Dacia continues the
modernization of its engine range with the new TCe 100 gasoline engine for the
second-generation Duster. Replacing the SCe 115 naturally aspirated 1.6-liter
four-cylinder engine, the TCe 100 turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit
brings reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well as more torque.
Built at the
Pitesti plant in Romania, the TCe 100 is one of Renault Nissan Alliance’s
latest power plants. Offered exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission
and front-wheel drive, the turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivers 100 PS and 160 Nm of torque.
Thanks to the
turbo, the engine is said to offer enhanced responsiveness and greater energy
efficiency thanks mainly to the higher peak torque (by 4 Nm) delivered from a
lower engine speed (2,750 rpm compared to 4,000 rpm). Equipped with the new
powertrain, the Duster is slightly slower than with the SCe 115 unit, though.
It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.5 seconds vs. 11.9 seconds
before) and reaches a top speed of 168 km/h vs. 172 km/h.
Still, the new
power plant does offer 18 percent lower CO2 emissions and fuel consumption than
the SCe 115. The average fuel economy as per WLTP is 5.5 liters/100 km, with
corresponding CO2 emissions of 125 g/km. In France, the new engine is available
on the Access and Essential trim levels starting at € 12,490 (US$ 13,900) including VAT. The new engine expands the Duster lineup which already
includes Blue dCi 95 and Blue DCi 115 diesels as well as TCe 130 GPF and TCe
150 GPF gasoline units.
