Romanian automaker Dacia is working on the third generation of its Duster SUV for Europe. When it reaches the market in 2024 or so, it may end up with revised looks and tech, L’argus reports citing its own sources.
Among other things, the SUV will allegedly lose its part-time AWD system with a coupling on the rear axle, switching instead to a part-electric AWD configuration with a motor in the back. This is expected to happen along with the model’s shift from its current Global Access platform to the CMF-B architecture of the latest Jogger, Logan and Sandero.
On the outside, the car will look similar to the Dacia Bigster Concept shown in the attached video. Having said that, the Bigster will eventually reach the market as a separate model, a full-size flagship SUV, L’argus reports.
Allegedly, Dacia was forced to say no to its traditional AWD system due to the ever-stricter environmental standards. The company is not going to leave the lineup without its four driven wheels, though: such vehicles are popular among buyers using them in snowy mountainous regions of Europe, for example. As such, it would be safe to expect the AWD to stay on the market, but in an electrified form.
The 1.5-liter diesel engine is also rumored to be ready to go. The new Duster is expected to keep its current gasoline engines rated at 130 and 150 PS (128 and 148 hp; 96 and 110 kW, respectively). It is also expected to get an E-Tech hybrid powertrain the likes of which are used by the latest Renault Clio and Captur. Working together, a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor produce 145 PS (143 hp / 107 kW).
Innovations may lead to the Duster becoming more expensive, but Dacia says it is dedicated to keeping it the most affordable SUV in its class.