Dacia Duster review - MPG, running costs & CO2 emissions
“Some may lament the loss of a diesel option, but the Duster’s new Hybrid model and mid-range mild-hybrid tech improves efficiency”
The latest Dacia Duster gets a choice of engines, but unfortunately we won't get the Bi-Fuel model capable of running on cheaper LPG fuel in the UK – this was a unique option also available on the outgoing model that was useful if you lived near an LPG fuel pump, but it wasn't as popular as it is elsewhere in Europe. It’s worth noting, however, that the 1.0-litre engine is actually now the least frugal on fuel, and while LPG gas is cheaper to buy, the Duster will burn through it more quickly than when running on petrol, so it won't be terribly missed.
The new 1.2-litre petrol engine gets mild-hybrid assistance by way of a 48V generator which Dacia says reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 10% compared to the outgoing version’s more basic 1.2-litre engine.
First introduced on the Dacia Jogger MPV, the Duster SUV will now be available with a full-hybrid option for the utmost in fuel economy. It’s able to drive for shorter distances at lower speeds on electricity, with the 1.6-litre petrol engine kicking in when appropriate.
|
Model |
Fuel economy |
CO2 emissions |
|
1.2-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid petrol |
51.3mpg |
123-124g/km |
|
4x4 1.2-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid petrol |
47.1mpg |
135-137g/km |
|
1.6-litre full-hybrid petrol |
56.5mpg |
113-115g/km |
How efficient is the Dacia Duster in the real world?
Official fuel economy figures are one thing, but during our testing of the 1.2-litre two-wheel drive model, we managed 46.3mpg. While it’s down on the lofty quoted fuel economy, it’s not terribly far off, and we think it’s a very respectable figure.
How much will the Dacia Duster cost in tax?
Most of the Dacia Duster range will fall into the standard VED (road tax) category, though the Hybrid model should qualify for a £10 annual discount given its status as an alternative-fuel vehicle. The best version of the Duster to go for if you’re a company-car buyer is the Hybrid because its lower CO2 emissions will put it into a more moderate Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax band.
What will the Dacia Duster cost to insure?
It’s yet to be seen which insurance groups the latest Dacia Duster will fall into, but for reference the outgoing car ranges from groups 11 to 15 out of 50, so it’s not a particularly expensive car to insure. We wouldn’t expect the latest version to differ too much from these figures, but the new full hybrid could fall into a higher group, though nothing is confirmed.
