We were instant fans of the Dacia Duster Concept in Geneva - see our exclusive video report here. And already Renault's budget sub-brand has released first official shots of the production version.
Fortunately, Dacia's first SUV retains the same basic layout and many of the eye-grabbing design cues from the show car. The squat profile, front grille extending behind the front arches and the distinctive rear lights remain virtually untouched, but there are a few unavoidable changes.
The Concept's high-mounted wing mirrors have been swapped for more conventional units borrowed from the Dacia Logan, while single suicide doors and oversize alloys have been swapped for two normal openings in each side, and more feasible 16-inch rims.
Based on the Nissan X-Trail thanks to the Nissan-Renault alliance, the Duster will be available with either a 105bhp 1.5 dCi engine, or a 1.6-litre petrol tuned to 90 or 105bhp.
Despite this early unveil, we won't get to see the production car until the Geneva Motor Show next March, with European sales starting soon afterwards. There's no conformation yet that the Dacia brand will make it to the UK, but if it keeps producing cars as good as this it can't arrive soon enough! For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express