2018 Dacia Duster caught on test in Romania

The 2018 Dacia Duster was recently spied testing by a Digi24 reader near Curtea de Arges in Romania. The all-new Duster is not far from its official debut, the IAA 2017 on September 12 expected to stage the event.

The second generation model will feature an evolutionary design maintaining the traditional, boxy proportions. The SUV's length will grow from 4.3 metres to 4.4 metres with the redesign. The next-gen model will have a 7-seat version joining the range next year.

Reports speculate CMF underpinnings for the next-gen Renault Duster but that's highly unlikely. The low techno-commercial viability for the CMF-B architecture endangers the Duster's key USP - the bargain price. The Renault-Nissan Alliance will utilise the CMF architecture for the global soft crossovers and let the Duster continue with the robust, low-cost and proven B0/Logan platform, albeit with upgrades.

The current Duster scores poorly in safety, and next-gen Duster will gain ground in this aspect. However don't expect advanced driver assistance or semi-autonomous technologies in the low-cost vehicle. An improvement in connectivity technologies is likely. The SUV's new infotainment system should upgrade to R-Link2 supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The next-gen Duster is said to get a new 1.6-litre dCi diesel engine as a replacement for the 1.5-litre dCi. The 1.2-litre TCe and H4K 1.5-litre petrol engines among others should continue depending on the markets.

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The all-new Duster buyers should get 5-MT, 6-MT, 6-AMT, 6-DCT and CVT options globally. It goes without saying that FWD would continue as the standard drivetrain layout, with AWD optional in high-end variants.

[Source - Digi24]