Rugged simplicity at its best?

In a world of overcomplicated SUVs with price tags to match, the all-new Dacia Duster Extreme TCe 130 4x4 feels like a refreshing throwback to when things were simpler - and a lot cheaper. Yet, the Duster isn’t just a budget-friendly choice; it’s a capable little workhorse that punches above its weight in all the right areas.

On-Road Ride: A Surprising Smoothie

Let’s start where most SUVs spend 90% of their lives - on tarmac. The Duster’s TCe 130 petrol engine, producing 130PS, isn’t going to set any Nürburgring lap records, but it delivers more than enough grunt for daily driving. Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, the power delivery is smooth and predictable. On A-roads and motorways, it holds its own comfortably, cruising at 70mph without any drama.

I did find the 1.2ltr petrol lump to be a bit, what’s the word… revvy, but on the road that’s fine, and combined with its 4x4 system means that you can have a fair bit of fun on country lanes.

The ride quality is where the Duster impresses for its price. The suspension soaks up potholes and uneven surfaces without that bone-rattling feedback you might expect in a cheaper 4x4. The steering is light, making city driving a doddle, though it can feel a tad vague when tackling twisty country lanes. It’s no BMW X1, but then again, it’s not pretending to be.

Noise insulation has also seen improvement in this Extreme trim, road noise is muted at speed, though wind noise around the mirrors is noticeable, especially at motorway speeds. Overall, it’s not luxurious, but it’s certainly less “budget car” than you’d think.

Off-Road Ability: The Duster Does Dirt

Dacia has always marketed the Duster as a no-nonsense off-roader, and this 4x4 variant doesn’t disappoint - that much. The Extreme trim adds a bit of rugged styling, but it’s the mechanicals that matter. With 210mm of ground clearance, a 30° approach angle, and a clever four-wheel-drive system borrowed from parent company Renault, the Duster has the chops to tackle some challenging lanes. And with numerous 4x4 modes to play with, the Duster clambers over muddy ruts and up steep inclines with relative ease.

However, because it doesn’t have low-range gearing, the mighty Duster did struggle up a rock strewn lane that had opposing holes.  Even engaging the 4WD lock mode didn’t help, and the only way I could make my way up was either with a bit of momentum, or riding the clutch - neither I was happy doing. I just couldn’t drive slow enough!

The anti-stall did a decent job, but I still managed to stall it quite a few times, I think that was because I still had my foot on the clutch.  I wrote on our Facebook page that a diesel auto would have been far better, but was informed Dacia doesn’t offer one in the UK anymore, which is a shame.  I found the 1.2ltr petrol simply didn’t have enough low down oomph to manage a safe and controlled ascent.

On other less challenging lanes the Duster felt right at home and found traction easily, especially a fairly steep incline straight after fording a brook.

Another plus is that the hill-descent control worked a treat, and ground clearance felt just right.

Interior Spec: Barebones or Just Right?

Slip inside, and the Duster Extreme greets you with an interior that’s as honest as the rest of the car. Dacia hasn’t tried to reinvent the wheel here, but the Extreme trim spices things up with black and orange accents, faux leather upholstery, and heated front seats. The orange stitching adds a welcome pop of colour, making the cabin feel more upmarket than you’d expect at this price point.

The 10.1” infotainment system, equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, is functional and easy to use, though it can lag slightly when switching between apps. The digital driver’s display is simple and clear, but if you’re used to the flashiness of a Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage, you might find it a bit too basic. Amusingly, on a few occasions the speed limit sign, icon (?) on the dash advised the wrong speed, so that’s something to be aware of.  On one journey it showed 130mph on the M65!

With hard plastics abound, the build quality feels solid, the materials remind you that this is still a budget vehicle. That said, the no-nonsense design is perfect for muddy boots and outdoor gear, making it more practical than plush.

Oh, and what’s becoming surprisingly important these days is the ability to switch off driving aids like ‘lane assist’ and the chimes when you have the audacity to reach 31mph in a 30mph.  Thankfully there’s a switch just above your right knee, prod it twice and you’re no longer fighting the steering down country lanes. 10/10 Dacia!

Comfort and Practicality: Plenty of Space, Few Complaints

The Duster is deceptively spacious. Front passengers enjoy plenty of leg and headroom, and even rear-seat occupants won’t feel cramped, thanks to the clever use of space. The boot is a highlight, offering 445 litres of storage in the 4x4 model (rising to 1,478 litres with the seats down). That’s more than enough for camping gear, shopping sprees, or the odd Labrador.

Comfort-wise, the seats are supportive, and the ride, as mentioned earlier, is surprisingly smooth, and the lack of unnecessary tech means there’s less to go wrong. Practicality is the Duster’s strong suit - this is a car designed for real people with real needs.

It was also noted by Muddy Madam senior, who spent a fair bit of time in the back, that the rear seats were ‘just right’.

Efficiency: Fuel for Thought

The TCe 130 petrol engine boasts a claimed combined fuel economy of around 41.5mpg, which is respectable for a 4x4 in this class, and is pretty much what I saw with mixed driving. Emissions come in at 156g/km CO2, which isn’t earth-shattering but is reasonable for a 4WD petrol SUV.

Safety: An Honest Effort

Dacia has upped its game in the safety department with the latest Duster, offering features like autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The Extreme trim includes a 360-degree camera, which is a godsend when navigating tight spots or uneven terrain.

It’s worth noting that the Duster only scored three stars in Euro NCAP testing, but for most drivers, the Duster’s safety package will be more than adequate.

Verdict: Budget Adventurer or Cheap Thrill?

The Dacia Duster Extreme TCe 130 4x4 is a car that knows its audience. It’s not trying to be a luxury SUV, nor does it pretend to be a hardcore off-roader. Instead, it carves out a niche as an affordable, honest, and surprisingly nimble 4x4.

For families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a rugged all-rounder, the Duster Extreme delivers in spades. Sure, there are compromise - hard plastics, moderate safety scores, and no hybrid option, but at this price point, it’s hard to complain.

If you want an affordable, great looking 4x4 in which you can spend your weekends exploring our network of ancient byways, then sadly you will find the 1.2ltr petrol unsuitable, and maybe search for the previous model with the 1.5 diesel.

However, if you live in the sticks and need a dependable companion for urban commutes whilst dealing with muddy tracks and snowfall, the Duster Extreme might just be the answer.

Website - https://www.dacia.co.uk/hybrid-and-electric-range/duster-suv.html

Prices start at £18,745.

Car featured £26,595