Dacia set for compact SUV dust-up

Dacia isn't exactly a household name in Australia, but the cheap-and-cheerful brand has forged a strong following in its native Romania, as well other European nations and emerging markets.

It's with the latter in mind that the Renault-owned company has conceived the appropriately named Duster (pictured), a low-cost SUV based on a Nissan B platform (also used by the likes of the Nissan Tiida).

The newcomer follows in the wake of the Logan and Sandero ranges, which have found a following among value-conscious shoppers in the aforementioned markets.

The compact all-terrainer will be built in front-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, and its maker says the vehicle's high ground clearance, wide wheel arches and body protection are "an open invitation to take on even the toughest surfaces".

The Romanian manufacturer also touts the Duster's compactness -- it measures 4.31m long, 1.82m wide and weighs just 1180kg in front-drive form and 1280kg for the AWD version -- which boosts fuel economy and manoeuvrability.

European sales begin in the second quarter of 2010, but the company says the Duster will eventually become a global vehicle (badged as either a Renault or a Dacia, following the example of Logan and Sandero).

Dacia says the Duster project was born out of the simple premise that "a real need existed in the world for an affordable, comfortable and rugged 4x4, a class which is currently not well served".

Given that it will be pitched strongly at emerging markets, Dacia equipped the Duster with a strengthened undercarriage that's claimed to be suitable for dirt roads and all-terrain use, thanks to its high ground clearance (more than 200mm) and good clearance angles (approach angle: 30 degrees; departure angle: more than 35 degrees).

Both the 4x2 and 4x4 versions of Dacia Duster will be available with a choice of three engines -- a 1.6-litre petrol powerplant with 81kW, or dCi (turbodiesel) units with 63kW or 77kW.

Standard safety gear in Europe will include dual airbags, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist.

Pricing is yet to be announced, but overseas sources suggest the Duster could start around 15,000 euros (around $24,500 in our money), strengthening its value-for-money credentials.

There are no plans to introduce Dacia products to Australia. It's not impossible that the Duster could eventually make its way here wearing Renault badges, although that would be unlikely, on the strength of a statement issued by Renault Australia today. We've reproduced Renault's statement below -- in response to questions from the Carsales Network.

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