Crossover | On the road

Dacia Duster

By Bill McCarthy

The first Duster I drove was back in 2014 and then, as now, was blown away by, in the words of parent firm Renault, how shockingly affordable the SUV was, and still is, priced from £10,995 on-the-road.

Revamped in 2017, not one body panel was carried over, but this has not led to the look of car being changed substantially.

The standard 17-inch wheels with black wing arch trims complement the distinctive lighting signature, which includes LED daytime running lights, while the windscreen is also steeply raked, which both creates a more dynamic look and let’s more light into the cabin.

Revisions included multi-view camera, power steering, keyless entry and ignition system, climate control and blind spot warning

There are now five trim levels available, Access, Essential, Comfort, Prestige and Techroad across a 16 version line-up, while there is a choice of three TCe engines and one dCi diesel.

All are packed with kit, with this just above mid range model featuring rear parking camera and sensors, electric front and rear windows, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors and a seven-function on-board computer, all as standard.

As an SUV with either two or four-wheel drive, you might expect that a budget type vehicle would be pretty dull and utilitarian looking , but the Duster more than holds it own in this segment.

It sits high off the ground, with rugged stance featuring wide wheel arches, protective moulding 16-inch alloy wheels.

In addition there are front and rear skid plates, satin chrome door mirrors, side sills and scuff plates front and rear and satin chrome roof bars with Duster inscription

The 130bhp petrol unit driven here in is an impressive performer with excellent economy, aided by ECO mode and stop/start, good pulling power and decent acceleration which feels more rapid than the official 0-60mph figure of 11 seconds.

It is also a refined unit, with good torque that picks up nicely when accelerating on the motorway.

The SUV profile means it won’t be the most slippery through the air, and wind noise does intrude at times as does some road noise. Although Dacia says noise has been halved compared to its predecessor by increasing the percentage of sound-absorbing surfaces in the cabin and engine compartment from 20 to 50 per cent, together with thicker glass for the front windows.

The interior trim is functional rather than luxurious with sturdy plastics rather than the soft-touch variety and hard-wearing upholstery.

It looks to be built to stand up to the strains and stresses of family use with large rotary controls and on this model multi-function steering wheel, as well as some older Renault-looking radio controls.

The brains of the car, however, is very hi-tech with the seven-inch touchscreen which controls infotainment, navigation and smartphone connectivity via Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Bluetooth is also available

Interior space is impressive with seating for five, while the boot offers up to 445 litres with the rear seats in place increased to 1,623 with them folded. Dont expect fantastic handling, it is and SUV, but it does feel surefooted enough with little wallowing on corners.

Safety kit is pretty comprehensive with blind sport warning, assisted braking, air bags including curtain airbag and alarm.

For those who prefer tackling the rough stuff, the Duster carries over the same off-roading credentials that helped to make the previous model such a success.

Dacia may still be suffering from brand anonymity, but that is changing all the time with superb value for money products. ‘Shockingly affordable’ is about right.

Factfile

Dacia Duster Comfort TCe 130

Price: £14,995

Mechanical: 130bhp, 1,333cc, 4cyl turbo petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed gearbox

Max speed: 118mph

0-62mph: 11.1 seconds

Combined mpg: 39-42mpg

Insurance group: 14e

CO2 emissions: 139g/km

BiK rating: 30%

Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles

Skoda Kamiq SE

By Bill McCarthy

Skoda’s latest addition to its range of SUVs is yet another example of the VW parent group almost competing with itself.

There is the VW Up!, Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii as an example of small city cars offering pretty much the same thing. Then there’s the VW T-Cross, SEAT Arona and now the Kamiq.

All similar, but different with prices to match various pockets and purses.

Sitting below the Kodiaq and Karoq, the Kamiq is the smallest of Skoda’s three SUVs. It certainly looks the part, and borrows a feature seen usually on more expensive cars with dynamic indicators, which have a sweep effect when activated and which double up as daytime LED running lights, which is a first for Skoda.

It does feel a bit Dr Who Tardis-like, – the apparently modest exterior hiding a much larger interior

Unusually, they sit above the main headlight clusters which flank the large and now familiar Skoda grille.

Neat alloys and standard integrated roof bars, sculpted bonnet and angular styling give the car a powerful presence.

The interior is also high quality and very spacious, if not exactly startling in style with dark colours only offset by bright trim to doors, steering wheel and dash.

The centrepiece is the eight inch display featuring the infotainment system with eight speakers; SmartLink, enabling users to view and control smartphone apps via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or MirrorLink and navigation systems, which is complemented by the virtual cockpit, featuring a 10 inch screen and five display modes.

Even at entry level starting at just under £18k, there is plenty of standard kit on offer for the money. This SE model is just over £1k more expensive and offers a host of goodies.

Skoda says the model sets benchmarks in its segment for elbow, knee and headroom, with raised seat position for easy passenger access and road visibility. The finish is good quality with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and front door trims.

It does feel a bit Dr Who Tardis like, with the apparently modest exterior hiding a much larger interior.

It couldn’t be an SUV if it was not practical and it is. The Kamiq has a boot capacity of 400 litres with the rear seats in position. This can be extended to 1,395 litres with the 60:40 split backrests folded down, which creates a level surface when combined with the optional false boot floor.

Cup holders can be found in the centre console. There are also storage compartments under the front seats, as well as pockets on the backrests.

There is a choice of four different engines offering power outputs that range from 95PS to 150PS. There are three TSI petrol versions and one diesel, all with with brake energy recovery as well as stop/start technology.

This model was powered by the three cylinder 95PS TSI petrol unit. Like all three pot engines, it delivers a raspy note under acceleration to give the impression of a sporty drive, despite relatively pedestrian acceleration to 60mph in around 11 seconds.

It is however economical with lowish emissions and is lively enough around town.

The handling is also pretty nimble for an SUV. It is based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 platform and a new chassis combines the advantages of an SUV with the agile driving characteristics of a compact car, says the company blurb.

Like all Skodas, the firm’s Simply Clever customer friendly features are on offer, with door-edge protection which deploys automatically when opening the doors and concealed umbrella and torch in the boot.

There are three trim levels including the S, SE and the range topping SE L.

All offer alloy wheels, touchscreen and LED lights, but the SE model driven here adds electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, light and rain sensors, eight speakers, privacy glass, 17 inch alloys, parking aids and cruise control

Safety kit is extensive with full complement of airbags, lane departure warning The Kamiq can be equipped with state-of-the-art assistance systems and already features Lane Assist as well as Front Assist including City Emergency Brake as standard.

It’s a fine effort and although late-ish to the SUV party, Skoda has plenty to offer.