against the unit mounted behind as in the pre-facelift.
The 4x4 Dacia Duster gets two special design packages. The Adventure pack brings in door sill protectors and flared wheel arches while the Off-road pack has a bull bar and satin chrome side bars.
The biggest change of all though is the introduction of a new 1.2-litre direction-injection turbo motor (TCe 125) which promises around 125PS and as Dacia says "offers 90% of maximum torque from just 1,500 rpm." Fuel efficiency is rated at six litres to 100km which translates to around 17kmpl. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Dacia will still continue to offer the 1.6-litre 105PS petrol engine with a CNG option as well. The diesel engines will continue with the 1.5-litre configuration and 90/110PS power outputs. Dacia have added a gear shift indicator and Eco mode to some models to help customers shift at the appropriate point and reduce fuel consumption.
We believe that the 1.2 petrol motor and the facelift will eventually make it to India. Small turbocharged engines are hot property as the GT TSI and EcoBoost have amply demonstrated. It makes sense for Renault to bring in this engine to take on the EcoSport head on. An Auto Expo unveil then? We hope so.