The Duster model of the Romanians from Dacia has long become one of the brand's bestsellers. This SUV is passable, practical and at an attractive price. What was missing from it, however, was the combination of 4x4 and automatic. Until now, you could choose either one or the other.
It seems that this will change soon, because Dacia will present a version of the Duster with all-wheel drive and an electrified rear axle, which is expected to happen by the end of this year.
The company's CEO Denis Le Vauth confirmed this new technological solution for the model, which will allow for a two-pedal and four-wheel drive version.
Le Vauth said: “By the end of 2025, we will present a new hybrid solution for our 4x4 version. We will electrify the rear axle with an electric motor directly on it. The car will be hybrid and automatic and there will also be an LPG version. And we will make it affordable, as always.“
It is very likely that this drive option will also make its way into the larger Bigster, which is almost identical technically to the Duster. Other cars that also share the CMF-B platform – including the Dacia Jogger, Nissan Juke, Nissan Qashqai and Renault Captur – could be in line for the same treatment.
Le Vout added that the electric Duster “will come in time”, but it won’t be soon. The first electric Dacia (after the Spring) will be the Sandero in 2027. The Duster will have to wait until at least its next generation to get an electric drive, and that will likely be after 2030.