Imagine how great it would be to order a brand new Wrangler with an integrated camper package directly from Jeep? Even for something as simple as a hanging bed, the purchaser can ride a no-nonsense adventure four-wheel-drive vehicle ready to roam and disperse camp anywhere vaguely accessible on four tires. will leave the premises. Sadly, this type of factory 4×4 micro camper van doesn’t exist at all in the United States, but near-equivalent ones are now readily available throughout Europe. The all-new Dacia Duster 4×4 comes with a full line of “InNature” accessories that build a small, lively expedition machine that’s more capable and lower cost than your typical factory camper.
I used the Jeep Wrangler as an example, but the Dacia Duster is no match for it or other serious 4x4s like the Land Rover Defender. Dacia acknowledges as much, focusing instead on off-road performance, which it describes as “unrivaled in the non-specialist 4×4 market”. And by “non-specialist” we mean vehicles that don’t have serious off-road capabilities, like an old-fashioned 4WD system with a locking differential or low-range gearing.
In fact, although Dacia repeatedly refers to its setup as “4×4,” the new third-generation Duster is actually an all-wheel vehicle with five selectable modes that vary torque between the front and rear axles. using a drive system. Instead of the previous-generation Duster’s 4WD lock mode, the new model includes an “off-road” mode mapped for rugged terrain that adjusts torque between the front and rear wheels based on grip and speed. I am. Other modes are Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Eco.
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Unlike the body-on-frame construction that remains the basis for what Dacia considers its ‘Expert’ 4×4, the Duster rides on Renault’s CMF-B modular unibody platform. But that doesn’t mean this little 171-inch (434 cm) utility vehicle has completely lost its rugged features. Underneath the bumper are front and rear plastic skid plates, or “protective belts” that connect the bumper to the flares. wheel arches and reinforced side sills, and 8.5 inches (217 mm) of ground clearance. The 10.1-inch infotainment display also incorporates off-road information such as lateral lean, hill pitch, and front/rear torque distribution.
The Duster 4×4 is equipped with a 1.2-liter turbo-lite hybrid system with a 48V motor for increased efficiency and lower emissions. The 3-cylinder engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 129-horsepower setup is certainly not a blistering powerhouse, but it promises to suck gas slowly at speeds of 46 mpg (WLTP) (5.1 L/100km) and is available away from any sign of civilization. Extend time.
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Dacia makes it very easy to convert your new Duster 4×4 into an all-terrain overnight camper. The company initially launched the Sleep Pack for the Jogger MPV/Wagon in 2023, followed by the Duster soon after. A simple campervan-in-a-box system, the Sleep Pack is stored in the Duster’s boot behind the back seat.
The sleek 3-in-1 sleep pack design acts as a cargo box in your trunk, keeping your gear and luggage neatly organized. A folding platform and mattress topper extends over the folded rear seats to create a bed that extends to 75 inches (190 cm) in length in the forward side wings and 51 inches (130 cm) in the side wings. The box’s face panel folds down to create an outdoor table that can be used for eating, meal prep, mapping, adjusting gear, and whatever else you need.
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The Sleep Pack is the first product in what Dacia calls ‘InNature’, a family of outdoor accessories that also includes blackout blinds that are custom-fitted to the Duster’s windows to create a comfortable dark sleeping environment. Stacking a folded mattress on top of the sleep box limits cargo space, but buyers can add an InNature roof basket to stow luggage, cargo boxes, and other essentials. An optional set of running boards makes it easier to reach the basket.
The compact, low-roofed Duster doesn’t make the most spacious campervan, but Dacia strives to make it a more functional and cohesive campervan than other campervan-in-a-box solutions. The YouClip system adds three to five attachment points throughout the interior, making it easy to secure useful accessories such as cupholders, mobile device mounts with or without inductive charging, and storage pouches.
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Of particular interest to campers, the Duster Extreme version comes with a 3-in-1 clip-on with a cup holder, bag/coat hook, and a small lamp perfect for use as a camping reading/bed light. Masu. You can have just as much light on hand as you would have on a more complete dedicated camper.
Beyond these off-road and campervan-specific features, the new Duster brings a wide range of additions and improvements, including a driver assistance suite with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and driver attention warning features. More passenger and trunk space. A media navigation system with native connectivity is available.
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Dacia has developed the third generation Duster in keeping with its commitment to value, and this little crossover is definitely one of the cheapest microcampers money can buy. The new SUV will go on sale in the UK market in September, with prices for the base 4×4 model starting at £23,445 (approximately US$29,500) including VAT and destination charges. The better-equipped Extreme 4×4 trim, with travel- and camping-friendly add-ons such as a modular roof bar, rubber floor and boot mat, media navigation system, and 3-in-1 YouClip accessory system, costs £25,945 (32,650 USD). ), all included.
Dacia’s UK online configurator doesn’t yet show the Sleep Pack (although UK availability has been advertised), but a complete camping duster costs well over £30,000 (approximately US$37,750) It should be sold at a lower price. In mainland Europe, packs start at €1,590 and blackout blinds start at €209. This brings the Duster Extreme 4×4 campervan to a starting price of €28,949 (US$30,325) and the Expression base-level 4×4 trim with camping kit to €27,449 (US$28,750).
If you omit all-wheel drive on the 4×2 model, prices are even lower, with the Duster starting price of €18,950, or £18,745 before the sleep pack and other options. Although it loses some power and off-road ability, the entry-level 99-horsepower 1.0-liter bi-fuel powertrain really boosts its ability to get off the beaten path and has a range of up to 870 miles (1,400 km). Provide. Separate the 50L gas tank and 50LLPG tank.
Source: Dacia
