And similar to that, time with our 2nd mighty Duster at the PH Fleet is up. We maxed out the choice record on a primary technology fashion again in 2017 to a grand overall of £18,980, getting us a nappy brown 1.2-litre TCe 125 4×4 (guide). Adjusted for inflation, that’s £24,182 in lately’s cash. Our 2023 Dacia Duster Adventure TCe 150 Auto 4×2 EDC this time round used to be £23,095 as examined with simplest two pushed wheels as an alternative of 4, however frankly, it nonetheless gave the look of a super worth proposition. 

Again in 2017 a base spec Duster would have set you again £9,545 (£12,160 lately adjusted for inflation) and this has just about doubled now to £17,295. However, and there’s a large however, the Duster actually is a automotive for each guy (and lady) and their canine in 2024. The primary technology automotive used to be applauded for its simplicity and occasional worth, however I had a little of a love/hate courting with it. Sure it used to be reasonable, nevertheless it felt reasonable and admittedly, I will’t say I omit it, nor would I’ve purchased one.

The Duster has come this kind of good distance since, and now I do surely omit NG72 MKL. That is not a discount basement particular however a surely excellent automotive that also feels a discount at lately’s worth level. Shall we now not disregard the most cost effective Nissan Qashqai is just about £10k costlier. And if the usual 3 12 months guaranty isn’t reasonably lengthy sufficient for you, for £415 you’ll be able to prolong it to 6 years/60,000 miles or six years/100,000 miles for £715. A no-brainer in case you’re making plans to stay it for some time and need that additional added piece of thoughts. Which is useful, when our weekend toys and venture automobiles have the tendency for throwing giant expenses at us.

In fact, Dacia aren’t contending with the Germans for luxurious or cabin high quality, however that’s now not actually what you’re purchasing a Duster for both. It’s easy and nonetheless beautiful plasticky, however our Adventure-specced fashion had the whole thing you’d realistically want in a day by day with cruise regulate, an eight-inch display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, parking sensors, 4 Multiview cameras, heated seats, keyless access, and most significantly of all, right kind knurled knobs for adjusting the local weather regulate too.

The peppy 150hp 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine used to be an absolute breeze to reside with, as weighing in at 1,263kg, this used to be no two-tonne truck to haul about and it’s essential actually really feel that gentle weight at the transfer. And of course that weight used to be mirrored within the gas economic system too, averaging 44mpg all over my time with it. The six-speed computerized gearbox isn’t lightning fast nevertheless it’s completely as much as the activity and nonetheless the ‘field I’d opt for for on a regular basis using. I’ve cherished the squishy trip and – dare I say – even had some a laugh hustling it down a b-road.

It’s been a cracking paintings horse for us, from lugging round Sunday Carrier apparatus to transferring area or even being a campervan at Le Mans. The million buck query although, is has it swayed me to shop for one? As my very own private day by day, I’m now not ready to surrender one thing speedy simply but and it’s a little bit too small for my rising circle of relatives to interchange my spouse’s Kia Sportage. But if the youngsters are older and there’s much less crap to lug about, it’ll without a doubt be at the playing cards in both Adventure or Excessive TCE 150 4×2 Computerized spec in Dusty Khaki. So if you’ll be able to all pass out and purchase a load so there’s a tight quantity to pick out from at the used marketplace, that may be ace.

Till then, we’re having a look ahead to the all-new Duster and can take into account the outgoing fashion fondly.

Automobile: 2023 Dacia Duster Adventure TCe 150 Auto 4×2 EDC
Value as examined: £23,095 comprising city gray paint (£650) and spare wheel (£300)
Run via: Ben Lowden
On fleet since: March 2023
Mileage: 6,230 (delivered on 633)