• Dacia Duster available with Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission for the first time
• Most affordable automatic crossover available in the UK yet with advanced dual-clutch technology
• EDC gearbox combines smoothness and comfort with similar efficiency to a manual gearbox
• Six-speed automatic is mated to the 1.5 dCi 110 turbodiesel engine
• CO2 emissions of only 116g/km and combined fuel economy of 62.8mpg
• EDC-equipped Dacia Duster costs from £14,895 on-the-road
• The Dacia Duster EDC goes on sale in the UK in October

For the very first time, the multi-award-winning Dacia Duster is available with an automatic six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission, whilst still maintaining its shocking affordability. The Duster EDC is the most affordable automatic crossover available in the UK.

Combining the comfort and smoothness of an automatic gearbox with fuel economy and low CO2 emissions that are similar to those of a manual gearbox, the EDC transmission is certain to attract even more customers to the rugged SUV.

Drivers who specify the advanced transmission can now enjoy a more relaxing, simpler and smoother drive, which is boosted with the EDC transmission featuring Hill Start Assist. When moving away on a slope, the EDC control unit holds the brakes for sufficient time to allow the driver to apply the throttle before the vehicle rolls back.

Available on Lauréate and flagship Prestige 4x2 Duster variants, the automatic EDC gearbox is mated to the hugely-popular 1.5 dCi 110 turbodiesel engine. Perfectly complementing each other, the pairing returns fuel economy of 62.8mpg (NEDC combined) and CO2 emissions of 116g/km.

The EDC-equipped Dacia Duster is available from £14,895 on-the-road and will go on sale in the UK in October.

Adding another string to the bow of the robust Duster, the availability of the EDC transmission builds on the raft of upgrades that were recently unveiled in the new 2017 model year version.

Spanning external and interior enhancements, the changes included new upholstery for all versions, DAB as standard from Ambiance trim upwards, new ‘square effect’ headlights, and the availability of new options such as rear parking sensors, part-leather ‘Aspira’ upholstery and 16-inch ‘Tyrol’ diamond-cut alloy wheels. A rear parking camera is also an option on Lauréate trim and above and the Duster’s purposeful good looks can be set off with new Pennine Green metallic paint.

The updates also included the availability of the 1.2 TCe 125 engine on Lauréate trim and above, ensuring that customers now have the choice of a petrol or diesel variant at every trim level, and the arrival of the top-of-the-range ‘Prestige’ trim level,

On top of the Lauréate trim, Prestige receives 16-inch ‘Tyrol’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, MediaNav Evolution and rear-parking camera as standard, offering a price walk of £900 from Lauréate and representing a customer saving of £250.

The Duster range is priced from £9,495 on-the-road.

ENDS

About Dacia

Dacia has a long history associated with Renault, the French brand first working with Dacia plants in Romania in the 1960s, before acquiring them fully in 1999. The brand concept is simple: to shake up preconceived ideas. Dacia produces spacious, robust, high-quality vehicles of original design that are affordable for everybody.

Dacia vehicles offer exceptional value for money. Reliable and resistant, they carry a three-year warranty and embody the best of Renault expertise. Since 2004, the range has been expanding constantly and buyers have a wide array of vehicles to choose from, ranging from Dacia Duster, a sporty all-terrain vehicle, to light commercial vehicles or family vehicles such as Dacia Logan MCV.

Dacia has proven very popular with owners and critics alike in the UK:

• What Car? ‘Best Small Car under £12,000’ – Sandero (2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013)
• Auto Express Driver Power 2016 – Dacia in top 5 of 32 brands (2016, 2015, 2014)
• Auto Express Driver Power Dealer Satisfaction 2016 – Dacia 2nd overall in the industry for service experience – ahead of all premium and luxury brands.
• Which? Car Guide 2016 – Dacia ranked 4th out of 34 brands for customer satisfaction

The concept continues to enjoy great success with over 4 million Dacias sold in Europe since the brand’s revival in 2004. Since launching in the UK in January 2013, over 80,000 Dacia models have been sold.