One of the rather more inimitable elements of the automotive video gig is car-to-car tracking. Even in controlled environments, we use harnesses to secure us in the boot of cars and film the subject following behind to get action shots. A soft, wallowy suspension set-up is essential, and the Dacia's accommodating ride does a pretty decent job of preventing vibrations from reaching the foot of my tripod. Likewise, the rather slow speed of the steering rack means I'm not getting chucked around in the back either, and can concentrate on the image rather than containing my motion-sickness.
The large boot opening and flat load lip also make it easy to jump in and out, as well as to rig up the camera back there. These assets also afford a ton of bootspace: 408 litres with the seats up, or 1,636 litres folded down. Added by the high roof line that seems cavernous, and lets you stuff in a whole load more cameras, tripods, drones, jibs and cleaning kit than you might in, say, a Nissan Qashqai.
Locations like the Elan Valley, however, tend to be on hallowed tarmac in the middle of absolutely nowhere. And while the Duster's motorway manners are pleasant enough, and the DAB radio provides ample entertainment, the 300-odd-mile range is somewhat shorter than ideal. At least when shooting with Giulia Quadrifoglios and M3 Competition Packs, this issue is minimised as they tend to be on similarly thirsty cycles. Keeping up with them on the B-roads is by no means easy either, although it does give one an excuse to simply stare out of the window rather than worrying about how fast the next sheep is coming towards me.
All the car you ever need. And an M3
Frankly, if you owned a Duster in the right spec, you wouldn't mind carelessly chucking kit in it, getting it mucky, parking it in muddy layby's off Welsh B-roads and generally showing tough love it. That spec is UN spec: steelies, basic white paint, standard interior, while perhaps keeping the 4x4 system. Our PH Fleet Duster, with its alloys, optional paint job and upgraded interior feels a little undeserving of workhorse treatment, but that doesn't mean it hasn't delivered on practically every workhourse task a cameraman could ask of it.
FACT SHEET
Car: 2016 Dacia Duster TCe 125 4x4
On fleet since: January 2017
Mileage: 9,272 miles
List price new: £15,795 (As tested £18,980 comprising Metallic paint for £495, European mapping for £90, Aspira leather upholstery for £500, Protection Pack for £495, Touring Pack for £565, Action Pack for £755 and Window Pack for £285)
Last month at a glance: Credible camera car? Course!