The Dacia Duster has cemented its status as one of the nation’s favourite SUVs after racking up 100,000 sales since its UK launch in 2013.
Much-loved by UK’s car buyers, the Duster accounts for 36% of the brand’s sales to date and has won over 20 industry awards, including those for ‘Best Value Car’, ‘Best Off-Roader’, ‘Best Winter Car’ and ‘Best Small Car/SUV’.
Gail Hill was surprised to find she was the 100,000th UK customer of the iconic Duster, taking delivery of her new Journey TCe 150 Auto from Mitchells Dacia in Lowestoft, which was awarded ‘Dacia Retailer of the Year’ in 2023. An avid fan of the outdoors, Gail was presented with an outdoor pursuits voucher, ensuring that she is ready for adventure as soon as she takes to the road.
The distinctive Dusty Khaki-finished SUV is the second Duster that the retired health care assistant has bought, having purchased her first, also from Mitchells Dacia, in 2022 following a recommendation from her son who works in the automotive industry.
“I hadn’t considered a Duster before buying my original one, but my son said it was a good car. I needed something with a bigger boot and the Duster had plenty of space, plus it was a really good price and felt very solid,” said Gail. “The latest offers made upgrading to a new one more affordable than I thought, and I love the colour and how it drives with the automatic – it does go very well!”
Jonathan Kent, Senior Sales Executive, at Mitchells Dacia, Lowestoft, was delighted to present Gail with the key to her new Dacia: “It’s fantastic to be involved with such a milestone in the Duster story. The car has played a major role in the success of our Dacia operation, being the most popular model with our customers and appealing to a whole host of car buyers. With the all-new version set to arrive later this year, we are looking forward to introducing our customers to the next chapter in the Duster story.”
Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, added: “When people think Dacia, it’s the Duster that so many instantly associate with the brand. All our vehicles are built for adventure but it is the Duster that perhaps best sums up the robustness and effectiveness of our cars and Dacia’s synergy with the great outdoors. While it has evolved significantly over the last decade, it is testament to its design that Duster continues to be a customer favourite and win awards. With the all-new model is just months away and already winning much praise. Duster is only going to get better and even more successful.”
Now in its 11th year of being officially on sale in the UK, and on the cusp of the launch of the new version later this year, the Duster continues to go from strength-to-strength. A true automotive icon, the Duster has won the hearts of a broad range of private and business customers, including emergency first responders, charities and those that need a rugged and versatile car that is built to last and won’t break the bank.
As to how customers like their Duster, the majority have opted for Glacier White paint, while under the bonnet, it is the turbocharged TCe 130 petrol engine that most have chosen.
The renowned model continues to appeal to UK car buyers too, with over 12,500 drivers having already registered their interest in the All-New Duster ahead of its launch later this year.