In Russia, Duster seems to have become history. FROM leaving Renault’s production of cars has been discontinued, and the revival under the Lada brand still a big question mark. But in Europe, the preparation of the third-generation Dacia Duster crossover is already in full swing. The second generation crossover is here debuted in 2017 and was updated in 2021, so the premiere of the successor is expected in 2024. And interesting details have already appeared about him.
Following the models Logan, Sandero i Jogger the future Duster will replace the Global Access (formerly B0) platform with the modular CMF-B architecture. This promises the emergence of modern electronic systems, but Renault engineers will not adapt the traditional all-wheel drive (with a transfer case, driveshaft and clutch) to it. According to the French edition L’argus, instead the Duster 4×4 will have a separate electric motor to drive the rear axle! Such a solution has long been used, for example, on many Japanese models, and modern hybrids of the Stellantis concern are also arranged. In the conditions of a real off-road, such an all-wheel drive is, of course, useless, but in Europe the requests are different. There, all-wheel drive Dusters are often operated in snowy mountains, and in such conditions, an electric appendage will be viable.
As for appearance, in the third generation Duster will change the familiar design to a completely new one – in the brutal style of last year’s concept. Dacia Bigster (on the picture). According to preliminary information, the current 1.0 TCe (100 hp) and 1.3 TCe (130 or 150 hp) petrol turbo engines will remain in the European range, but there will be no more diesel. Instead, Dusters will be equipped with the E-Tech hybrid powertrain, which is now offered for models Renault Clio и Capturas well as Nissan Juke. It includes a 1.6 petrol aspirator, an electric motor and a robotic gearbox without synchronizers and clutch.
Of course, all the new things will make the “third” Duster noticeably more expensive than the current one. Now Dacia Duster in France costs from 15,500 euros, and for the 4×4 version you need to pay at least 20,300 euros. But wait another two years for a new crossover.