AUTONEWS

Dacia Duster Spirit of Sand

Following its dominant performance at the 2026 Dakar Rally, Dacia has prepared a special model for the Romanian market.

It is the Duster Spirit of Sand, whose production is limited to 500 units. Each one comes with all-wheel drive and full equipment, and features a bit of rally-inspired styling with the right equipment, including additional underbody protection and a dual-fuel hybrid powertrain.

The Spirit of Sand builds on the flagship Extreme equipment package, but also features unique decals along the lower body. It is painted in Sandstone, has copper brown door mirrors and 17-inch black alloy wheels.

More importantly, this Duster has received a matching engine and transmission shield, made of 6 mm duralumin, a very strong aluminum alloy. On the regular Duster, the Extreme is optional, but here it comes standard.

The model may not look as “wild” as the December 2024 Duster-based Soul Of Dakar concept, but owners can further enhance it if they wish. Optional equipment available in Romania includes a roof rack, additional LEDs, BFGoodrich off-road tires and a 30mm lift kit.

Based on the top-of-the-line Extreme version, the look is marked by the exclusive Sandstone color. The tone contrasts with the Copper Brown mirrors and the 17-inch wheels finished in gloss black. Although the look is less aggressive than the Soul Of Dakar concept.

Inside, the special edition skips the decorative details but includes the full list of available equipment as standard. Features include a 10.1-inch infotainment system, automatic climate control, a multi-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, a Multiview camera and parking sensors.

The desert-inspired Duster also features adaptive cruise control and a blind spot detection system.

Most interesting is what’s under the bonnet, because the Spirit of Sand features the new hybrid 150 4x4 powertrain, which pairs a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with two electric motors – one on each axle – that work together to provide 152bhp and all-wheel drive.

The rear e-motor alone provides 30bhp and 87Nm of torque, and unlike other hybrid SUVs, uses a two-speed gearbox. This allows it to deliver high levels of torque at low speeds in its first gear – ideal for off-roading – but in the second it can still drive the rear wheels at speeds of up to 86mph.

The Spirit of Sand is powered by the recently introduced Hybrid-G 150 4×4 powertrain, which combines an electrified configuration with the ability to use two fuels. The system combines a mild hybrid turbocharged 1.2-liter engine with an electric motor on the rear axle, a 48V battery and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The internal combustion engine produces 140 hp and 230 Nm of torque, while the electric motor adds 31 hp and 87 Nm. According to Dacia, the combined power is 154 hp, making it the most powerful version of the Duster.

Thanks to the efficiency of the hybrid system and two 50-liter tanks for gasoline and LPG, the SUV can travel up to 1,500 km between refueling stops.

The Dacia Duster Spirit of Sand will be a rare sight on European roads, as the company plans to produce only 500 units for the Romanian market. The special edition can be ordered online for a price of 28,990 euros. First deliveries are scheduled for April this year.

Autonews