The No. 300 Dacia Logan, entered by Ollis Garage Racing, completed the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours and became an unlikely fan favourite on one of the most demanding circuits in motorsport.

This was not a symbolic parade lap. It was the full 24-hour race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the legendary German circuit known as the “Green Hell”. The event brings together some of the fastest endurance racing cars in Europe, including Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Audi and other high-performance machines built for speed, downforce and professional endurance racing.

Against that field, the Dacia Logan looked almost absurd. That is exactly why people loved it.

The Underdog That Actually Finished

The Logan finished 107th overall and sixth in its class, according to reports on the race result. In a race where simply surviving 24 hours on the Nordschleife is already an achievement, the Dacia did more than just circulate. It became a story.

The car reportedly completed 92 laps, with its fastest lap recorded at 10:22.613. Those numbers do not place it anywhere near the front of the field, but they are not the point. The point is that Logan was still there at the end.

That matters because the Nürburgring 24 Hours is brutal even for cars engineered specifically for endurance racing. Mechanical failures, contact, weather changes, oil on track, traffic and darkness all turn the race into a test of survival. Many faster and more expensive cars do not make it to the finish.

The Dacia did.

Max Verstappen Brought the Spotlight, and the Logan Won the Crowd

Max Verstappen’s participation helped draw international attention to the 2026 edition of the Nürburgring 24 Hours. But one of the race’s most viral contrasts came when the humble Dacia Logan shared the stage with elite machinery, including Verstappen’s Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Clips circulated online showing the Logan in traffic with much faster cars, at one point becoming part of an unlikely on-track moment involving Verstappen’s car. For fans, the image was irresistible: one of Formula One’s biggest names, one of the world’s most demanding circuits, and a Dacia Logan refusing to disappear from the story.

The symbolism wrote itself.

This was not about beating GT3 cars on performance. It was about presence. The Logan became proof that endurance racing still has room for character, humour, resilience and improbable heroes.

A Car Built for Ordinary Roads in an Extraordinary Race

The Dacia Logan occupies a very particular place in Romanian and European automotive culture. It is not a luxury car. It is not a status car. It is not a machine designed to impress at track days.

It is the car of families, taxis, small businesses, long commutes, rural roads and practical decisions. It is associated with affordability, durability and utility. That everyday identity made its Nürburgring 24 Hours story more powerful, not less.

On a grid dominated by serious racing equipment, the Logan represented something different: the idea that motorsport is not only about money, exclusivity and prestige. Sometimes, it is also about a car that looks out of place, keeps going and earns the respect of people who understand how hard that is.

Mechanical Trouble Made the Finish Even Stronger

The Logan’s race was not clean or easy. Reports from the event described a mechanical drama, including a late issue with the left-front wheel. Yet the team managed to get the car back into the race and bring it to the finish.

That is what turned the story from amusing to genuinely admirable.

Endurance racing is not won only by the fastest car. It is survived by the cars and teams that can endure damage, solve problems, keep discipline and return to the track when the easier option would be retirement. In that sense, the Logan’s finish fits perfectly with the spirit of the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

It was not glamorous. It was not dominant. It was stubborn. And that is why it worked.

Why This Moment Matters for Romania

For Romania, the Dacia Logan at the Nürburgring 24 Hours is more than a motorsport curiosity. Dacia is one of the country’s most visible industrial names, and the Logan remains one of the models most closely associated with the brand’s modern international success.

Seeing that name survive one of the toughest endurance races in the world creates a form of soft-power visibility that advertising cannot easily manufacture. It is not polished corporate branding. It is better than that: an authentic underdog story that global motorsport fans noticed and shared.

The Dacia Logan did not need to win the Nürburgring 24 Hours to become one of its most memorable cars. It only needed to finish.

And it did.

In a race filled with faster, louder and more expensive machines, Romania’s everyday car delivered the kind of story motorsport still needs: imperfect, improbable, human and impossible not to applaud.

The post Dacia Logan Steals the Show at Nürburgring 24 Hours, Turning Romania’s Everyday Car into a Motorsport Hero appeared first on Valahia.News.

The Dacia Hipster concept redefines urban electric mobility by focusing on what truly matters: essential features, sustainability, and affordability. This radical city car embodies Dacia’s enduring philosophy – making mobility accessible to everyone without unnecessary complexity or cost.

DACIA HIPSTER 2025: MINIMALIST AND PRACTICAL DESIGN

Measuring only 3 metres long and just over 1.5 metres wide and high, the Hipster is among the most compact electric vehicles on the European market. Despite its small footprint, it comfortably seats four adults thanks to innovative packaging and wheels pushed to the corners, creating a surprisingly spacious interior. The boot capacity varies from 70 litres with four passengers to a practical 500 litres with the rear bench folded down, enough to fit even a washing machine.

Dacia took a back-to-basics approach with the Hipster’s design, stripping away non-essential features to reduce weight and cost. Manual windows replace electric motors, fabric straps substitute traditional door handles, and the thin mesh-covered seats with visible frames keep weight to a minimum. The car might come in a single, understated grey-blue colour to streamline production and costs.

The interior shines with innovative practicality, featuring 11 YouClip anchor points spread across the dashboard, door panels, and boot. These allow easy customisation with accessories like cup holders, armrests, and lights, personalising the cabin to each user’s needs and enhancing daily usability.

ECO-SMART ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN FOR URBAN LIFE

Powered fully by electricity, the Hipster concept promises to halve the carbon footprint of conventional electric vehicles. Its estimated range of 150 kilometres and a top speed of around 90 km/h are ideally suited for urban and suburban daily driving, where average distances are typically short. This makes the Hipster an ideal option for city dwellers seeking an affordable, sustainable vehicle that doesn’t compromise on style.

Connectivity is designed around Dacia’s “Bring Your Own Device” philosophy. Instead of a built-in multimedia screen, Hipster utilises a smartphone docking station that serves as both the digital key and infotainment screen, seamlessly linking to the driver’s apps for navigation and music.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Dacia Hipster is more than a concept car – it is a vision for the popular electric car of tomorrow. By reinventing the fundamentals of mobility, Dacia aims to deliver a practical, eco-friendly urban vehicle at a price point comparable to sophisticated electric bicycles, potentially below 15,000 euros.

Its success depends on evolving European regulations to create a new vehicle category, similar to Japan’s Kei cars, that supports lighter, smaller, and more affordable cars with reasonable safety standards adapted to city driving.

David Durand, Dacia’s Design Director, emphasises the project’s ambition: “This is the most Dacia-esque project I have ever worked on. It has the same societal impact as Logan did 20 years ago.” Hipster demonstrates that going back to essentials does not mean sacrificing style or usability but instead creating a fresh, bold approach to urban electric mobility.

The Dacia Hipster promises to open a new chapter in accessible, sustainable driving, perfectly aligned with Dacia’s values: robust, eco-smart, and essential but cool.

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The subsidiary of the Renault group developed this car called Sandrider in collaboration with Prodrive and drawing on the experience acquired with the Hunter over the last four years.

It’s a professional project with real investment from the Dacia brand. Using Hunter’s experience in a completely new project was, in my opinion, the best possible choice to maximize my chances of victory in Dakar. We had our weaknesses; we had known them for several years.

There was a lack of robustness in terms of suspensions in particular and a lot of punctures, but victory was never very far away. With this new car, we are optimizing our strengths. I have confidence in all our preparation work.

I am focused on this development. There are a lot of tests to be carried out; that’s my priority.

Sébastien Loeb

Philip Dunabin, the technical director, emphasized that this was a new concept.

It’s not just a Hunter revisited. All systems are either completely new or completely updated. We have a lighter, wider tubular chassis, with more space in the cockpit and better weight distribution. The engine is new; it’s a 3-litre V6 twin-turbo. We have worked on reliability in the transmission; the axles are more robust, and the gearbox has been revised. There has also been work on aerodynamics and visibility for the drivers.

Philip Dunabin

For Sébastien Loeb, the priority is now to work on the development of the car to be ready for the Rallye du Maroc at the end of the season (October). And above all, to be ready for Dakar next year.

After the first runs in England in April, the team will travel to Morocco for a major test program in June.

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According to ACAROM data, only in December 2023, 34,965 vehicles were assembled at the Dacia plant in Mioveni and Ford Otosan in Craiova. Of these, 22,117 units carried the Dacia brand and 12,848 Ford.

The December figures raised the total number of vehicles produced in 2023 in Romania to 513,050 units, representing a new record for the domestic auto industry.

Of the total number of cars assembled in Romania last year, 322,086 were Dacia, and the other 190,964 were Ford.

ACAROM officials mention that the production of 2023 was 0.7% higher than that of 2022, no less than 22% above 2021 and 17% above 2020. Even compared to 2019 – the unaffected year of the pandemic and the semiconductor crisis – there was an increase of 4.7%.

Given that, in 2024, new products will enter the assembly lines at both the Mioveni and Craiova plants – the third generation Duster in the case of Dacia and the facelift version of the Puma SUV in the case of Ford, in addition to the new Transit and Tourneo Courier whose assembly started at the end of 2023 – 2024 is expected to be a new record year for Romania’s car production.

And in the field of new car sales, 2023 was a year with a positive result, even if the market is far from a record. Last year, the report on new car registrations showed 144,611 units, up 11.81% from 2022.

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Dacia registered 46,124 new vehicles on the Romanian market in 2023, an increase of 14.8% compared to the 40,179 units sold in the previous year.

Dacia thus maintains its position as the clear leader in the Romanian market, with a share of 28.6% of all new vehicle registrations.

THE FIVE BEST-SELLING MODELS IN ROMANIA IN 2023 ARE DACIA

In an absolute first, in 2023, the Dacia range entirely occupied the top 5 best-selling models in Romania. This proves, once more, the relevance of Dacia’s offer, adapted to a wide range of customers, both individuals and fleet users. Each Dacia model was, at the same time, a leader in its market segment.

In 2023, Dacia achieved the performance of wholly occupying the ranking of the top 5 best-selling models in Romania. This is the best confirmation that our models meet the diverse expectations of customers, constituting an attractive offer at the best performance/price ratio. I am convinced that the New Duster, whose launch represents the event of 2024 for us, will, in turn, become an absolute reference on the Romanian market.

Mihai Bordeanu, General Director of Automobile Dacia.

The sales ranking by model is led by Logan, with 14,269 units, up 25% from the 11,401 vehicles registered in 2022.

In its last full year of sales, before the entry into production of a new generation, Duster achieved an excellent performance on the Romanian market, occupying the second place in the sales list, with 10,908 units, over the previous year’s result (10,161 vehicles).

The “Extreme” version, which benefits from the highest level of equipment in the range and specific outdoor design elements, represents 34% of Duster sales. At the same time, two-thirds of Duster customers opted for the all-wheel drive version in 2023.

In third place is the Sandero, with 9,896 units (+16.9% compared to the 8,492 vehicles sold the previous year). Most of the sales (92%) were represented by the Stepway version.

With 6,875 units sold, Spring continued to be the most popular electric model on the Romanian market in 2023, with a market share of over 43% in the 100% electric vehicle segment. Launched at the beginning of last year, the Spring 65 version, which benefits from a new, more powerful engine, accounted for 49% of the model’s sales.

Ranked fifth in the best-selling models in Romania, with 4,175 units registered in 2023, the Jogger has established itself as the most popular family vehicle with up to 7 seats on the local market. The Hybrid 140 version, the first full-hybrid vehicle produced in Romania, represented 17% of total sales.

Revealed to the press at the end of last year, the third generation of the Duster model will be able to be ordered by customers in Romania in the first days of March, with the first deliveries expected before the middle of the year.

In turn, the Spring model will see a significant evolution this year, strengthening its appeal in the segment of affordable electric vehicles.

Last but not least, 2024 will be the year in which the modernization process of the Dacia commercial network in Romania will be completed by adopting the brand’s new visual identity externally and internally in all showrooms.

The post Top 5 New Car Models Sold in Romania are DACIA appeared first on Valahia.News.

DACIA DUSTER 2024: STRONGER AND MORE ASSERTIVE DESIGN

Dacia has reinvented Duster’s design. It still has the striking looks that propelled the previous generations to the top – especially its solid, sturdy SUV character – but pushes them further with Dacia’s new, distinctive design.

Before starting work on All-New Duster’s style, we honed its proportions to find a robust and balanced posture. When you get the proportions right early on, you don’t need gimmicks to tweak style later. We wanted the exterior and interior design to be consistent. The taut and tough style inside makes you feel properly protected.

David Durand, Dacia Design Director

Dacia’s philosophy of providing all the essentials applies to the All-New Duster’s design as much as every other model.

The design team started by looking at the cabin, bonnet and wings. Then they assembled them into the whole car to give the model a modern, well-built style, with deliberately taut, self-confident lines.

The simple shapes and volumes add to the design’s power, including the sharp, vertical face, chamfered wheel-arch guards, large tailgate and side windows reaching seamlessly from bow to stern.

The All-New Duster is shielded with a stylish belt wrapping around it. The side underbody shields connect to the hallmarks and the wheel arches, which connect to the front and rear bumpers, making the All-New Duster more robust and ready for the outdoors than ever.

The All-New Duster’s design is consistent; it moves with the times and combines its adventurous character with a more sustainable edge.

• The front and rear skid plates are dyed in the mass, meaning the plastic is already coloured when injected to make the part. Not using paint is good for the environment and customers, as scrapes and scratches won’t alter the original colour.
• The side underbody shields, wheel-arch guards, hallmarks, triangles on the front bumper, front and rear skid plates and rear shield tail are made of a sturdy material called Starkle®. Designed by Dacia’s engineers and LyondellBasell’s chemists, the material unveiled on the Manifesto concept car is up to 20% recycled. Its composition includes white particles that give it a mottled look, which Dacia decided to flaunt instead of painting.

This feeling also comes from the high, vertical new dashboard. The shape of the air vents, which resemble the wheel arches, adds to the consistent feel.

Like the outside, the inside comes with all the essentials – the features that serve a purpose. Much work went into the ergonomics, including the 10.1-inch centre screen positioned in the driver’s field of view and at a 10° angle toward them. The new automatic transmission controls are particularly driver-friendly. The steering wheel’s flattened surfaces at the top and bottom make it exceedingly comfortable.

Lastly, the new ‘Y-shaped signature’ underscores the link between the All-New Duster’s interior and exterior:

• Inside, the surface of the air vents is Y-shaped (and Copper in the Extreme trim), and the Y also appears around the door-panel armrests. The brand name in the middle of the steering wheel has been replaced with the Dacia logo.
• Outside, the All-New Duster’s head and rear lamps are arranged in a Y; the same shape is visible on the alloy wheels. These are also chrome-free (the way the materials are polished is what gives them their shine)

We wanted to make the All-New Duster’s design more attractive than ever by making the style even more quintessentially Duster and Dacia, by vigorously and proudly reasserting our values: ‘Robust and Outdoor,’ ‘Essential but Cool,’ and ‘Eco-Smart.’

David Durand, Dacia Design Director

THE CMF-B PLATFORM OF THE ALL-NEW DUSTER BOOSTS PERFORMANCE

The All-New Duster is built on the CMF-B platform, which is central to Dacia’s industrial strategy. This competitive and highly flexible platform was first used on the latest Sandero and Logan models, then Jogger. It provides all the versatility Dacia needs to deploy its ambitious product plan optimally.

On the CMF-B platform, the All-New Duster has more space for passengers and luggage than the previous generation, yet it is only fractionally longer overall. The platform’s advanced engineering also reduces vibration and noise from the road, enhancing driver comfort. It provides a quantum leap in driving pleasure with an unmatched connection to the road.

The CMF-B platform has also embarked on the All-New Duster on its journey to electrification, as it can accommodate powertrains using mild-hybrid and full-hybrid technologies.

The new CMF-B platform is a key asset to develop the Dacia line-up both today and tomorrow. We can see all its potential on the All-New Duster. It houses high-efficiency electrified powertrains, significantly enhances performance across the board and keeps the appeal and accessibility that have made it a hit.

Patrice Lévy Bencheton, Dacia VP of Product Performance

ALL-NEW VERSION OF THE DACIA DUSTER IS ROBUST AND OUTDOOR: THE ALL-NEW DUSTER IS BOLDER THAN EVER

The All-New Duster’s off-road capabilities are unparalleled in the non-expert 4×4 market (“non-expert” means 4×4 vehicles without close-ratio transmissions), so outdoor fans can enjoy it without worry.

ENHANCED ALL-TERRAIN CAPABILITIES WITH THE 4X4 VERSION OF THE NEW DACIA DUSTER

All-New Duster is available with a 4×4 Terrain Control transmission, which includes five driving settings:

1. Auto: the transmission automatically distributes power between the front and rear axle according to wheel grip and speed
2. Snow: optimizes trajectory on slippery roads with specific ESC and anti-skid settings
3. Mud / Sand: for unsteady terrain
4. Off-Road: top performance on rugged terrain. Very similar to the current Duster’s 4×4 Lock mode but with the added advantage of automatically and optimally distributing torque to the front and rear wheels according to grip and speed
5. Eco: optimizes fuel consumption by regulating air conditioning and the vehicle’s performance. It optimizes the torque distribution to the front and rear axles to the maximum possible extent to limit fuel consumption while adapting to the road’s grip.

The All-New Duster’s ground clearance is 217 mm (measurement between axles) in the 4×4 version, the highest on the market.

With up to 31° at the front and 36° at the rear (4×4 versions), the approach and departure angles allow it to clear even more obstacles. It has a 24° for the ventral angle. 

The All-New Duster features downhill speed control, especially on rough terrain and steep slopes. The system principally actuates the brakes to control the vehicle’s speed (based on the driver’s input) between 0 and 30 km/h. It kicks in regardless of the selected gear (including reverse), so the driver can ignore the accelerator and brake pedal and focus on steering.

A new All Road Info system is introduced with useful information displayed on the 10.1-inch centre screen during off-road driving. Information includes:

• Lateral tilt
• Uphill and downhill pitch
• Power distribution to the front and rear axles (4×4 version)

EXTRA-HEAVY-DUTY SHIELDING AND MATERIALS

• Exterior: the entire area around the body is now protected from light bumps and scratches. The flank shields connect to the wheel-arch guards and front and rear bumpers, forming a protective belt. The large skid plates under the bumpers protect the underbody.
• Interior: the cabin is heavy-duty. This is especially apparent in the Extreme trim, which comes as standard and with washable TEP MicroCloud upholstery and rubber mats in the front, rear, and boot. The mats are 20% recycled.

TOUGHER MATERIALS

As mentioned, by dyeing the front and rear skid plates in the mass, the plastic is already coloured when injected to make the part. The colour, therefore, is unalterable (unlike paint). Inevitably, scrapes and scratches may leave marks, but they will be practically invisible, as they will not alter the colour.

The shields around the car are made of Starkle^®, a new material created by Dacia’s engineers. It is not painted, so scrapes and scratches will not leave conspicuous marks.

The All-New Duster also introduces more InNature accessories:

• Sleep Pack, first introduced on the Jogger, will also be available for the All-New Duster. A bespoke design for the All-New Duster is a simple, removable and affordable 3-in-1 box containing a double bed that folds out in less than two minutes, a tray table and storage space. The Sleep Pack measures 1.90 metres long and up to 1.30 metres wide.  
• A new roof rack is convenient for outdoor activities and can hold up to 80 kg (maximum dynamic weight). It fastens effortlessly onto the modular roof bars in the transverse position or to aftermarket roof bars.

DACIA DUSTER 2024 IS ECO-SMART: MORE SUSTAINABLE AND AS AFFORDABLE AS EVER

True to Dacia’s values, the All-New Duster provides an affordable alternative for more sustainable driving, combining new hybrid powertrains and recycled materials.

NEW HYBRID POWERTRAINS ON DACIA DUSTER 2024

• All-New Dacia Duster HYBRID 140: This powertrain, which Dacia adopted for Jogger in early 2023, is now available with All-New Duster. It is built with technologies that Renault Group has tried and tested and comprises a 4-cylinder, 1.6-litre, 94 hp petrol engine, two electric motors (a 49 hp powerplant and a high-voltage starter generator), and an electric automatic gearbox (with 4 engines ratios and 2 motor ratios). This combined technology is possible because the system is clutchless. The regenerative braking, the 1.2 kWh (230 V) battery’s high energy recovery capacity and the gearbox’s efficiency make it possible to drive in all-electric mode up to 80% of the time in cities, which reduces consumption by 20% (mixed cycle) to 40% (urban cycle). The engine always starts with electric power.
• All-New Dacia Duster TCe 130: This is the first time Dacia has used this powertrain, which provides an initial degree of electrification. It combines a new-generation 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine using the Miller cycle (reduced pump losses optimize efficiency) and a 48 V mild hybrid motor. This motor aids the internal combustion engine when the car starts or accelerates, reducing average consumption and CO2 emissions by about 10% compared to an internal combustion engine with equivalent power. It also provides more power during acceleration than the existing TCe 130 model, making the vehicle more responsive and smoother. The regenerative braking system charges the 0.9 kWh battery without making a noticeable difference for the driver. The TCe 130 powertrain has a 6-speed manual gearbox in the 4×2 and 4×4 versions.
• All-New Dacia Duster TCe 100 Bi-Fuel: Dacia, the unchallenged LPG leader in Europe, is the only carmaker to provide a dual fuel (petrol and LPG) option on all its internal-combustion models under the Bi-Fuel label. The All-New Duster has this built-in tried and tested technology that guarantees safety and reliability. On average, when running on LPG, the All-New Duster TCe 100 Bi-Fuel releases 10% less CO₂ than a comparable petrol engine. It can drive up to 1,300 km (WLTP) with its two tanks holding 100 litres between them – 50 litres of petrol and 50 litres of LPG (the latter is under the boot floor, so it does not affect cargo capacity). A button built seamlessly into the dashboard switches the engine from one fuel to the other instantly and imperceptibly.

MORE SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS ON THE ALL-NEW DACIA DUSTER 2024

All-New Duster is the first production model to use Starkle^®, a new material invented by Dacia’s engineers. It is 20% reused polypropylene and entirely paint-free, meaning the carbon footprint from its production process is smaller. The side underbody shields, wheel-arch guards, hallmarks, triangles on the front bumper, (add-on) front and rear skid plates and rear shield tail are made of Starkle®. Making the front and rear skid plates with a dyed-in-the-mass material limits the paint used.

• Overall, roughly 20%* of the plastic in All-New Duster is recycled, which is considerably more than the usual ratio in the segment and an 8-point gain on the previous generation.
• Dacia has decided to stop using leather and decorative chrome in all its models, in both cases, for environmental reasons.
• The user manual is smaller to use less paper. The full version is available online from the MyDacia application.

* In the polymer category, as proposed in the future regulation on end-of-life vehicles (ELV)

THE ALL-NEW DUSTER CONTINUES TO DELIVER UNRIVALLED VALUE

• The All-New Duster will continue to fulfil Dacia’s value-for-money pledge. It will combine the most affordable prices in its segment with a larger passenger compartment than ever before into the best bargain on the market
• It will feature more technology, including a new 7-inch digital dashboard, a new 10.1-inch centre touchscreen and a new infotainment system
• The All-New Duster will be brighter than ever, with modular roof bars and the introduction of the clever Dacia YouClip accessory system

ESSENTIAL BUT COOL: MORE TECHNOLOGY AND MORE GOOD THINKING

The All-New Duster illustrates Dacia’s philosophy for technological progress. It must be sound, intelligent, affordable and make life easier for its users.

A MORE DIGITAL AND MORE CONNECTED INTERIOR ON DACIA DUSTER 2024

A new infotainment system with a 10.1-inch centre touchscreen is included as standard in the Expression and up and available with both multimedia systems from Duster, namely Media Display and Media Nav Live:

• Media Display, which will be factory-built into the All-New Duster Expression models, includes four speakers and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Media Nav Live, which will come as standard in Journey and Extreme models, includes all the above plus a connected navigation system providing real-time traffic updates and a six-speaker Arkamys 3D Sound System.

Media Control, featured in the Essential trim, is a complete infotainment system you can control from the steering wheel. It displays media-related information on a 3.5-inch screen next to the analogue cluster on the dashboard. It has four speakers, a Bluetooth connection, a USB port and a smartphone stand built into the dashboard. When you connect it to the free Dacia Media Control app, you can control the radio, other media and several other features from your smartphone screen.

Native connectivity meets new European GSR2 requirements and, in the vehicles with Media Display and Media Nav Live, provides even more connected services, including:

• Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) so you don’t need to visit the Retailer Network for software updates
• Connected maintenance, which you can check on the MyDacia smartphone application

The All-New Duster is the first to feature a 7-inch customizable colour digital dashboard, where the driver can display the information they find most valuable in the layout they prefer. This digital dashboard comes as standard with Expression trim and up.

The Media Display and Media Nav Live versions also include two USB-C ports at the front and two at the back to power up to four devices. All these ports are backlit.

All trim levels feature a dedicated phone slot. Versions equipped with Media Display and Media Nav Live feature a YouClip smartphone holder with two USB-C sockets at the front and two at the rear to power up to four devices.

A wireless smartphone charger is in the centre console, within reach for both passengers at the front. It comes as standard in all upper trim levels.

DUSTER 2024 COMES WITH NEW DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

The cruise control/Speed limiter is now standard on all trims. Automatic low-beam headlights are available in all trims. Moreover, automatic switching between low and high-beam headlights is standard in All-New Duster Extreme and Journey models.

New driver assistance systems, added to All-New Duster to meet the latest European safety requirements, such as automatic emergency braking (in urban and suburban areas, including detection of other cars, pedestrians, bicycles and motorbikes), traffic sign recognition and speeding alert, rear parking assist, emergency stop signal, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, driver attention alert, and emergency calls (eCall). And, to make its customers’ lives easier, Dacia is adding a clever button, My Safety, for drivers to configure their favourite driver assistance systems quickly.

OPTIMISED COMFORT IN DACIA DUSTER INTERIOR

All-New Duster provides the best value for money in its segment. Switching to the CMF-B platform has opened up more space inside, especially in the width at the front and the legroom at the back (+30mm). Its boot floor is lower, and its opening is broader and higher. The boot is wider and higher, providing up to 6% extra space (472 litres under the parcel tray in the All-New Duster 4×2).

As comfort starts with a completely stress-free driver, the All-New Duster has various amenities to make life easier. An electric parking brake is included in the Expression trim, and the Extreme and Journey trims, by default, come with door mirrors, electric adjusting, and a folding mechanism. As it is readier than ever to tackle the harshest conditions, the All-New Duster can is also available with a heated steering wheel and a de-icing system in the windscreen.

Dacia’s engineers invented YouClip, a simple and practical system to hold several accessories in specific areas in the passenger compartment and hold them tight. The All-New Duster comes with three (in the Essential trim) or five YouClip grips throughout the car.

They can hold a tablet stand, a storage pouch, a smartphone stand with an induction charger, or a “3 in 1” (cupholder, bag hook and movable light). This ingenious 3-in-1 system is factory-built into Duster Extreme, and all YouClip-compatible accessories are available from the Dacia Retailer Network.

DACIA DUSTER 2024 – ALL VERSIONS IN A RANGE WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED

Today, about 70% of Duster customers opt for the higher-end trims. Accordingly, the All-New Duster line-up now has three tiers. These are Essential, Expression, and a new choice between two distinct yet complementary top trims – Extreme, for outdoors fans and an intense driving experience, and Journey, for those who prefer low-key elegance and comfort. Both the latter will be available at similar prices.

Key standard equipment and features include:          

• Duster Essential: media control, fixed roof bars, six airbags, rear parking sensors and more.
• Duster Expression: same as Essential + 17-inch alloy wheels, 7-inch digital dashboard, 10.1-inch centre touchscreen with Media Display infotainment system and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto wireless replication, reversing camera and more.
• Duster Extreme: same as Essential + modular roof bars, washable TEP MicroCloud upholstery, rubber floor and boot mats, automatic air conditioning, Media Nav Live infotainment system with connected navigation, hands-free keycard, electric door mirrors, YouClip 3-in-1 system, Copper Brown decorative touches inside and out, and more.
• Duster Journey: same as Essential + 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic air conditioning, hands-free keycard, electric parking brake, wireless smartphone charger, Media Nav Live infotainment system with connected navigation, 6-speaker Arkamys 3D Sound System, and more.

ABOUT DACIA:
Born in 1968 and then relaunched by Renault Group in 2004 across Europe and Mediterranean countries, Dacia has always offered the best value-for-money cars by constantly redefining the essentials.  As a game-changer, Dacia proposes simple, multi-purpose, reliable cars in tune with customers’ lifestyles.

Dacia models have become a reference on the market, including Sandero, the best-selling retail car in Europe each year since 2017; Duster, the best-selling SUV to European private customers since 2018; and Jogger, the C-segment versatile family car.

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Even so, this comes with a price. A big one, if we are to be fair. Firstly, Dacia Spring is not a performant vehicle, at least not for 2023. Dacia Spring has an autonomy of only 230 km and is powered by a 45 HP engine. Also, its dimensions are not all generous, but on the contrary.

Thirdly, and most importantly, Dacia Spring failed to pass the NCAP tests. It received a 1-star rating in 2021, which makes it one of the least safe cars to drive on public roads.

We wrote extensively on this subject, and one of the specialists’ conclusions is that Dacia might not have chosen China to manufacture this model. Maybe they should’ve chosen a Romanian plant or at least a European one.

Now, another incident shadows the Dacia electric model. In what could be the second incident of this kind in Europe – one Dacia Spring caught fire while driving near Timisoara, Western Romania, as reported by Inside EVs.

The vehicle owner posted the incident on the Dacia Spring Romania Facebook group and included photos showing the fire’s aftermath. He said the fire broke out at around 5 p.m. on May 11 as the car was being driven by his wife in the vicinity of their home in Timis County. At that time, the car had only been driven for 36,000 km, so it was still insured.

So far, the Renault Group did not explain the incident, but the firefighters on the scene offered a possible cause of the fire: a short circuit. It is unclear if the fire broke off the electric battery or from the electric compartment of the car.

Such incidents hit the car manufacturer’s credibility and EV enthusiasts’ intention to buy one or, at least, a Dacia Spring.

Notably, Dacia is not the only manufacturer to have its cars involved in such incidents. Tesla and other car manufacturers have a long series of similar incidents.

One thing is clear: the sooner the producers admit their fault, the better for the whole industry. All EV car producers can learn from their previous mistakes and improve the safety of their cars.

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Perfectly illustrating Dacia’s brand positioning, the Jogger HYDRID 140 is the most affordable hybrid-powered family vehicle, with generous interior space and essential equipment. The model benefits from the expertise of the Renault Group, offering modern technology that ensures a systematic start in 100% electric mode and an immediately available engine torque that allows energetic acceleration.

According to DACIA, the autonomy of the Jogger HYBRID 140 version is over 900 km (in a WLTP-approved mixed cycle). The traction battery has a warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km.

Manufactured exclusively at the Mioveni factory in Romania, the Jogger model with the thermic engine has already been produced in almost 80,000 units, of which over 90% were exported, mainly to Western European markets.

Dacia has decided to open orders for the new Jogger Hybrid in January 2023, with the first customers to receive their vehicles in March.

According to Dacia, the most affordable version of the Jogger Hybrid is the Expression, with five seats, which has a base price of 23,750 euros. At this price can be added as optional extras four colors costing 460 euros, the card for “hands-free” access (200 euros), Media Nav with an eight-inch screen, navigation, six speakers and the map package (300 euros ), heated front seats (150 euros) and air conditioning with automatic regulation (200 euros). In the case of the Expression variant with seven seats, the catalog price is 24,650 euros.

We played along with the car configurator on their website, and our version came up at EUR 25,724.

To be honest, this is the sum to buy a decent 5-year-old SUV, more reliable and reputable than any of DACIA brands. But some clients want to buy only new cars, and DACIA is the proper choice for all those drivers.

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Regarding car production in Romania, it’s not only DACIA, the flagship of this industry in the country, but also FORD. The American producer contributes significantly to the new record.

Precisely, DACIA produced 314,228 units and Ford 195,237. The total number of cars produced in Romania in 2022 exceeds by 21% the record reached in 2021 (420,755 vehicles), by 16.3% that of 2020 (438,107 units), and by 3.9% the one in 2019 (490,412 vehicles). It could signify that the car manufacturing industry is recovering after the last two pandemic years.

DACIA remains one of the best car brands in Europe by sales volumes. In July last year, Dacia announced it was the only European brand among the top 20 automakers on the continent whose sales rose in the first half of the year globally. Dacia sold 277,885 units in the first half of the year, an increase of 5.9% over the same period last year. The business claims that this result can be attributed to the popularity of the new Spring models (20 thousand units) and Jogger, which were introduced in the previous year, as well as the success of the Sandero (112 thousand units, +1.8%) and Duster (99 thousand units, +5.5%) (21,700 units).

In December 2021, FORD announced it had exceeded 1 million units produced in Romania in Craiova. The factory is now under FORD Otosan’s management.

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The full range with the brand-new identity will make a world premiere alongside the recently revealed MANIFESTO concept car. A collector edition Duster will take centre stage for the first time, and Dacia’s first HYBRID 140 engine will also debut. Eco-designed branded merchandise will also be on display, adding to a truly immersive experience on a stand that powerfully explores the brand’s new direction.

DACIA takes on the new brand identity

Dacia has recently started a new chapter as it adopts a new brand identity. To date, this has included a new logo, rolled out simultaneously across its entire range (Spring, Sandero, Logan, Duster, and Jogger), new dealerships, new design and new colours. The Mondial de l’Auto is the chosen venue where Dacia will introduce these exciting developments to the general public for the very first time. On display will be the entire vehicle range, now bearing the new emblem – the Dacia Link – where the sleek lines of a ‘D’ and ‘C’ join together like the links of a chain, symbolizing robustness and simplicity. Through its logo, Dacia underscores its values: an essential brand that is cool, robust, outdoor and eco-smart (economic and ecological).

MANIFESTO concept car

The Dacia MANIFESTO concept car will make its world premiere on the Dacia stand.

While the MANIFESTO does not prefigure a future production model, it embodies Dacia’s vision of essential, excellent, robust, affordable, and environmentally friendly vehicles. It is a testing ground for the latest innovative features, some of which will end up on production models. The MANIFESTO is a very compact, lightweight car, more agile than fast, designed for the wilderness and great outdoors. It is a free expression of Dacia’s vision that serves as a tangible representation of its values and brand markers.

MANIFESTO is ESSENTIAL and COOLER than ever with its extractible single headlight, Media Control system, and YouClip accessory interface that will debut on the upcoming generation of Duster.

MANIFESTO is ROBUST, able to tackle any terrain with its airless tyres. It is waterproof and can be easily hosed down both inside and out.

MANIFESTO is ECO-SMART, using Starkle®, a unique material made using 20% recycled plastic with a speckled appearance. It will also make its debut on the next-generation Duster.

“MAT EDITION” DUSTER – collector car

Duster has sold more than 2 million units since its launch in 2010 and has become an iconic Dacia model.

In light of demands from car enthusiasts, Duster will be given pride-of-place on the Dacia stand with the car collector’s “Mat Edition”, a showcase of the model’s personality.

The exclusive edition will feature a unique setup, harnessing the powerful and efficient TCe 150 engine with an EDC gearbox, the best Dacia equipment, and exclusive body colour. Duster’s distinctive “Mat Edition” design will again boost the brand’s appeal, with orders opening at the end of 2022.

JOGGER to have 140 HP engine

The HYBRID 140 engine will be showcased on the Dacia stand with a dedicated demonstrator. The Jogger will become Dacia’s first hybrid next year. An expanding range of ECO-SMART solutions now includes, for the first time, a 140HP hybrid engine. The technology, already mastered within the Renault Group, is yet another opportunity for Dacia to leverage tried and tested components and proven technology.

Orders will begin in early 2023, with the start of sales in spring 2023.

Eco-designed range of merchandising

The Dacia range of merchandising includes backpacks, water bottles, caps, and raincoats. Only the essentials to help reconnect with nature and champion the brand’s values: simplicity, robustness, and authenticity. True to the new brand identity, the range uses recycled materials (raincoats and backpacks made of recycled polyester, caps made of recycled poly-cotton) and sustainable materials (aluminum water bottles).

The entire merchandising range is environmentally friendly, from product design to distribution channels. The collection will be available in a recycled and recyclable cardboard display that already features other merchandising. Once again, Dacia’s hunt to get rid of everything superfluous applies to its entire value chain.

Wanna place orders?

Orders can be placed via a dedicated e-commerce site starting with the opening of the Mondial de l’Auto on October 17^th by clicking here. What’s more, the Dacia brand is again demonstrating its eco-responsible approach through the fact that the online platform is hosted by Infomaniak, a service provider with a 360° approach to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the tool’s life cycle.

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