Dacia Duster for UK gains Euro 6 engines and new 1.6 petrol
Dacia has updated the Duster SUV in Britain with a new 1.6-litre Euro 6 petrol engine, improved emissions, and start/stop technology across the range.
Dacia has introduced a new 1.6-litre Euro 6-compliant petrol engine for the Duster SUV in the UK, raising power output and improving emissions to meet the latest European standards. The changes, announced for the 2016 model year, apply to both two- and four-wheel drive versions.
The new naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine produces 115 PS, an increase of 10 PS over the previous unit, and torque rises by 8 Nm to 156 Nm. Dacia states this is a new engine, not just an upgraded version of the outgoing one. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox in 4x2 models and a six-speed manual for 4x4 versions.
Performance improves slightly, with the 0-62 mph time dropping to 11 seconds for the front-wheel drive and 12 seconds for the all-wheel drive, both quicker than before. The engine also brings a standard stop/start system, which helps reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Official figures put emissions at 145 g/km for 4x2 and 155 g/km for 4x4 models, a reduction of up to 30 g/km compared to the outgoing engines.
Pricing and trim details
The updated Duster starts at £9,495 for the Access trim with the new engine and front-wheel drive. Choosing all-wheel drive or higher trim levels pushes the price above the £10,000 mark. The Duster remains the most affordable SUV in its class, undercutting most rivals even after the upgrade.
The Duster’s Euro 6 upgrade forms part of a wider update across Dacia’s UK range. The Sandero, Logan MCV and Sandero Stepway have also received Euro 6 engines, with the 1.2-litre 16V 75 petrol and 0.9-litre TCe 90 petrol now emitting less CO2 and benefiting from start/stop. The familiar 1.5 dCi 90 diesel engine is now Euro 6 compliant and drops below the 100 g/km CO2 threshold, further lowering running costs for buyers.
Emissions and efficiency gains
The move to Euro 6 brings lower emissions, especially important for buyers facing tax and congestion charges in urban areas. The updated Duster’s petrol and diesel options both offer improved efficiency, with the petrol’s reduction in CO2 output among the most notable changes. These upgrades keep the Duster competitive as stricter emissions rules come into force across Europe.
For a look at what’s next for the Duster, including plans for a seven-seat version and a new 1.6 dCi diesel, see New Dacia Duster to Launch in 2016 with Seven Seats and 1.6 dCi Diesel.
