Think about how cool it will be should you might order a brand-new Wrangler with an built-in camper bundle straight from Jeep. Even one thing so simple as a hanging mattress would get consumers driving off the lot in a no-nonsense journey 4×4 able to roam and disperse-camp wherever vaguely accessible through 4 tires. Sadly, that kind of manufacturing facility 4×4 micro-camper is totally missing within the US, however one thing almost nearly as good is now available throughout Europe. The all-new Dacia Duster 4×4 is offered with a full lineup of “InNature” equipment that construct it up right into a tiny, feisty expedition machine extra succesful and more cost effective than the standard manufacturing facility camper van.
Whereas we talked about the Jeep Wrangler for instance, the Dacia Duster is not fairly on par with it or different full-blown 4x4s just like the Land Rover Defender. Even Dacia admits as a lot, focusing as an alternative on off-road capabilities it describes as “unparalleled within the non-expert 4×4 market.” And by “non-expert,” it means autos with out full-blown off-road options like an old-school 4WD system with locking differentials and low-range gearing.
Certainly, whereas Dacia repeatedly refers to its setup as “4×4,” the brand new third-generation Duster truly makes use of an all-wheel-drive system with 5 selectable modes that change torque between the entrance and rear axles. Instead of the 4WD Lock mode on earlier Duster generations, the brand new mannequin incorporates an “Off-Street” mode mapped for rugged terrain that adjusts torque between the entrance and rear wheels based mostly on grip and pace. The opposite modes are Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand and Eco.
Dacia
In contrast to the body-on-frame development that persists as the inspiration of what we reckon Dacia considers “skilled” 4x4s, the Duster rides on Renault’s CMF-B modular unibody platform. That does not imply the little 171-in (434-cm) utility automobile misses out altogether on rugged specs, although, because it wears entrance and rear plastic skid plates underneath the bumpers, a “protecting belt” connecting the bumpers with the flared wheel arches and bolstered facet sills, and eight.5 inches (217 mm) of floor clearance. The ten.1-in infotainment show additionally incorporates off-roading details about lateral tilt, hill pitch and entrance/rear torque distribution.
The Duster 4×4 comes geared up with a 1.2-liter turbo gentle hybrid system with a 48-V motor pitching in for improved effectivity and decrease emissions. The three-cylinder engine is mated to a six-speed guide transmission. The 129-hp setup definitely is not a livid powerhouse, but it surely does promise to sip fuel slowly at a price of 46 mpg (WLTP) (5.1 L/100km), extending accessible time away from all indicators of civilization.
Dacia
Dacia makes it super-easy to show the brand new Duster 4×4 into an all-terrain in a single day camper. It initially launched its Sleep Pack in 2023 for the Jogger MPV/wagon and instantly introduced it for the Duster thereafter. A easy camper-in-a-box system, the Sleep Pack shops within the trunk of the Duster behind the rear seats.
The slick three-in-one Sleep Pack design works as a cargo field within the trunk, preserving gear and baggage neatly organized. Its fold-out platform and mattress topper then prolong out over the folded rear seats to create a mattress that stretches 75 inches (190 cm) lengthy by 51 inches (130 cm) on the facet wings up entrance. The face panel of the field folds right down to create an outside desk for eating, meals prep, map charting, gear tweaking and no matter else it could be wanted for.
Dacia
The Sleep Pack was the primary product in a lineup Dacia calls “InNature,” an outdoorsy equipment household that additionally contains black-out blinds custom-fit to the Duster home windows to create a comfortably darkish sleeping atmosphere. Cargo house will get restricted when you stack the folded mattress atop the Sleep field, however consumers can add on the InNature roof basket for loading up baggage, cargo packing containers and different necessities. A set of non-compulsory operating boards makes the basket simpler to achieve.
The compact, low-roofed Duster will not make the roomiest camper, however Dacia does attempt to make it extra purposeful and cohesive than different camper-in-a-box options. Its YouClip system provides three to 5 attachment factors all through the inside, permitting homeowners to simply safe useful equipment like a cupholder, cellular machine mount with or with out built-in inductive charging, and storage pouch.
Dacia
Of explicit curiosity to campers, the Duster Excessive spec comes with a 3-in-1 clip-on with a cupholder, a bag/coat hook, and a small lamp that might be good to be used as a studying/mattress gentle when tenting, preserving gentle as shut at hand as it will be in a extra full, devoted tenting automobile.
Past these off-road and camper-specific goodies, the brand new Duster brings a hearty vary of additives and enhancements that features a driver-assistance suite with auto emergency braking, lane preserve help and driver consideration alert; extra passenger compartment and trunk house; and an accessible Media Nav system with native connectivity.
Dacia
Dacia has developed the third-generation Duster in accordance with a pledge aimed toward worth, and the little crossover definitely makes one of many most cost-effective micro-campers cash should buy. The brand new SUV launched within the UK market in September, and pricing for the bottom 4×4 mannequin begins at £23,445 (approx. US$29,500), together with VAT and vacation spot price. The extra well-equipped Excessive 4×4 trim, which comes full with journey and tenting pleasant add-ons like modular roof bars, rubber flooring and trunk mats, Media Nav system and 3-in-1 YouClip accent system begins at £25,945 (US$32,650), all in.
We do not see the Sleep Pack in Dacia’s UK on-line configurator but (although it has marketed UK availability), however the full tenting Duster ought to are available nicely underneath £30K (approx. US$37,750). Over on mainland Europe, the pack begins at €1,590, the blackout blinds at €209. That places the Duster Excessive 4×4 camper at a €28,949 (US$30,325) beginning value, and the Expression base-level 4×4 trim with tenting package at €27,449 (US$28,750).
When you forego the all-wheel drive for a 4×2 mannequin, pricing drops even decrease with a Duster beginning value of €18,950 or £18,745 earlier than Sleep Pack or different choices. You’ll lose some energy and off-road functionality, however the entry-level 99-hp 1.0-liter bi-fuel powertrain does enhance one’s capability to actually drive off the crushed path, providing a variety as much as 870 miles (1,400 km) because of separate 50-L gasoline and 50-L LPG tanks.
Supply: Dacia
