RENAULT

Redesigned Dacia Duster to arrive in 2028

Dacia Duster, one of Europe's best-selling SUVs, has unexpectedly found itself in a sales slump. After ruling the affordable SUV class for more than a decade and a half, the new Duster has seen its sales plummet by 41 percent in France since the beginning of the year. The leaders of the Romanian brand owned by Renault are forced to react quickly, and a radical redesign and a serious technological leap are already scheduled for 2028 to preserve its dominant position.

There are several reasons for the decline in customer interest, and the first blow came from the Dacia family itself. With the advent of the larger Bigster model, many buyers who need more cabin space were willing to pay a small price difference to get a more spacious car. In addition, the absence of a fully electric version at a time when electrified vehicles are taking an increasing share of the market has further slowed sales. However, the biggest threat comes from the East, where Chinese cars and brands offer extremely affordable, modernly equipped and hybrid SUV models at prices that directly threaten the Romanian trump card.

The invasion of Chinese cars and a blow from its own home...In order to keep up with ever stronger competition, Dacia is preparing a thorough refresh for the Duster, which will debut in 2028. The exterior design will take over details from the latest elevated Striker model, primarily in the form of a striking T-shaped light signature. The front will receive a thin horizontal LED strip with a potentially illuminated brand logo, while vertical light elements on the bumper will give the car a more robust and modern stance, similar to the latest Škoda models.

In addition, new wing mirrors taken from the sixth-generation Renault Clio model, a fresh wheel design and modified rear lights that will extend all the way to the trunk sill are expected, writes the “MotorLand” portal.

The interior of the new Duster will undergo a digital transformation, first of all. The Romanian SUV is expected to adopt the modern solution from the version sold in India under the Renault badge, which includes two connected large screens on the dashboard. Dacia will not abandon its basic philosophy of an affordable car, so expensive soft plastics will not massively replace harder materials. However, the cabin will receive higher-quality fabrics and new upholstery seen on the Stiker model. When it comes to powertrains, the offer will remain modern mild hybrids, classic hybrids and gas versions, while major mechanical changes are not expected because Renault is redirecting all development resources towards full electrification.

Autonews