GOLD DUSTER? (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Car & Driving

The van version of Dacia's Duster SUV returns in this Cargo form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 36

Think of the compact van you were considering. And then think about Dacia's Duster Cargo. Yes, it's car-derived and less practical. But there are quite a few compensations. Not least the potential to go almost anywhere.

Backgroundword count: 76

Potentially, it's always good to be in a category of one. Dacia's original Duster Commercial, the van version of its best-selling compact SUV, was always rather unique, even in the niche market for car-derived vans. Particularly if you ordered it in 4x4 form. And the building site inspectors and country vets who liked the original model can rejoice because much improved third generation Duster range has also spawned an LCV version, this model, the Duster Cargo.

Driving Experienceword count: 267

In place of the diesel units used by the original Duster Commercial, it's now all electrified petrol power for the Duster Cargo, though you can still have a 4WD version. If, like most potential Duster Cargo customers, you want the 4x4 version, you'll have to have the mild hybrid 130 version, which combines a 1.2 litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 48V motor. This aids the combustion engine when starting off or accelerating, helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by about 10%. In the Duster Cargo, this powertrain is coupled with 4x4 transmission as well as Dacia's new 4x4 Terrain Control that offers a choice of five modes to match the prevailing conditions. In addition, Adaptive Hill Descent Control automatically regulates the Duster's speed during steep descents, while 217mm of ground clearance ensures the Duster Cargo should usually get to the job at hand, no matter how remote it is. If you're happy with 2WD, then Dacia will offer you the hybrid 155 version, which combines a 109bhp four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors (a 50hp motor and a high-voltage starter / generator), a 1.4kWh battery (230V) and an automatic electric gearbox. It has four gears for the ICE engine and two for the electric motors. This combined technology is made possible by the absence of a clutch. The regenerative braking function works alongside the battery, with its high energy recovery capacity, and the efficient automatic gearbox, allowing Duster to remain in all-electric mode for significant periods of time in the city. What's more, efficiency is heightened through the vehicle always starting in all-electric mode.

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