Dacia has launched the Duster Commercial, an LCV version of its popular Duster SUV offering a cargo area offering 1.5 cubic metres of load space and a range of engine options.
Based on the passenger version of the Duster SUV, each Duster Commercial is converted by Renault Tech at the factory, removing the rear seats to open up as much cargo space as possible leaving an entirely flat floor with no awkward loading lip from the tailgate. This is the second time the Duster has been converted into an LCV.
Available in Essential or Comfort trim levels, engine options include strong and efficient TCe petrols and Blue dCi diesels. The diesel version is available with two- or four-wheel drive.
Loading capacity
The floor is fitted on site and is completely flat with a carpet cover. As part of the van conversion kit, the Duster Commercial also features a useful bulkhead with load stop to safely separate the front passengers from the load area, four handy lashing hooks and a removable load cover up to the window line. The regular parcel shelf remains in place, but the new extra load cover fills the gap to ensure a full cover for the whole load bay, both of which are easily removed to fit in bigger, bulkier items.
Most importantly, the cargo area has up to 1.5 cubic metres of volume available. The maximum load length in the load bay is 1,557mm, while maximum load width measures 1,247mm on four-wheel drive.
The Duster’s off-road ride height also means it’s perfect for loading heavy and awkward items without the need to reach down low into the load bay, which can accommodate a payload of up to 492kg.
Engine range
The engine range available for the Duster Commercial include the most up-to-date petrol and diesel engines in both specifications. Two petrol engines are available – the TCe 90 and TCe 130 – both in 4×2 application with front-wheel drive. The diesel option is the Blue dCi 115, available in a choice of 4×2 or 4×4. All models are fitted with a six-speed manual transmission.
The TCe 90 offers 90hp and 160Nm of torque with up to 45.6mpg (WLTP), while offering the maximum payload of up to 492kg. Every other engine offers a maximum payload of up to 486kg. The more powerful TCe 130 produces 130hp and 240Nm of torque and a 10.6-second zero to 62mph time. It also returns up to 45.6mpg.
Both Blue dCi diesel options produce 115hp and 260Nm of torque, and up to 57.7mpg for the two-wheel drive version and CO2 emissions as low as 128g/km. All engines are fully compliant with Euro 6D Full emissions regulations.
Stop&Start – which automatically turns the engine off at a standstill – is standard on all Duster Commercial models to reduce emissions and boost efficiency.
Cab comfort
Inside the cab, there are comfortable seats with dense foam to offer a supportive seat for all journeys, while Dacia’s simple touchscreen media system is within easy reach.
The Duster’s raised 4×4 body means drivers also benefit from a commanding view of the road in all conditions, and a fully adjustable steering wheel and seat.
As with the passenger version, the Duster Commercial is available in two specifications: Essential and Comfort.
As standard the Duster Commercial Essential features 16-inch steel wheels, body-coloured front and rear bumpers, roof bars with ‘Duster’ inscription, air conditioning, electric front windows, height-adjustable driver’s seat, DAB radio with fingertip controls, Bluetooth phone connectivity and USB connection.
The Comfort specification adds 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, satin chrome exterior detail to the roof bars, door mirrors and skid plates, darkened rear glass, body-coloured door handles and heated, electrically adjustable door mirrors.
The technology gets a boost with Comfort spec too, which adds a seven-function onboard computer located between the dials, as well as a MediaNav Evolution 7-inch touchscreen media system incorporating sat-nav, USB and Aux connections, Bluetooth for phone and media connectivity, smartphone connection via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and steering column-mounted fingertip controls.
Inside, chrome interior trim and a soft feel steering wheel boost the comfort levels further, while difficult manoeuvres are made simpler thanks to rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
The Duster Commercial is available to order now and priced from £15,309 OTR.
