Dacia Duster’s off-Road Prowess Impresses Latvian Car of the Year jury

The Dacia Duster, known for its affordability, practicality, and off-road capabilities, continues its legacy with ⁤the⁤ third-generation model.But how did the latest‍ Duster fare with the jury of the Latvian Car of the Year 2025⁣ competition?

Strong Showing, Close Competition

The Dacia Duster was⁢ a strong contender ⁣for awards, ‍but the jury’s ⁣tight scoring meant that subtle nuances⁢ determined the final rankings. The ⁣Duster tied‍ with the Toyota Camry ‍for third place in points, but the camry received higher individual scores ⁣from jury members, ultimately placing the Duster in a respectable fourth position.

Familiar Silhouette, Modern Touches

While the‍ new Duster boasts a more modern and⁢ distinctive appearance compared to its predecessor,⁣ the overall silhouette and dimensions remain⁢ similar. Drivers familiar with previous Duster⁢ models will find the driving position and handling characteristics instantly recognizable. Distinctive⁤ LED lighting‍ and sharp body lines give the Duster an expressive⁤ and recognizable look.

Interior and Engine Options

The interior design follows a similar approach, offering a more appealing aesthetic.Duster buyers ⁢have a choice of three engine options, primarily with front-wheel drive. The base model features a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 100 horsepower,⁣ equipped with a factory-installed LPG (autogas) system.

The next⁣ engine in the lineup is a ⁣1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with ⁣130 horsepower, incorporating mild-hybrid ⁢technology. This engine is available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.⁣ Both of these engines are paired ‍with a manual transmission. The most powerful option is a self-charging hybrid featuring ⁢a 1.6-liter turbocharged ⁢gasoline engine producing 140 horsepower, coupled with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Notably, the new Duster generation no longer offers a diesel engine option due to ‍environmental considerations.

Enhanced Features and Pricing

The⁣ latest Duster generation includes a wider range of comfort and safety⁢ features, such as a 10-inch multimedia⁤ system, wireless phone charger, and⁤ lane-keeping assist. ⁤Depending on the chosen trim level and engine, the new Duster’s price ranges from approximately €17,890 to €25,790.

Jury member Feedback

Andris Valdemārs, “Latvenergo” Transport Director, noted: “Initially, during⁢ jury discussions, we were skeptical about how ⁢the gasoline and mild-hybrid combination in the 4×4 version would perform off-road, a characteristic previously associated with diesel engines in the earlier models. Though, after testing, we must admit that the new Duster is excellent off-road. This is further enhanced⁣ by its exemplary (slightly ⁤improved) geometric⁣ parameters and relatively low weight (1498 kg for the 4×4 version). ⁤The⁣ 4×4 version is only available with a manual transmission, but its well-balanced gear ratios are worth mentioning. In situations where other SUVs’ wheels started to spin and electronic traction aids‍ engaged, the Duster climbed with ease in second gear. First gear is very ‘short’ and effectively serves as a low range.”

Practicality is a key feature ‍of the⁤ Duster. The interior and exterior are designed for “real people,” as highlighted in the ⁣model’s brochure. The interior includes storage ⁣for small items and a useful “You Clip” system for attaching devices or cup holders. A wide network of authorized service representatives is available to ‍Dacia owners.

In its price range, even the base⁤ “Essential” trim level offers few grounds for criticism, as evidenced by the sales figures of previous models. The third-generation Duster appears ⁢poised to continue its predecessors’ success. The 2024 model received a three-star rating in Euro NCAP⁣ safety tests, with a ⁣high score of 84% for‍ child safety and a lower score of 57% for safety assist systems. Compared to the previous 2017 generation, it has improved in three of the four tested parameters. The Duster’s main advantage lies in corporate financial statements, where life-cycle ⁢cost calculations demonstrate that few models in its class ⁣offer comparable performance.

Guntars Pulss, auto journalist and editor-in-chief⁣ of “Profi Latvija,”⁢ said: “The new Duster…”

Dacia Duster Retains Appeal with Updated Design, ⁢Off-road⁢ Capability

The Dacia Duster, a budget-kind SUV, continues to ⁤impress⁣ with its affordability, simple design, and⁣ notable off-road performance. Despite the discontinuation ⁣of the diesel engine, the Duster remains a strong contender in its class, offering a compelling value proposition.

Journalists weigh‍ In on the Duster’s Strengths

Several ⁣automotive journalists have shared their perspectives on the latest Dacia⁢ Duster, highlighting its improvements and key features.

The⁢ Duster’s Enduring Appeal

the new Dacia Duster remains⁣ a practical and capable SUV, maintaining the qualities that have made it ‍popular worldwide over the past 14 years. While the replacement of the diesel engine with a gasoline hybrid ⁣system may disappoint some, the Duster continues to adapt to evolving market demands.In its price range, the Duster faces few competitors.

Dacia Duster ⁢Aims for Top Honors in Latvia’s⁢ Car of the Year Competition

The Dacia Duster, a familiar sight on European roads for 14 years, is ⁣once again vying for recognition in the “Latvian Car of the Year” competition. The competition, held for the 26th time since ⁤1998, aims to highlight the latest automotive advancements available in the Latvian market.

Third Generation Duster: A Digital Transformation

Jānis ‍Bite,head ‍of the “Latvijas Valsts meži” (Latvian State Forests) farm management,notes the evolution of the Duster. “While the ⁢second ⁣generation largely retained the original platform with bodywork modifications, the third-generation Duster⁤ is built on the CMF-B ⁢LS platform,” Bite said. He added that the new model boasts a visually distinct ‍design while retaining key⁢ features like high ground clearance, favorable approach and⁢ departure angles, and ⁣all-wheel drive.

According to Bite, the Duster has transitioned from a ⁤primarily mechanical and analog vehicle to a more digital and visually imposing one, despite maintaining ⁤similar dimensions.

Hybrid Powertrain Takes Center Stage

A notable change in⁤ the new duster is the absence⁢ of a‍ diesel engine ⁢option for the European⁢ market. Replacing it is a hybrid powertrain,similar to those found in other Renault ⁢and Nissan⁢ models. This system uses ‍a gasoline engine to power a generator, which in ⁢turn charges a lithium-ion battery. The ⁣battery then powers an electric motor that drives the wheels.

This ⁢configuration eliminates the need for a clutch and gearbox,reducing the number of wear-prone components. Test drives⁢ suggest the⁤ hybrid offers a smooth and responsive driving experience,notably ⁣in off-road conditions where ‍the electric motor’s torque provides enhanced control.

4×4 Options and Engine Choices

For those requiring all-wheel drive, the Duster offers a mild-hybrid, 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine producing 130 horsepower. A smaller, 1.0-liter gasoline engine compatible with LPG (liquefied ‍petroleum gas) is also available for drivers ⁣prioritizing ‍fuel economy.

Drivers should note that the engine seems to perform better at⁢ 105 km/h in ⁣top gear than at 90‍ km/h, likely due to the gear ratios.

Video ⁢Review

See the Dacia duster in action:

The “Latvian Car of the Year” competition aims to draw public attention to the ⁢latest achievements of car manufacturers available ⁢in Latvia, with the support of ‍a competent jury, manufacturers,⁢ and media.