Dacia Duster gets new entry-level engine for improved performance and economy

The Dacia Duster SUV gets a new entry-level TCe 100 petrol engine, improving performance, economy and emissions. Now on sale from £10,995.

The new Dacia Duster SUV arrived on sale in the UK just about a year ago, bringing with it some big improvements on the previous generation Duster, but still conspiring to be an as cheap as chips SUV.

But one of the drawbacks of a properly budget Dacia is that a chunk of what’s on offer is a bit ‘last generation’, which means that although you’re getting a bargain buy, there is a downside.

That downside is going to cause problems for Dacia as average CO2 emission levels need to be reduced to avoid stinging fines from regulators so, as a start in the right direction, the Dacia Duster is getting a new entry-level petrol engine.

The new TCe 100 engine replaces the current SCe 115 and reduces fuel consumption and emission levels as well as improving performance too.

Dacia say the new engine has emissions of 126g/km and economy of up to 49.5mpg, an 18 per cent improvement on the SCe 115, and although it doesn’t exactly make the Duster lively, it can scoot to 62mph in 12.5 seconds.

The new engine is available in 4×2 drivetrain on Access, Essential and Comfort trim levels, and joins the current line-up of TCe 130, TCe 150 and Blue dCi engine options, with prices starting from £10,995.