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Dacia Duster Review: Rugged Value in a Budget-Friendly SUV

May29

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Dacia Duster Review: Rugged Value in a Budget-Friendly SUV

Posted by Geraldine Herbert on May 29, 2025

Dacia Duster Review: Rugged Value in a Budget-Friendly SUV

Looking for a practical SUV without the premium price tag? The Dacia Duster delivers exactly that—offering space, four-wheel drive, and everyday functionality at a price that undercuts most rivals What is it? The Dacia Duster is a no-nonsense SUV built for buyers who want practicality without the premium price tag. Starting from €25,990, it offers real SUV presence, proper ground clearance, and rugged simplicity—ideal for families, commuters, and countryside drivers alike. Styling Boxy in the best way, the Duster embraces its utilitarian DNA. Its squared-off design is purposeful, not flashy, with scratch-resistant body panels made from 20% recycled plastic. It looks ready for adventure—and it is. Under the Bonnet Three engine options are available. The standout is the 1.2-litre TCe 130 mild-hybrid, delivering 130hp and paired with a six-speed manual and four-wheel drive. It’s efficient, capable, and the only engine offering real off-road potential. A full hybrid and a Bi-Fuel option are also available. What About Inside? The Duster’s interior is functional, wipe-clean, and built for life. Expect washable upholstery, a 10.1-inch touchscreen (on higher trims), and generous space, including a best-in-class 517-litre boot. It’s not luxurious—but it’s tough, smartly packaged, and family-friendly. What Are My Options? The Duster range keeps things simple with four trims: Essential, Expression, Journey, and Extreme. Essential covers the basics, while Expression adds tech like a touchscreen and rear camera. Journey brings more comfort—climate control, keyless entry, wireless charging—while Extreme is ready for the rough stuff with washable seats, modular roof bars, and heated extras. Want more? Packs like Protection, Touring, and even a camping-ready InNature kit let you tailor it to your lifestyle. And Safety? Euro NCAP awarded the Duster three stars, but standard kit includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and six airbags. It’s not class-leading, but it covers the essentials. Rivals For price-conscious buyers, the Duster undercuts rivals like the Citroën C5 Aircross, Škoda Karoq, VW T-Roc, MG HS, and Suzuki Vitara—some by more than €10,000. Few match its space and 4WD capability at this price. Verdict The Dacia Duster keeps it simple—and that’s its superpower. For buyers prioritising value, space, and everyday usability over flashy extras, this is a genuine SUV at a budget-friendly price. It’s not flashy, but it’s fantastically functional Facts Model: Dacia Duster Extreme TCe 130Price (as tested): €34,840Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 48V mild-hybridGearbox: 6-speed...

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Audi Q3 Sportback TFSI e

Jul18

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Audi Q3 Sportback TFSI e

Posted by Geraldine Herbert on Jul 18, 2022

Audi Q3 Sportback TFSI e

Audi’s attractive Q3 plug-in hybrid can match key rivals in its category — but the savings on the road may not be enough to justify the high price writes Geraldine Herbert What is it? These days, there seem to be two kinds of motorists — those who drive an SUV and those who want to drive one. They now make up over 50% of new cars sold, and sales show no signs of slowing down. our test car, the Audi Q3 TFSI e — a plug-in hybrid with up to 50km of pure electric driving — aims to tap into this lucrative segment and is just one of a host of electric cars offered by the brand. What are my options? The 2022 Q3 comes in two varieties: a regular SUV or a Sportback version with coupé styling. Both are available with a choice of two trim levels, SE and S-Line. Is it a looker? Our test car came in the S-Line, which adds a more rugged styling package combined with silver metallic paintwork, and will look good in any driveway. But don’t be fooled by its robust looks; this is a car for those who like to tackle shopping centres, not sand dunes What’s the interior like? Inside, it’s understated and well built, and it takes only seconds to fully orient yourself to the intuitive cabin. As expected from Audi, creature comforts abound; extra options on our car included the Audi virtual cockpit plus 12.3in digital display, heated front seats and a rearview camera. Space is good in the front and there is room for five, but the sloping roofline reduces headroom in the rear. What does it drive like? The plug-in hybrid combines a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, so if your daily commute falls within a 50km range, you could do it all while enjoying the silence of zero emission driving. For many, plug-in hybrids offer the perfect stepping stone to going fully electric, and allow long journeys to be planned around scenic locations rather than having to co-ordinate coffee breaks with fast chargers in mind. But they do come with a downside; to fully benefit, you will need to charge them nightly and when the electric charge is gone, you pay the price for the additional weight of the battery in fuel consumption....

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Home » Compact SUV

Mercedes-Benz B-Class B180 CDI

Jun22

Mercedes-Benz B-Class B180 CDI

There is little doubt that Mercedes-Benz aims to raise the bar with its all new B Class. Everything from engines, transmissions, underpinnings, exterior, interior, and equipment are new, but have they done enough to lure new buyers? What is it? We all know good things come in small packages and Mercedes’ baby Benz is a five seater sports compact that aims to move families safely, efficiently and comfortably. Who is it aimed at? The...

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Volvo XC60 D3 AWD

May11

Volvo XC60 D3 AWD

With fuel prices on the rise and financial hardship looming downsizing is the new black and the compact luxury S.U.V. is becoming the car of choice What is it? The Volvo XC60 was one of a host of compact luxury SUVs that emerged on the market over the last couple of years. Essentially they are a cross between an SUV and traditional estate car. Who is it aimed at? Anyone who has ever hankered after the bigger Volvo XC90 will...

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Skoda Yeti 4X4

Apr26

Skoda Yeti 4X4

The Compact SUV market is full of no nonsense crossovers that look the part but don’t cost the earth. So how does the Skoda Yeti stack up among the competition? What is it? Skoda’s Yeti may be scary by name but there is nothing monstrous about this compact off roader. Skoda has blended the best of both worlds with the Yeti, compact enough to take on city driving challenges but robust enough to venture off the scenic route. ...

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Range Rover Evoque 2.2

Apr06

Range Rover Evoque 2.2

Today’s soft-roader line-up looks as style-conscious as Paris Fashion Week, and the new Range Rover Evoque model is chic to the core. This, the smallest SUV that Range Rover has ever made is also its most stylish looker. There is a limited-edition designed by Victoria Beckham is on its way. What is it? The Evoque is essentially a crossover vehicle; one that aims to blend the best aspects of car with the extra functions usually...

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