Dacia launches new Duster Commercial van

Dacia has revealed the new Duster Commercial, based on the passenger version of Dacia’s SUV.

Homologated as an N1 commercial version, the Duster Commercial has a flat load area which offers 1,623 litres of space and up to 503kg payload capacity.

Power comes from a range of petrol and diesel engines, complete with the option of Dacia’s dual-clutch EDC automatic transmission. There is also a four-wheel-drive model.

There are two trim levels – Essential and Comfort – that offer the same equipment to the New Duster Commercial as the Duster SUV, including a new 8-inch touchscreen boasting Dacia’s Media Display infotainment system complete with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The factory conversion sees the rear seats of the Duster replaced with a flat wooden load floor covered with a hard-wearing surface. A mesh bulkhead safely separates the load area from the front passenger compartment, while a series of lashing eyes make it easy to secure loose cargo.

A full-length removable load cover keeps the cargo bay’s contents shielded, aided by the opaque film applied to the fixed rear windows. Finally, rubber mats and a built-in alarm system round out the protection measures.

With up to 1,623 litres of cargo space on offer, Dacia says that the new Duster Commercial is a natural fit for any number of hard-working trades.

It has a bay length of 1,792mm, a load width of 1,247mm and a floor-to-ceiling height on the 4x2 models of 917mm.

The new Duster Commercial features a range of petrol and diesel engines with outputs from 90hp to 150hp, covering a choice of two- or four-wheel-drive configurations.

A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard, while Dacia’s six-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission is available exclusively with the TCe 150.

The petrol range starts with the turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre TCe 90, delivering 90hp and 160Nm of torque at 2,750rpm, with combined cycle economy of up to 45.6mpg (WLTP).

The more powerful 1.3-litre four-cylinder TCe 130 offers 130hp and a useful 240Nm of torque from 1,600rpm, while matching the smaller unit’s official fuel economy figure of 45.6mpg (WLTP).

Completing the petrol line-up is the TCe 150, coupled exclusively with Dacia’s six-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission.

The TCe 150 returns the same 45.6mpg (WLTP) economy as its petrol-powered siblings.

The 1.5-litre Blue dCi diesel engine develops 115hp and 260Nm of torque at 2,000rpm, and is available with the choice of either two- or four-wheel-drive.

The Blue dCi 115 4x2 offers fuel economy of 57.6mpg (WLTP) and low CO2 emissions of 127g/km, while the 4x4 version emits 139g/km and achieves 53.3mpg (WLTP) on the combined cycle.

All are compliant with the latest Euro 6D-Full emissions regulations and are equipped with Stop & Start – which automatically turns the engine off at a standstill to reduce emissions and boost fuel economy – as standard.

The Duster Commercial Essential features, as standard, Dacia’s Y-shaped LED daytime running lights, body-coloured front and rear bumpers, black roof bars with ‘Duster’ inscription, 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, electric front windows, cruise control with speed limiter, seven-function on-board computer, height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel with backlit controls, DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB connection.

Moving up to the Comfort specification adds 16-inch alloy wheels, black-painted door mirrors, body-colour door handles, chrome front grille, front fog lights, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, rear-view camera with parking sensors, hill descent control, and a centre differential lock on 4x4 models.

The interior, meanwhile, gains upgraded Comfort upholstery, black door sill protection strips, soft-feel steering wheel, centre console with driver’s armrest, height-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, and Dacia’s Media Display infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone replication with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and two USB ports.

Both Essential and Comfort models are offered with a spare wheel as an available option, while metallic paint in one of six colours – Slate Grey, Highland Grey, Pearl Black, Iron Blue, Fusion Red, and the stunning Arizona Orange – can be specified across the range.

With prices starting from £12,795 excluding VAT, the new Duster Commercial is available to order now, with TCe 90 and TCe 130 following shortly after. First customer deliveries are expected in December.