• Extremely low cash and PCP finance costs
• Strong diesel fuel economy, petrols okay
• LPG Bi-Fuel cost the same as TCe 90 model
  

What are the running costs?

Although the Duster’s running costs might not be the lowest (there’s no plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, for instance), once you factor in the low cash prices and finance costs and this must be one of – if not the – cheapest family-sized SUVs to be in.

Under the more stringent WLTP fuel efficiency tests that are designed to better replicate real-world driving, the front-wheel drive (4×2) Blue dCi 115 diesel performs best, managing nearly 60mpg. Four-wheel drive versions aren’t that far behind, either.

The worst performers economy-wise are the Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) Bi-Fuel TCe 100 models. These can run on petrol or LPG, but it’s worth noting that economy drops when they’re using LPG. However, you can justify the added consumption because the fuel is much cheaper to buy – LPG typically costs between a half and two-thirds the price of unleaded petrol.

Just remember that LPG pumps aren’t as common in the UK as they used to be, so you’ll need to research whether there are enough in your area to make the Duster LPG worth your while. There are only around 1,400 left, where there were three times as many 20 years ago.

Dacia says that for owners of Bi-Fuel cars, cost savings for those running exclusively on LPG work out at around £1,650 over the course of three years on an average annual mileage. Overall, the Duster range isn’t as impressive in the miles per pound ratings as we would have expected, given its economical status, with a spread of 4.9 - 7.7 mpp.

Off-roader emissions are typically higher than equivalent hatchbacks, due to their additional weight and bluff aerodynamics. That goes some way to explaining the Duster’s higher CO2 output.

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Servicing and warranty

Dacia has more than 150 dealers in the UK with most towns and cities being covered by a dealer, often paired-up with parent company Renault’s. Dacia gets an above-average reliability according to the 2019 JD Power UK Vehicle dependability survey, beating premium players such as Land Rover, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – as well as parent company, Renault.

The company offers Service and Maintenance Plans which will offset the cost of future servicing against an upfront payment, which can be built into the finance agreement. For instance, a three-year, 30,000-mile service plan costs £399 all in, while a four-year 60,000-mile plan plus extended warranty weighs in at £999.

Reliability

• Dacia uses Renault engines and equipment
• Basic Duster has only experienced one recall
• Above-average reliability, according to JD Power
  

The Duster’s underpinnings, electrical components, safety systems, engines and numerous other parts are all ex- or current Renault fixtures and fittings, and as such are tried and tested, and well respected.

The second-generation Duster gained a lot of technology that was new to the brand, but that hasn’t really affected reliability, which is fundamentally good, but let down by a few small faults.

It comes out well with Parkers’ readers, too, with a high overall rating of 4.5 out of 5, with most owner reviews painting a glowing picture.