Work continues on the redesigned Dacia Duster as spy photographers have snapped a prototype undergoing testing in Europe. Despite being heavily camouflaged, the Duster is instantly recognizable as it blends styling elements from its predecessor with those found on the Bigster concept. One of the most noticeable changes is the revamped grille, which is flanked by slender headlights. Further below, there’s an evolutionary bumper with vertical air curtains and a pronounced intake that echoes the one found on the current model. The latter appears to have a skid plate-like surround, but it’s hard to be certain at this point.
Moving further back, the rounded wheel
arches have been replaced by angular fender flares. They’re joined by new door
handles, a modern greenhouse, and muscular rear haunches that echo the Bigster
concept. The rear end is heavily disguised, but we can make out a few
interesting details including a puzzle piece-like liftgate that ‘fits’ into the
distinctively styled taillights. We can also see an edgy rear spoiler and a
comically large tailpipe, which won’t carryover to the production model.
Dacia hasn’t said much about the
redesigned Duster, but the automaker has already confirmed the model will be
based on the CMF-B platform and go into production at the Mioveni plant in
Romania next year. The model will then be followed by a larger C-segment SUV,
which is the true embodiment of the Bigster concept, in 2025.
Engine options remain a mystery, but the
current Duster offers an assortment of petrol and diesel options. Among them
are a 1.0-liter TCe 90 with 89 hp, a 1.3-liter TCe 130 with 129
hp, and a 1.3-liter TCe 150 with 148 hp.
Customers can also get a 1.5-liter Blue dCi 115, which develops 114 hp and 250 Nm of torque.
That being said, powertrain updates are
expected and the model will likely share options with its CMF-B counterparts.
There have also been rumors that the diesel offerings could be dropped, but
nothing is official at this point.
