Dacia Turned the Duster Into a Pickup But Overlooked the Pickup Aspect | Carscoops

Dacia Turned the Duster Into a Pickup But Overlooked the Pickup Aspect | Carscoops

      Romania has introduced a four-seat Duster Pick-Up with a small bed, while the UK offers a two-seat Duster Cargo light commercial van instead.

      Dacia has launched a four-seat dual-cab pickup version of the Duster in Romania.

      Although the small cargo bed limits its utility, it can carry a payload of up to 430 kg while maintaining an SUV footprint.

      In the UK, customers can opt for the Duster Cargo van, which features a two-seat configuration and a wooden load floor.

      Pickups have traditionally been favored by those needing cargo space without sacrificing a proper back seat. Typically, this entails having a sufficiently large load bed to accommodate items. However, the new Dacia Duster Pick-Up appears to stray from this standard.

      This latest model is the result of a collaboration with Romturingia, a Romanian firm that specializes in pickup conversions of previous Duster models. Earlier versions featured a single-cab design with a sizable load bed, but this iteration changes the approach. The new Duster Pick-Up retains a dual-cab format, resulting in a reduced cargo area.

      Small Bed, Big Compromise

      The most prominent change is the revamped rear. The roof has been shortened just beyond the D-pillars, while the rest of the body remains unchanged, including the compact rear overhang. The cargo area is lined with plastic along the floor and sides, and it features a custom tailgate that opens downwards. A new bulkhead with a flat rear window separates passengers from cargo.

      Official specifications indicate a maximum loading length of 1,050 mm (41.3 inches), a width of 1,000 mm (39.4 inches), and a payload capacity of 430 kg (948 pounds). To secure loads, the bed is equipped with two metal rails and four anchoring rings. Inside, the pickup offers four seats, with the rear seats including a central armrest.

      The minimal alterations mean the vehicle retains the standard Duster dimensions, measuring 4,345 mm (171.1 inches) in length, 1,813 mm (71.4 inches) in width, and 1,656 mm (65.2 inches) in height, with a ground clearance of up to 224 mm (8.8 inches).

      The Duster Pick-Up is classified as an N1 light commercial vehicle. Buyers can choose from Expression, Extreme, and Journey trims, which replicate the SUV's equipment. It is powered by two hybrid options: the mild-hybrid 130 with all-wheel drive and the front-wheel-drive Hybrid 140.

      The new Dacia Duster Pick-Up is available at Dacia dealers in Romania, starting at €25,983 ($30,800) excluding VAT. In comparison, the standard Duster begins at €17,200 ($20,400) in the same market; however, the pickup version is based on higher-spec models and does not include the entry-level non-hybrid powertrain.

      Currently, it remains uncertain whether the Duster Pick-Up will be available in other regions. Interestingly, this isn't the first dual-cab variant of the popular SUV, as the previous Renault Duster Oroch was introduced as a four-door pickup available in South America since 2015. This model featured a longer wheelbase and a revised rear end with an extended overhang, making it better suited for commercial purposes.

      A Duster Van For The UK

      While Romanian customers can explore the Duster Pick-Up, UK buyers are presented with a different option. The Duster Cargo replaces its rear seats with a flat wooden load floor, four tie-down points, and a mesh bulkhead to separate the cabin from the load area.

      The rear windows lack covers but are tinted for privacy. Additionally, Dacia has included a removable load cover to keep cargo concealed. The boot offers a capacity of 1,030 liters (36.4 cubic feet) up to the roof, with an additional 119 liters (4.2 cubic feet) available under the floor.

      The light commercial vehicle is only offered in the Expression trim. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, roof bars, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment display, air conditioning, manually adjustable seats, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and some basic advanced driver-assistance systems.

      Two Ways To Power It

      The Duster Cargo is available with two electrified powertrain options: the mild-hybrid 130 4×4 and the more powerful hybrid 155, which has been recently added to the range. The mild-hybrid is aimed at those seeking improved off-road capabilities and all-wheel drive, while the hybrid 155 is designed for better efficiency.

      The Duster Cargo can already be ordered in the UK, with prices starting from £22,995 ($31,400) for the mild-hybrid 130 4×4 engine and £23,595 ($32,200)

Dacia Turned the Duster Into a Pickup But Overlooked the Pickup Aspect | Carscoops

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Dacia Turned the Duster Into a Pickup But Overlooked the Pickup Aspect | Carscoops

Romania offers a four-seat Duster Pick-Up with a small bed, whereas the UK has access to a two-seat Duster Cargo light commercial van.