The Dacia Duster has proved to be a force to be reckoned with in the Auto Express Driver Power 2023 new-car survey, overpowering its rivals to win the ‘Best Small SUV’ title and achieving 4th place overall out of the top 75 cars.
In addition to taking the top honours in the UK’s largest owner satisfaction survey, the Duster won a gold award for ‘Best Value’ and a silver award for ‘Best Infotainment’.
As in previous years, Auto Express asked consumers for their views on their cars and ownership experience, with questions spanning from driving performance to running costs. Over 75,000 new car owners submitted their thoughts, with Dacia Duster owners notably haling the robust SUV for its affordability, practical boot, smooth ride and user-friendly controls.
On the success of the Dacia Duster in this year’s Driver Power survey, Steve Fowler, Auto Express editor-in-chief, said: "Another great showing for the Duster shows just how well owners respond to Dacia's premise that many drivers value practicality, affordability and all-round competence over flashy brands and expensive high-end tech they expect never to use or need."
Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, commented: “The accolades continue to come thick and fast for Dacia, but this result is something we are especially proud of as it comes from customers who live with their Duster day in, day out. The award is a ‘real world’ illustration of how Dacia vehicles don’t just score highly when it comes to affordability, but also when it comes to durability and long-lasting driver enjoyment. It’s a package that’s hard to beat and, with the Duster flying up the list to take 4th place overall ahead of all its rivals and cars costing more than two or three times its price, that’s never been so clear.”
Of the over 250,000 vehicles that Dacia has sold in the UK since the brand’s official launch in 2013, the Duster has recorded over 90,000 sales. Famed for its rugged and adventurous nature, the Duster comes in a choice of four trim levels – Essential, Expression, Journey and Extreme. Petrol, diesel and bi-fuel powertrains are available, as are the options of four-wheel-drive and automatic transmission. Generously equipped, standard features of the entry-level Essential specification include cruise control and speed limiter, automatic headlamps, manual air conditioning, daytime running lights, Emergency Brake Assist, DAB, Bluetooth and Hill Start Assist. The Duster range starts at £17,295 on-the-road.