Dacia Duster TCe 130 4x4 (2024) test: Simply all-wheel drive

How good is the price-performance ratio of the model with all-wheel drive and full equipment?

Dacia Duster TCe 130 4x4 (2024) review

By: Manuel Lehbrink

Published by: Brian Potter

May 20, 2024 at 6:16am ET

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Comment

Dacia is Duster and Duster is Dacia. That sums up everything that this model means for the brand, or what the brand itself stands for, namely this very model. It's almost like when awkward, freshly in love couples complete each other's sentences. If one says Dacia, the other answers Duster, and vice versa. Kind of disgusting, but to be honest ... also quite cute. But now back to the topic...

What is it?

If we really need to explain what this model is, you've probably spent the last few weeks on some car-free planet. Looking at the number of hits on the various articles we publish here every day, this third generation of the Dacia Duster really stands out.

Gallery: Dacia Duster TCe 130 4x4 (2024) review

Dacia Duster TCe 130 4x4 (2024) review

No other vehicle in the recent past has received so much attention from our readers. Whether it's the first product presentation with all the details, the first driving report of the 131 PS 4x2 model or crazy (and unfortunately not real) renderings as a pick-up, a convertible or a coupé? These are also being devoured by readers. It will be interesting to see how long the delivery time for a new Duster will be.

And because demand somehow determines supply, we naturally take every opportunity to satisfy the hunger for the new Duster. The latest example? This fresh driving report that you clicked on because you seem to be interested in the all-wheel-drive version of this B-segment SUV. And on that note, off we go!

Fast data Dacia Duster TCe 130 4x4 (2024) Engine 1,199 cc R3 turbocharged petrol engine Gearbox 6-speed manual gearbox Drive system All-wheel drive Power output

131 PS at 4,500 - 5,500 rpm

Torque 230 Nm at 2,100 - 3,500 rpm Base price €24,650 (Expression trim in Germany)

With its 131 PS three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and all-wheel drive, the TCe 130 4x4 version could in some ways be described as the top model. If it weren't for the slightly more powerful hybrid version with multimode automatic transmission.

However, this drive is rather disappointing (the reasons for this will be given in a separate article soon) and the price-sensitive forest-and-meadow clientele probably prefers a semi-classic mild hybrid combustion engine with four driven wheels rather than a vehicle with partially electrified full hybrid front-wheel drive. Does it all make sense? Let's find out now.

Exterior | Interior | Driving report | Things to know and conclusion

Exterior

Visually distinguishing the 4x4 model from its supposedly less off-road-capable siblings is not so easy. Of course, there is the corresponding emblem on the tailgate, but then it gets difficult. Dacia gives the all-wheel drive Duster a touch more ground clearance (217 mm in total - 8 mm more), plus all-weather tyres as standard. And modified skirts so that the front (36 degrees) and rear (31 degrees) angles of approach are somewhat more generous. But otherwise, everything as we would expect from a fully equipped Duster - stylish and robust at the same time.