Dacia is on a roll this year with new models arriving, including the new Duster along with the all-new Spring, Ireland's most affordable fully electric vehicle.
Starting at €16,990, after the SEAI grant, the new Dacia Spring is first and foremost a light and compact car, weighing in at just 975kg. The Spring has a maximum range of up to 225km (WLTP ) from a 26.8kWh battery pack.
It is available in two well-equipped trim levels, Expression and Extreme. The former comes with a choice of the 45hp version with 7kW AC charging or the 65hp version with 7kW AC and 30kW DC charging. The Extreme version comes only with the 65hp motor and AC and DC charging.
All versions feature parking sensors, cruise control, air conditioning, electric windows and a host of ADAS features including driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition and speed alert, many of which can be switched off with a simple double-click thanks to MySafety switch.
The small SUV fits four seats into a compact platform, with legroom said to be good for all occupants. The Spring’s boot offers a generous 308-litre capacity while the rear seat’s backrest can be folded down to extend that to over 1,000-litres.
The range-topping Extreme version includes a sizeable 10.1-inch multimedia screen with built in navigation and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Essential versions include a digital radio as well as Bluetooth combined with a dash-mount for a smartphone – to which customers can download the Dacia Media Control app for Navigation as well as Bluetooth-enabled access to many of the new Spring’s onboard systems. All versions include Dacia’s new YouClip accessory mounting points.
Duster joins Spring
Building on the merits of its predecessor, the new Duster enhances the multi-award-winning formula with a distinctive new design, greater interior comfort and space, and the latest technologies including hybrid powertrains and advancements in safety.
The new model offers even more specification from its four familiar trim levels - Essential, Expression, Journey and Extreme. Available with three engine variants, customers will now be able to choose from three drive trains starting with the 1.0 petrol/LPG, a brand new 1.2 petrol turbo with mild hybrid technology and a 1.6 full HEV.
The Hybrid 140 comprises a four-cylinder, 1.6-litre, 94 hp petrol engine, two electric motors and a clutchless gearbox. Its efficiency makes it possible to drive in all-electric mode up to 80% of the time in cities, which reduces fuel consumption by up to 40% on the urban cycle.
The TCe 130 combines a three-cylinder, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid motor which aids the combustion engine when starting off or accelerating, helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by about 10 per cent.
Continuing Dacia’s use of LPG, the TCe 100 Bi-Fuel offers a combined range of more than 1,200km (WLTP ) thanks to its dual 50-litre tanks. A dash-mounted button switches between petrol and LPG quickly and imperceptibly, and while operating on gas the new Duster emits on average around 10 per cent less CO2 than a comparable petrol engine, according to the brand.
The new Duster features 'Starkle' side protectors and wheel arches, manufactured from 20 per cent. recycled plastics. It also comes with roof bars as standard.
Inside, standard equipment with the Essential version includes a multimedia system that can be controlled from your smartphone. This multimedia system includes digital radio, four speakers, Bluetooth, steering wheel controls and voice recognition. Safety features comprise Active Emergency Braking (AEBS ), Traffic Sign Recognition with Speed Alert, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning (Journey & Extreme only ), Hill Descent Speed Monitoring (4x4 only ) and the Multi View Camera.
Expression, Journey and Extreme versions feature a large 10.1-inch central touchscreen, with wireless smartphone replication for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Real time traffic navigation and up-to-date maps are included on Journey and Extreme. Drivers can also benefit from the practical connected services such as remote vehicle location or the display of the mileage information through your MY Dacia app. The new 3D sound system developed by Arkamys includes six speakers.
The new Dacia Duster is competitively priced from just €25,990.
