SPY PICS: New Dacia Duster spotted testing
Renault budget brand’s small SUV caught testing in Spain; hot tip for launch in Australia in 2025The next-generation 2025 Dacia Duster has been spotted testing in Spain, providing our best look yet at the upcoming small SUV that’s expected to hit Australian showrooms by mid-decade badged as a Renault.
A rival for the Jeep Compass, Subaru Crosstrek, Suzuki Jimny and other off-road-oriented compact SUVs, the new Duster’s intent is clear with its short overhangs and generous ground clearance, which combine with a stout and nuggety body with lots of creases and contours.
Factor in the full-length roof rails and generous tyre profile – even if the tread is road-friendly – and you’re left with a cool-looking and capable 4x4.
Despite being shroud in detail-altering camo wrap, the new Duster’s previously reported resemblance to the Dacia Bigster concept – which has now been confirmed for production – is apparent with the same blocky full-width lighting signature, slimline headlights and chunky front bumper.
Its most muscular and capable-looking angle is side-on, where we can see a sloping tailgate, high roofline, integrated spoiler and rear door handles in the C-pillar.
This stocky theme is continued at the back by a chunky set of tail-lights and thick bumper.
Renault Australia executives have already confirmed the inclusion of four-wheel drive as standard – at least on the versions destined for Oz – and small-capacity turbo-petrol engines, the latter likely to be pinched from the Renault Captur and Renault Arkana that given all three models will share the same Alliance CMF-B platform.
That would see the new Duster offer class-competitive outputs of around 115kW/260Nm from a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. It would also likely ship with the Renault models’ seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
In comparison, the inbound Subaru Crosstrek pairs a 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the Jeep Compass features a 129kW/230Nm 2.4-litre engine and a nine-speed automatic.
The new Duster is anticipated to debut early next year ahead of its European launch later in 2024, but an Australian launch is not expected until 2025.
A new-generation Dacia Oroch pick-up is also set to materialise soon as the Duster’s more utilitarian sibling.
Related: Dacia Bigster confirmed for 2025
Related: Dacia Duster, Bigster and Oroch for Australia
Related: Dacia Duster may hit Oz from under $30K
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