As the busy 162 sales period kicks off, Dacia Ireland have just announced pricing and specification for the New Duster Phase 2, with changes to both the exterior and interior, as well as enhancements to the range and product offering. A new trim level Prestige has also been added to the Duster range, following on from the popularity of the Signature Prime limited edition that was launched last year. Duster Phase 2 gets a new refreshed look inside and out, but still keeps its shockingly affordable price position with a price increase of just €300 – do the maths!
Main changes to the standard equipment includes DAB radio, making New Duster the first car in the Dacia range to feature factory-fit DAB. New headlights on New Duster are a great improvement with a more modern styling which complement the chrome grille.
There are changes to the interior trim, both Duster Alternative and Signature receiving new seat upholstery which gives the seats a more sculptured appearance. New Duster also gets a new stylish dashboard, most notably the central section of the dashboard changes from light grey to dark carbon 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, improving the perceived quality in the cabin.
For Dacia customers who like to stand out from the crowd (as we know they do!), there is a new metallic paint Altai Green body colour available for New Duster. New high trim level Prestige will be available in both 4×2 and 4×4 and will be available for just €1200 more than Signature versions. It offers buyers the chance to own a more distinctive, more personalised car while remaining faithful to Dacia’s exceptional ‘shockingly affordable’ value-for-money ethos. In addition to the Signature trim, Prestige will feature 16 inch TYROL diamond-cut alloy wheels which add a touch of class; MediaNav Evolution multimedia system; and rear parking camera, which includes parking sensors.
The MediaNav Evolution has been re-designed with a full-colour menu screen and is now compatible with Apple’s SIRI voice recognition function and TMC live traffic information. There have been hardware improvements, and the system allows access to the AHA cloud platform via a free smartphone app. Through the seven-inch multi-media touch-screen 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 inch 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 upholstery. This new part-leather upholstery adds a touch of luxury to the New Duster interior but also, as with Dacia mentality, a touch of practicality, as the car seats can be wiped clean. Also good news as later this year, New Duster will be getting an EDC gearbox which will be available on dCi 110 4×2 versions. Pricing will be announced in late 2016.
Dacia continues to be the smart purchase for Irish drivers, with almost 11,000 Dacia cars on the road here since the brand’s launch just four years ago. In the short time that Dacia arrived on Irish shores, its four models have impacted on the Irish motor market, with the Duster kicking its segment competitors into touch with its city-car pricing. No other car in the country offers the same price, size and equipment for the money. A whopping 5,786 Dusters have been sold here since launch to the end of May 2016. The availability of finance for Dacia customers through Dacia’s own bank, Dacia Finance, over the last four years coupled with Dacia’s flexible payment plans has been a key factor in Dacia’s rise through the ranks.
Patrick Magee, Country Operations Manager, Dacia Ireland:
“It’s a great testament to the Dacia brand that in four short years, almost 11,000 Irish motorists have chosen to drive one of our shockingly affordable cars. Duster has been a great seller since day one and its popularity is still on the increase, and selling well ahead of other well established car brands. New Duster Phase 2 gives even more bang for your buck, and with the new Prestige higher trim level, Duster continues to give buyers the chance to own a more distinctive, car while remaining faithful to Dacia’s exceptional ‘shockingly affordable’ value-for-money ethos”.
New Duster is now available from Dacia’s 26 dealerships around the country (www.dacia.ie) with flexible finance options available from Dacia’s own bank, Dacia Finance. Dacia Ireland is offering Zero Deposit (4.9%) across the Dacia car range on all PCP orders until the 31st July.
