What's the news?
You may well fail to notice it, given that the exterior changes are so subtle, but this is the entirely-new Dacia Duster, and it's landing in Irish dealerships next week.
Since its original launch in 2012, the Duster has found some 10,000 customers in Ireland - impressive, considering how depressed car sales were when it was launched. Its combination of rugged mechanicals and cheap price tag has obvious appeal, but there must be concerns that the temptation to add extra toys and bump up the price for the new model may alienate those no-nonsense buyers.
Prices have indeed gone up, and the most basic Duster now costs €17,390 - around €1,000 more than the cheapest model did in 2012. Perhaps that's an acceptable level of inflation, though. That basic model comes with a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with 115hp, and motor tax of €390. You can also go for a diesel model, a 115hp 1.5-litre dCi unit, and four-wheel drive versions will be available from early next year.
Basic 'Essential' trim is just that - basic - but you do get a height-adjustable drivers' seat, a DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity, LED running lights and, crucially, the sort of active safety systems (including stability control and full-length curtain airbags) that early Duster adopters could only have dreamed of.
There are also now some very high-end options, including a blind-spot warning system, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and even keyless entry and ignition. Still, you can spend a maximum of €24,490 on a top-spec Duster, which is the point at which most rival vehicle's prices start, so Dacia hasn't yet lost the run of itself.
The Duster's new body (Dacia claims that, in spite of being very visually similar, not a single panel is shared with the outgoing version) makes for a slightly more practical car, too. Although the 445-litre boot is the same as before, there's more stowage space in the cabin itself, and Dacia has clearly had a go at making that cabin a more tolerable place to sit on longer journeys. So, the seats are improved, the touchscreen is now up near your eyes, not down next to your knees, and there is more sound deadening material and thicker glass for improved refinement.