Dacia has added a new engine to its Duster line-up, which cuts running costs.
The 1.6-litre 16-valve 115hp unit is Euro-6 emissions compliant, with a combination of more performance alongside reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
The new unit replaces the previous 105hp engine and as well as the extra power it boasts an additional 6lbft of torque – now 115lbft.
This translates to a 0-62mph time cut from 11.5 to 11 seconds in two-wheel-drive models with a 1mph faster top speed, while the 4×4 car’s 12-second 0-62mph time is eight tenths faster, the maximum speed increased by 5mph.
CO2 emissions on 4×4 models are cut by a significant 30g/km to 155g/km and fuel consumption drops by 6.2mpg to 41.5mpg as a result the annual Vehicle Excise Duty charge is £10 less at £170.
On 2WD variants, CO2 is down 20g/km t 145g/km, fuel economy 4.3mpg better at 44.1mpg, and the annual VED £35 cheaper at £145.
Alongside the running-cost advantages the new engine also improves the towing capacity of 2WD cars – up from 1,200 to 1,500kg and comparable to 4×4 models. Benefit in Kind tax for company drivers drops four bands on all-wheel=drive versions and two bands with 2WD models.
Meanwhile there have been improvements to the 1.5 dCi 110 turbodiesel, an extra 15lbft taking the torque figure to 192lbft. Combined fuel consumption is now 64.2mpg (7.7mpg better) in 2WD models and 60.1mpg (6.8mpg better) in 4x4s; CO2 emissions are down to 115g/km (-15g/km) and 123g/km (-12g/km) respectively; and every model is one band lower in the VED and BIK scales.
Dacia has also streamlined the model range to now offer ten versions of the Duster in a more progressive and logical line-up.
There are two entry-level Access models (2WD and 4WD), both powered by the new 1.6-litre, 16-valve 115 engine; mid-range Ambiance trim is available with both engines and both drivelines; and at the top of the range there are Lauréate and Lauréate Prime versions, all diesel, in 2WD and 4WD formats.
The new Renault-sourced engines are also resulting in more efficient models in Dacia’s Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Logan MCV ranges.
