Dacia Duster Commercial launched

• 1.5 cubic metre load bay
• Two trim levels
• Prices start at £15,309

The new Dacia Duster Commercial has been revealed. As the name suggests, it’s aimed at businesses; the back seats have been removed to create a large cargo area. Prices start from £15,309 including VAT.

Buyers get a 1.5 cubic metre load space, a 492kg payload and the ability to carry items measuring up to 1.5m in length. While these figures are beaten by many purpose-built small vans, the Duster’s low price and the availability of four-wheel drive are likely to appeal to some businesses.

The standard Duster’s two petrol engines and one diesel engine can be chosen for the Commercial version. An 89bhp 1.0-litre ‘TCe 90’ petrol kicks off the range, or you can select the 1.3-litre TCe 130 engine with 128bhp and more torque, which may be appreciated when the vehicle is fully laden. Both return 45mpg but the punchier petrol engine is also better at towing, with a 1,458kg towing capacity.

Four-wheel drive becomes available if you choose the diesel engine. It produces 113bhp and returns 57.7mpg in two-wheel-drive guise (51.4mpg for the 4x4). A six-speed manual is the only gearbox option across the range.

Two trim levels are available: Essential and Comfort. Electric windows, air con, DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity await buyers of the Essential model, while Comfort adds alloy wheels, chrome trim, electrically adjustable door mirrors and front fog lights. Inside, Comfort also gets a touchscreen with a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It starts from £16,989, which seems good value considering the equipment on offer.

Metallic paint is £560 extra and you can specify a spare wheel for £175. We’re told it doesn’t affect cargo space.

Read about the Toyota Land Cruiser Utility, or check out our guides to the best 4x4s.