Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Value Proposition:
Affordable, rugged, and practical SUV offering good value for money and capable off-road performance for its class.
Competitors:
Often compared to models like the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Hyundai ix35, and Skoda Yeti, though generally positioned at a lower price point.
Design Philosophy:
Robust construction, utilitarian design, emphasis on durability and cost-effectiveness. Available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations.
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, families, individuals seeking a capable and versatile vehicle for both urban and light off-road use.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust system, powertrain control module (PCM)
Transmission:
Manual transmission (e.g., TL4), automatic transmission (if applicable), clutch system, driveline components (propeller shaft, differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS, EBD)
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, instrumentation, body control module (BCM), infotainment system
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system, airbags, body sealing
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, inspections
Repair:
Component disassembly and reassembly, part replacement procedures, major system repairs, body repair, electrical component repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom analysis, fault code interpretation, wiring diagnostics, mechanical troubleshooting guides
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, diagnostic data, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork
Engine Code Gasoline:
K4M (1.6L 16v)
Engine Description Gasoline:
Naturally aspirated inline-4 cylinder, petrol engine.
Displacement Gasoline:
1.6 liters (1598 cc)
Horsepower Gasoline:
Approx. 105-110 PS (90-96 kW) at 5750 rpm (depending on market and specific tune)
Torque Gasoline:
Approx. 145-150 Nm (107-111 lb-ft) at 3750 rpm
Engine Code Diesel:
K9K (1.5L dCi)
Engine Description Diesel
Engine Description Diesel:
Common Rail Direct Injection turbocharged inline-4 cylinder, diesel engine.
Displacement Diesel:
1.5 liters (1461 cc)
Horsepower Diesel:
Approx. 90 PS (66 kW) at 3750 rpm or 110 PS (81 kW) at 4000 rpm (depending on variant)
Torque Diesel:
Approx. 200-240 Nm (148-177 lb-ft) at 1750-1900 rpm (depending on variant)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (for K4M), Diesel (for K9K)
Injection System Gasoline:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Injection System Diesel:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi)
Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., TL4 for 2WD models)
Type 4Wd Standard:
6-speed Manual Transmission (for 4WD models)
Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common, often paired with specific engines and markets)
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (2WD) or All-Wheel Drive (4WD) with selectable modes (Auto, Lock, 2WD).
Length:
Approx. 4315 mm (169.9 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1822 mm (71.7 inches) excluding mirrors
Height:
Approx. 1625 mm (64.0 inches) without roof rails
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2673 mm (105.2 inches)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 210 mm (8.3 inches)
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine and drivetrain, typically starting around 1200 kg (2646 lbs) for 2WD petrol models.
Euro Ncap Rating:
3 Stars (as tested in 2011, with some variations for later models and equipment)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Esp:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on some models/trims, often including traction control (TCS) and hill start assist (HSA).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front seats.
Head Unit:
Factory fitted radio with CD player, MP3 compatibility, and auxiliary input. Higher trims may feature a touch-screen infotainment system with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.
Cruise Control:
Available on some higher trim levels.
Bluetooth:
Available on certain trim levels for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Typically every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first.
Oil Change Interval Diesel
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,500 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
Refer to owner's manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-40, 10W-40) and API/ACEA specifications. Dacia recommends specific Renault standards (e.g., RN 0700, RN 0710).
Engine Oil Diesel:
Refer to owner's manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40) and ACEA specifications. Dacia recommends specific Renault standards (e.g., RN 0720 for DPF-equipped engines).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically purple or orange coolant meeting Renault specifications (e.g., Type D).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 manual transmission fluid, e.g., Renault Tranself TRJ 75W-80 or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Specific ATF fluid meeting Renault specifications if equipped with automatic transmission.
Common Problems:
Potential issues can include suspension wear (especially on higher mileage vehicles), minor electrical gremlins, clutch wear in heavy use, and rust in certain climate conditions. Diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration issues may arise in diesel models with frequent short journeys.
Brand Origin:
Dacia, a Romanian automobile manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1966, later becoming part of the Renault group.
First Generation Launch:
The first generation Dacia Duster was unveiled in 2010 and launched in early 2011, with the 2014 model representing a facelift or minor update within this generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured at the Mioveni plant in Romania, with production also occurring in other Renault facilities globally (e.g., Brazil, India, Russia, Colombia) under various brand names (Renault Duster).
