Filed under: 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, Budget, SUV, Videos, Crossover, Design/Style, MISC
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Despite riding on a unibody and being more of a softroader than a proper 4x4, the Dacia Duster has always sort of reminded us of the Nissan XTerra. In other words, it’s basic, hard-wearing, handsome and affordable in a really compelling way. In the US market, that hasn’t worked out to big sales for the Nissan, but globally that formula has chalked up some big sales - 400,000 units in 3 years - for Renault’s Romanian bargain brand. In fact, it’s worked so well that Nissan has cribbed a version of the Duster for itself, badging it as the Terrano.
For us at least, the Duster/XTerra parallels continue with this new facelifted version just unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, thanks largely to its new look. Not only does it gain a new roof rack that reminds us of the Nissan, it also has so-called “double-optic” headlamps that vaguely remind us of the facelifted first-generation Xterra that bowed in 2002. All-in, the new model looks a bit more upscale than its predecessor, but not in a way that detracts from its rugged honesty.
Headlining changes for the Dacia Duster include a new 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engine and an updated interior with a new dashboard and center console. In addition, there’s new available equipment including Bluetooth and a navigation system, along with additional standard features like electronic stability control (hey, we told you it was basic, right?). All that for a starting price of under $14,000. Our crush on this affordable overseas ute continues. For all the details, view our gallery above and check out the press release and Dacia’s walk-around video, below.Continue reading 2014 Dacia Duster furthers our admiration from afar [w/video]
2014 Dacia Duster furthers our admiration from afar [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Sep 2013 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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