The 2016 Dacia Duster has arrived in Ireland
The 2016 Dacia Duster has arrived in Ireland

The popular Dacia Duster has been updated just in time for the new 162 registration period.  The 2016 Dacia Duster Duster has already made quite an impact on the Irish market since launch in 2012. It has sold 5,786 models in Ireland to date.

‘Duster Phase 2’ gets a refreshed look inside and out, and there is now more equipment available from standard.  The value pricing remains with an entry price for the range of €16,690. It’s a price increase of €300, but all cars now come with digital radio.

Inside there is a new dashboard design with a dark carbon effect finish.  There is also a new satin chrome centre console surround, and the lower steering wheel insert changes from piano black to satin chrome finish. This improves the perceived quality in the cabin. Alternative and Signature trim have new seat upholstery.

A new metallic paint finish has also been added to the range, Altai Green.

Available with two wheel drive or four wheel drive, the Duster range is powered by a well proven 1.5-litre dCi diesel with 110bhp, with two wheel drive models falling into tax band B (motor tax of €200 per year).

What are my options for the 2016 Dacia Duster?

Alternative and Signature trim will be joined by a new top of the range Prestige trim. The new trim will be available in both two wheel drive and four wheel drive models. In addition to the Signature trim equipment, Prestige will feature 16” TYROL diamond-cut alloy wheels, MediaNav Evolution multimedia system, parking sensors and rear parking camera.

The MediaNav Evolution has been re-designed with a full-colour menu screen. It’s now compatible with Apple’s SIRI voice recognition function and TMC live traffic information. There have been hardware improvements. The system allows access to the AHA cloud platform via a free smartphone app.

Through a 7” multi-media touchscreen users have access to navigation, infotainment and hands-free telephone services, can stream music via Bluetooth or a USB or AUX connection, and can connect to social networks via a smartphone.

New options available across the Duster range include 16” TYROL diamond-cut alloy wheels (available on Signature), rear parking sensors (available from Alterative trim upwards) and rear parking camera (available on Signature trim), as well as new ‘Aspira’ part-leather upholstery.

Dacia Duster pricing

Pricing for the 2016 Dacia Duster in Signature trim starts at €18,690, and at €19,890 for Prestige models. Four wheel drive models start at €20,690.

An EDC automatic gearbox will arrive later this year for two wheel drive models. Pricing will be announced in late 2016.

The new Duster is now available from Dacia’s 26 Irish dealerships.

Read our latest review of the Dacia Duster!

Caroline Kidd