RE: PH Blog: price point

[K666ADM]

I've been keen on the Duster - first Reno badged one I found was the 2012 Qatar motor show, then again in Paris. It is honest - the cost savings can be seen - the rubber trim around the door frames is roughly cut, doors clunk shut, the welding in some areas is visible. But all these things matter little - its got many plus points, its not a car to worry about bumping, scratching and taking the knocks of supermarket car parks, muddy trails, pot holed UK roads, winter salts and all the things that would scare a premium luxury SUV.

[spaximus]

Too many on here are thinking as car enthusiasts. I know many people who to them, a car is, just the same as a washing machine. If it works fine, infact they will take more care choosing a washing machine. This sort of car has been around forever, think FSO, Skoda, Hyundia when they first arrived, they sold well to those with no interest in cars. This look like it will sell by the shed load as the market already exsist but now there are more people who want to be seen to be responsible and frugal.

[dieseltaylor]

The Dacia's for the UK are being made in India.

I have been to the local Dacia garage and there is a lot for the money - and I would take the base model no problem. I like cheap motoring and even the wife was impressed. She will not part with the Cayman but for our local speedbumps and four passengers what a treat the Duster will be..

[IanHen]

New Scot said:

Surely an enterprising dealer could try offering an aftermarket a/c?

As AC is offered as standard a kit should be do-able.

I installed AC to two new Toyota's myself in the late 80's.
The Honda dealers were asking $1500 extra to fit AC and the Toyota dealers $1000. Kit in a box to go from Toyota was about $480 for one and $510 for the other. Both fitted perfectly.

I would guess $1000 for the part kit today.

[Zeast]

Hi!

Dacia Duster can look even better.





(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151368163926461&set=a.10150248482701461.320263.113872546460&type=1&theater & https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1015136816...

See more here: http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/new_cars/di...

[blackchrome917]

topgunkos said:

ukaskew said:

Where there's a will, there's a way...

Yes, speccing A/C

+1

[richardeallen]

I cant get my head around everyone talking about lack of aircon. I take it the base model comes with window winders.....

[toppstuff]

As an outspoken critic of the PH love-in on DERV drinking VAG "nice-but-lets-not-get-carried-away-with-the-hyperbole" variations on the theme of warm hatchbacks, I am actually a big fan of the Dacia.

I think Harris spot on. There is a place on every driveway for a classless, utilitarian, utterly practical car with some character. I would be happy to have a Duster on the driveway.

But I too, would be irked that I cannot buy a boggo standard version and have air con.

[blackchrome917]

richardeallen said:

I cant get my head around everyone talking about lack of aircon. I take it the base model comes with window winders.....

Yes indeed.

But I remember when my dad switched to a Renault 12 from a Renault 4.
Wind up windows vs sliders. Pure luxury.

[Gorbyrev]

Less money on your daily driver, more money for a weekend special.

[RenesisEvo]

richardeallen said:

I cant get my head around everyone talking about lack of aircon. I take it the base model comes with window winders.....

Indeed - the air-con in my last three cars got switched on 95% of the time for preventative measures to stop the system failing (seals drying out) than for any actual need for it. If you don't need it much, it's just another system that requires care, maintenance and more to go wrong, reduces fuel consumption in use and weight when it isn't. In a totally back-to-basics car, fitting air-con seems oxymoronic.

Having said that, I would want the Duster as a care-free tow car for a Locaterfield, so I imagine 4x4 would be required, which ups the price somewhat and also dictates the need for the torque of the diesel, and suddenly the pricing starts to come undone. Plus Fiat have recently launched an all-new Panda 4x4 (which Autocar rated quite well) - if you don't need the extra space and towing ability, it could be a far better proposition for similar money, with potentially stronger residuals.

[monkeyra]

If anyone has pre-ordered one, make yourself known!

http://www.daciaforum.co.uk/topic/3-pre-ordered-a-...

I'm going to wait until I can test-drive one, and assuming it's not st, I'll be getting a basic 4x4 petrol version. The idea of not having to worry about it getting scraped, wrecking expensive tyres etc, god send. I've had enough of expensive motoring for my day to day needs. I've still got my toy car in the garage, but the Duster will be a brilliant workhorse, especially when you've added the 7 year warranty!

Edited by monkeyra on Friday 9th November 17:50

[cava]

I'd have to gouge out my own eyes if I had one of those sat on my drive...

[monkeyra]

cava said:

I'd have to gouge out my own eyes if I had one of those sat on my drive...

What do you have sat on the drive at the moment then?

[Skodaku]

1964 said:

In a similar way I was recently buying a family car for my wife(she insisted on a new car) - we needed a large estate car for teenage kids, holidays etc, didn't want an MPV. Looked at BMW 5 series - very good but by even a 520d with a few extras gets into the mid £30ks. In the end we bought a Skoda Superb - if anything more room, well made, a bit different. Agreed it is not as fast / quite as nice to drive having driven both but paid £18k for brand new mid range 1.8 petrol turbo. Some mates take the piss as its a Skoda but it was half the price ?

Ah yes, Skoda Superb. The thinking man's choice. Well done that man, or woman. Excellent device, particularly at that price point. Been a fan since daughter's partner bought a used one in 2004. Eight years - and 4x coil packs - later, it continues to work as advertised. What's not to like ?

[Kolbenkopp]

Not a fan of SUVs at all, but this looks really OK, especially in basic trim with unpainted bumpers and steelies. I'm in the AC camp tho, would not want one without.

[possibletowel]

" a list price that wouldn't constitute the optional extras on a lumpy 530d."
that quote really sums up why this is such a great new car!

[Paul O]

Love it! Looks great in the pics, will have a nosey at a dealer when it's launched!

[Fishtigua]

Does anyone know if they are going to do a 2-door commercial van version? There is nothing really on the market that comes close to the old Disco commercial.

[TORQ]

New Scot said:

Surely an enterprising dealer could try offering an aftermarket a/c? Maybe room for an aftermarket 4x4 kit too!

If a 335d can be rechipped to outperform everything on wheels except the wonderful Red Victor, this can't be beyond our modding-based culture?

A 'mapped' 335d will destroy all comers in its wake.

I think the Dacia is ace, reminds me of a Matra Scimca, which as a kid used to be very cool.

After a lifelong pursuit of dicking about with expensive old sheds it would be amazing to actually buy a new car.