Dacia Duster, 2011

Dacia Duster, 2011

 

 

The Dacia Duster project was born out of the simple premise that a real need existed in the world for an affordable, comfortable and rugged 4x4, a class which is currently not well served. Aware of this gap, the Renault group decided to develop an all-terrain vehicle aimed initially at emerging markets. The needs of European customers were also taken into account from the project outset.

In Europe, Dacia's success has highlighted the demand for modern, reliable and affordable cars. Although the current range of 4x4s and SUVs is quite extensive, it neglects the call for a functional, affordable all-terrain vehicle, favouring instead SUVs that are expensive and often ill-suited to the needs of off-road driving.

Indisputable 4x4 looks
At first glance, Dacia Duster is clearly a 4x4. Its front end exudes a sense of ruggedness, with its imposing chrome grille and sump guard also pointing to its clear 4x4 credentials. Seen in profile, its high ground clearance, wide wheel arches and body protection are an open invitation to take on even the toughest surfaces.

Dacia Duster was designed to tackle all types of roads and tracks, all over the world. In order to meet these varied needs, it will be available in all markets in both 4x2 form (for customers looking for good ground clearance and a high driving position, without the need for four-wheel drive) and with 4x4 transmission for off-road driving.

Dacia Duster's strengthened undercarriage is suitable for dirt roads and all-terrain use thanks to its high ground clearance (more than 200mm) and impressive clearance angles (approach angle: 30 degrees; departure angle: more than 35 degrees).

Dacia Duster is easy to drive and not only aimed at all-terrain drivers. Its combination of its low unladen weight (1,180kg in 4x2 - 1,280kg in 4x41) and compact proportions, ensure particularly agile handling. In the 4x4 version, thanks to the unique and intuitive control (sourced from Nissan) located at the foot of the centre console, Dacia Duster drivers can easily adapt the vehicle's transmission configuration to meet their needs of the moment. This control allows one of three modes to be selected:

When the AUTO mode is selected, the front/rear torque split is calculated automatically as a function of available grip. This system is aimed at providing optimal traction, however much grip is available, and gives Dacia Duster genuine 4x4 ability. In normal conditions, the torque is transmitted through the front wheels only. If traction is lost, or when grip is at a premium, some of the torque is transferred to the rear axle. In extreme conditions, the torque is split equally front and rear. This split is performed by an electromagnetic torque converter supplied by Nissan.

In LOCK mode, the driver electronically locks it into 4x4 mode, whereby 50 per cent of torque is consistently fed through the rear axle. This mode is recommended in low grip conditions (snow, mud, dirt, sand) at low speeds.

In 4x2 mode, the transmission is locked into two-wheel drive. This mode is suited to driving on good roads and reduces fuel consumption.

A DACIA 4x4 WHICH DELIVERS ALL THE STRENGTHS EXPECTED OF THE BRAND
Dacia Duster, the sixth vehicle in the Dacia range, remains true to the brand's philosophy by offering unbeatable cabin space for its price, plus low running costs thanks to its thrifty fuel consumption, as well as a high level of safety and reliability whatever the conditions.

Unbeatable cabin space for its price
Although Dacia Duster's price is comparable with that of a city car, its exterior and interior dimensions are more akin to those of a compact car from the segment above. It comfortably seats up to five adults, with both front and rear occupants enjoying the same amount of space as passengers in its sister Logan model.

Dacia Duster's boot capacity is unbeatable, too, with a volume of up to 475dm3 ISO. With the rear benchseat folded and tipped forward, its impressive carrying ability can even exceed 1,600dm3 ISO.

Reliable engines with good fuel economy and low CO2 emissions
Both the 4x2 and 4x4 versions of Dacia Duster will be available with either a 1.6 16V 110hp petrol engine, or 85hp or 105hp dCi diesel power. All three powerplants have already demonstrated their efficiency under the bonnet of a number of Renault group models.

These engines are perfectly suited to the criteria of cost, strength and ease of maintenance that are a hallmark of the Dacia range. Combined with Duster's low weight, they ensure that Dacia's newcomer returns low fuel consumption and boasts impressive ecological credentials, with the dCi diesel versions emitting less than 140g of CO2/km in 4x2 form (qualifying Duster for the Dacia eco² signature) and less than 150g of CO2/km in the case of the 4x4 versions.

Safety: an absolute priority
Reliability and strength: Dacia fundamentals
Like all the vehicles based on the B0/Logan platform, Dacia Duster has been engineered to deliver the hallmark strength and reliability motorists have come to expect of the brand.

Particular attention has been paid to anti-corrosion protection thanks to several precautions:
    * wax-injected underbody and opening panel hollow sections,
    * mastic sealing of exterior joints,
    * additional wax treatment of underbody mechanical components,
    * stone-chip protection for underbody, sills and wheel arches.

Dacia Sandero Stepway, 2010

Dacia Sandero Stepway, 2010

 

The Dacia Sandero Stepway's trailblazing looks are a sure sign that it was born for adventure. Its raised ground clearance (up 20mm compared with the Dacia Sandero hatchback), black and body-coloured bumpers - which house the satin-finish chrome front and rear skid-plates -, foglamps and longitudinal roofbars (black and satin-finish chrome) ensure that Dacia Sandero Stepway is in its element whatever the type of road.

The Dacia Sandero Stepway combines sporty appeal and refinement thanks to details such as its black headlamp masks, chrome grille trim, 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels (depending on market), satin-finish chrome exterior mirrors, door handles and sills, and chrome exhaust tailpipe which all contribute to the model's assertive personality.
The Inside, the specific black upholstery with visible white stitching combines with the Stone Grey centreconsole fascia, air vents, steeringwheel rim and door grab handles to add a touch of elegance to Dacia Sandero Stepway's adventurous appearance.

This forceful vehicle features Stepway branding on the front doors and front chrome door sills, while decorative graphics for the sides of the rear wings are also available as accessories.

The attractive line-up:
The Dacia Sandero Stepway boasts the same strengths that have helped forge the success of its elder, the compact Sandero hatchback, namely a roomy interior, safety, reliability and an unbeatable performance and equipment package for its price.
The Dacia Sandero Stepway is a particularly spacious vehicle which can seat up to five tall adults thanks to its generous dimensions. It also delivers record carrying capacity thanks to its 320dm3 VDA boot which extends to 1,200dm3 VDA with the rear seats folded.
The Dacia Sandero Stepway's safety equipment includes Bosch 8.1 ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA), plus driver and front passenger airbags.

Built on the B0 platform, Dacia Sandero Stepway's boasts robustness and quality, and also benefits from extensive anti-corrosion treatment (underbody, sill and wheel arch gravel protection, wax-injected hollow sections, etc.).

The Dacia Sandero Stepway is based on the Ambiance version (central locking, power steering, etc.) and, in addition to its specific styling details, features a long list of comfort-related equipment, including a 60/40-split folding rear benchseat and foglamps for enhanced visibility at night-time and in fog. A choice of three metallic finishes is available as standard: Mercury Grey, Comète Grey and Ruby Red.

The Drivers will particularly appreciate the slightly raised driving position, while the pleasure felt at the wheel of Dacia Sandero Stepway is further enhanced by the performance of the 1.6 MPI 90hp petrol and dCi 70hp diesel engines (depending on market), two powerplants which have already shown their worth under the bonnet of other Dacia models. Thrifty combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.6 and 5.3 litres/100km respectively only adds to the appeal of the 1.6 MPI and dCi 70 versions of Dacia Sandero Stepway. Last but not least, Dacia Sandero Stepway dCi 70 emits just 140g of CO2/km, making it eligible the Dacia eco² signature.

Dacia Duster Trophee Andros, 2010

Dacia Duster Trophee Andros, 2010

 

Dacia has chosen to base its challenge in the 2009/2010 Trophée Andros ice-racing season on the so-called 'Silhouette' category. All the circuits visited by the Trophée Andros put reliability to the ultimate test, and this will give Dacia a chance to showcase the fact that robustness forms an integral part of the brand's DNA. The discipline also places a cap on excessively complex and costly technical solutions, while the chassis, gearbox and tyres, for example, are all carefully governed by the regulations, forcing teams to explore simple, ingenious solutions, an approach which totally fits the Dacia spirit.

Dacia's newcomer will get its first taste of ice racing in the hands of Alain Prost, with the brand seeking to spring a surprise by using the campaign to premiere Dacia Duster, the lines of which preview the 4x4 model that is due to go on sale in 2010. Dacia Duster's high body line and prominent wheel arches are clear pointers to its 4x4 credentials, while the bodywork of the competition version is perfectly suited to the specific demands of the Trophée Andros. The extensive front glazed surface area and the positioning of the windscreen pillars ensure outstanding forward and lateral visibility.

The Dacia brand has forged a reputation for challenging established thinking in the automotive world, delivering all the essentials… at just the right price.

The Trophée Andros stands out as one of motor sport's most exacting disciplines. In ice racing, the track conditions can change very quickly as a result of prevailing weather conditions, and driving calls for precision, rigour and race-craft, three qualities which all come naturally to a champion of Alain Prost's calibre. Speaking about his latest challenge, Alain Prost said, "I am delighted to be driving the Dacia Duster. It is a brand new vehicle, and I am proud to be able to play a part in its promotion to the unusual backdrop of the Trophée Andros. Thanks to the work put in by Renault Sport Technologies, I have every confidence in Dacia Duster's potential and reliability, which together point to an extremely exciting season."
Dacia Duster Trophee Andros

DACIA DUSTER PREPARED BY RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES

Over and above driver talent, the cars that contest the Trophée Andros undergo specific preparation.

The competition version of Dacia Duster has benefited extensively from the motorsport expertise of Renault Sport Technologies. Its glass-fibre body conceals a tubular chassis which houses a three-litre, 24-valve V6 engine from the Renault-Nissan Alliance range. This powerplant has been carefully tuned in order to optimise its performance potential at the high altitudes at which the races will be held. It delivers peak power of 350hp at 7,500rpm and maximum torque of 360Nm at 5,500rpm. The six-speed sequential gearbox ensures fast, precise gearshifts, even when drifting through corners at full speed. The mid-engined layout offers perfect weight distribution, whilst the low centre of gravity ensures enhanced control.

The double wishbone suspension and long-travel dampers have been specifically engineered to allow Dacia Duster to take in its stride the different conditions it will encounter during the Trophée Andros campaign. The competition version of Dacia Duster is equipped with limited slip differentials which are indispensable for the extreme conditions. This feature, which is also seen on other Renault Sport Technologies-developed competition and road cars, ensures efficient traction irrespective of the road surface, driving style or type of corner. The competition version of Dacia Duster also incorporates a four-wheel steering system for complete cornering control. This mechanical system links the front and rear wheels, and can be rapidly adjusted to meet the demands of each circuit.

DACIA DUSTER COMPETITION CAR - TECHNICAL DATA
    * CHASSIS
          o Tubular steel chassis
          o Double wishbone suspension, front and rear
    * ENGINE
          o Renault-Nissan Alliance VQ 30
          o Position: mid-engined
          o Six cylinders (V6)
          o Number of valves: 24
          o Cubic capacity: 2,987cc
          o Bore x stroke: 93mm x 73.3mm
          o Maximum power: 350hp at 7,500rpm
          o Maximum torque: 360Nm at 5,500rpm
    * TRANSMISSION
          o Six-speed SADEV sequential gearbox
    * BRAKES
          o Front: 260mm-diameter ventilated steel discs
          o Rear: 265mm-diameter steel discs
    * WHEELS
          o 5.5" x 16" (magnesium)
          o Tyres: Continental Racing Contact 3
    * DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT
          o Length: 4,001mm
          o Width: 1,900mm
          o Front/rear track: 1,690mm
          o Wheelbase: 2,500mm
          o Weight: 950kg
          o Fuel tank capacity: 25 litres

Renault to sell the low-cost Dacia Logan as a Nissan in Mexico

Quoting an inside Renault source, Automotive News is reporting that the Renault-Nissan Group has decided to sell the low-cost Dacia Logan in the Mexican market under the Nissan nameplate. The logic behind this move is that Nissan has a stronger brand-awareness than Renault does in the Mexican market. Sales of the Nissan Logan which will be built in Renault's factory in Curitiba, Brazil will start in Mexico in a few months. Via: Automotive News (sub. Req)

Renault Logan: Low-cost sedan launched in Argentina & Brazil

Looks like the French have beaten the Chinese in the cheap-ass car game -for the time being, at least. Following the introduction of the low-cost sedan in Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, the Logan will be launched under the Renault brand in Argentina in May and in Brazil in July thus increasing the markets that the car is sold to a total of 57 countries. The Brazilian & Argentinean Logan’s will be built at Renault’s Ayrton Senna Complex in Curitiba, Brazil. Renault also confirmed earlier reports that it’ll sell the Logan as a Nissan to the Mexican market later on the year. -Click “Read More…” below for more high-res pics and the official press-release

PRESS RELEASE

Renault launches Logan in Argentina and Brazil -Another step forwards for Renault Commitment 2009
-The launch of Logan in Argentina and then in Brazil expands Renault's line-up in the two countries, where family buyers can now obtain the practical, spacious model at an affordable price.
-The gradual introduction of vehicles based on the X90 platform boosts production capacity utilization at the Curitiba complex in Brazil.
-The list of vehicles produced in Curitiba includes a model derived from Logan for the Mexican market, where it will be sold under the Nissan brand.
-Renault's plan for growth in Latin America is underway, with an expansion of the range, increases in production and sales, staff recruitment and the development of the sales network.
Coming after the introduction of Logan in Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, the launch of Logan under the Renault brand in Argentina in May and in Brazil in July marks a new phase in the implementation of Renault Commitment 2009 in Latin America. Logan epitomizes Renault's bid to win over a new target market in the region, namely a family clientele looking for a spacious, affordable vehicle that is also both robust and easy to maintain. The region's two main automobile markets – Brazil and Argentina – are currently expanding and represent significant potential for Renault. In 2006, a total of 1,834,581 vehicles (cars + LCVs) were registered in Brazil, plus a further 420,356 in Argentina. These volumes represent an increase of 28% and 57%, respectively, from 2004 to 2006.
Logan: a new product to build on Renault's long-standing presence in Argentina
Thanks to its Santa Isabel plant in Cordoba, Renault has benefited from production facilities in Argentina for more than 50 years. The brand can also count on strong brand awareness in this country where it claimed a market share of 11.5% in 2006. Logan joins the three-box saloon segment and will enhance Renault's existing range, which currently features Laguna II, Scénic I,
Mégane I (4- and 5-door versions), Mégane II (estate, 4- and 5-door versions), Clio II (3-, 4- and 5-door versions), Kangoo and Master. This product offensive will be further boosted by the import of Grand Scenic II from April 2007, followed by that of Mégane II Coupe Cabriolet in June. Three-box saloons are particularly popular in Argentina and Logan is aimed essentially at family buyers. The proven sturdiness and durability that have paved the way for its success in other markets stand out as incontestable sales arguments.
An unprecedented product offensive in Brazil
Following in the wake of New Mégane in March 2006 and Mégane Grand Tour estate in November 2006, Logan is the third vehicle to be launched on the Brazilian market within the framework of Renault Commitment 2009. Logan will be available here with the bioethanol­powered engines required for this market, and these powerplants represent a world first for the Logan range. As in Argentina, Logan is essentially set to appeal to the Brazilian family buyer looking for a practical, spacious car at an attractive price. Renault will be launching three other models before the end of Renault Commitment 2009 and, with a renewed range adapted to local demand, Renault do Brasil is aiming to double its sales and generate a positive operating margin.
Optimization of production facilities in Curitiba
The Ayrton Senna Complex in Curitiba (Parana State) comprises three factories: an LCV factory producing both Renault (Master) and Nissan (Frontier and Xterra) models, a passenger car factory and a powertrain plant that feeds South America. Inaugurated in 1998, the passenger car body assembly factory currently produces Clio, Clio Sedan, Mégane, Mégane Grand Tour and Scénic.
Logan is the third model to be introduced in Curitiba in one year. The passenger car factory has a production capacity of 200,000. The arrival of Logan, which will be the line's sixth vehicle, enhances the factory's flexibility and optimizes use of its facilities. Annual production capacity for X90 platform vehicles is 110,000 units, destined for the home market and for export, mainly Argentina and Mexico. A model derived from Logan will be marketed in Mexico under the Nissan brand. Further information about the vehicle will be announced later.
To increase daily production from 300 to 450 vehicles, Renault introduced a second shift in the passenger car assembly factory at the beginning of April 2007 and has recruited 600 employees. Logan will feature a high degree of local content, with 80% of parts produced in Brazil. The objective is to increase this figure to 90% by 2009.
Logan, a global success
Since its launch in September 2004, more than 450,000 Logans have been purchased worldwide. The current year stands out as a key period in the X90 Programme, with production starting up in Iran, India and Brazil. Logan is currently manufactured in seven countries, is sold in 55 markets and makes a major contribution to Renault's international expansion and growth.
The X90 Programme represents a significant share of the targeted volume increase of 800,000 vehicles specified in the Renault Commitment 2009 plan. In America, Logan is assembled in the Colombian plant of Sofasa, located in Envigado. Marketing began in September 2005 in Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. The Logan Programme has met with considerable success in Europe, where the range has been extended to include an estate version (Logan MCV) and a utility version (Logan Van).
The first two months of 2007 saw Logan MCV sales reach 5,500 in the European and Turkish markets. Logan's debut in Iran – where it is known as Tondar-90 – is also proving particularly promising. In the space of just one week, Iranian customers ordered almost 85,000 vehicles, which is equivalent to the year's total production. The model is built in the factories of Renault's two Iranian partners – Iran Khodro and Pars Khodro – and production capacity will reach 300,000 units per year by 2009. Meanwhile, in India, the first Logan rolled out of the Nashik factory on April 4, 2007, less than two years after the signing of a joint venture agreement with Renault's Indian partner Mahindra.
This development is the fruit of Renault's expertise in the realms of product and process engineering, quality and purchasing, plus Mahindra's production expertise, frugal approach and in-depth understanding of the Indian market, supported by the commitment of the operators working in the factory.

2009 Dacia Logan Facelift Snapped Off-Guard

Apparently, security measures aren’t that much of an issue at Dacia’s Romanian plant as these cell-phone pics of the restyled Logan Sedan prove. From what we can tell, the Renault Group’s inexpensive compact-sized sedan has received a rather mild facelift that includes redesigned bumpers along with a wider grille up-front and modified tail-lamps at the rear. Logically, the 2009 Logan should go on sale in Europe over the next few months. –Click through for more pics

New Dacia Logan: Subtle Redesignd

Four years after the release of the Dacia Logan, the Renault Group released a facelift version of its successful low-cost sedan. Inspired from the 5door Dacia Sandero, the New Logan features a new front grille paired with a redesigned front bumper and larger headlights. Likewise, the sedan’s rear-end features a new bumper, revised tail-lights and a more streamline design for the boot lid. Renault/Dacia’s designers also updated the Logan’s interior that features new door panels and a revised centre console with new controls. -Continued

In terms of chassis upgrades, the front and rear tracks of New Dacia Logan have been widened 7mm either side, which reinforces the roadholding capabilities of the vehicle. On the passive safety front, the 2009 Logan features a new honeycomb structure for the dashboard which reduces the severity of impact to the knees. There are no changes under the hood with the New Logan being offered with the same petrol engines (1.4 75hp, 1.6 90hp and 1.6 16V 105hp) and diesel engines (1.5 dCi 70hp and 1.5 dCi 85hp) as before.

Too Much of a Stretch? Dacia Logan MCV Limousine

When you think about stretch limos, we sincerely doubt that Dacia is among the brands that come to mind. Still, that hasn't deterred some folks from building one off the Logan MCV, a crossover version of the Renault-Nissan alliance's Romanian low-cost sedan. Details are thin on the project but in the extremely rare case you have nothing else better to do, there's a bunch of computer generated drawings of the interior after the jump.

Source: Daciaclub , Via: Vudu84

Renault Inaugurates New Vehicle Test Center in Romania

The Renault Group has opened a brand new test facility in Titu, Romania. Built on a 330-hectare site located between the Dacia plant in Pitesti and the Renault Technologie Roumanie (RTR) engineering center in Bucharest, the Titu Technical Center will complement the company's Aubevoye and Lardy test centers in France.
According to Renault, the new facility will focus on testing for vehicles and powertrain components from the B0 platform that underpins the low-cost Dacia Logan.
The center is said to have 100 benches for testing vehicles and components such as shock absorbers, running gear and powertrains. The benches can simulate extreme conditions, testing the ability to withstand cold, and simulating sunlight, rain, and other situations.
In addition, the center has ten types of tracks including a speed circuit, uneven road surfaces, an underbody impact zone and wading troughs, which make up a total length of 32 km or about 20 miles.
Renault said the first teams arrived at the Romanian facility in June 2010, and the workforce will increase to 300 people before the end of the year. The first track tests are planned for October 2010.

Romanian Tuning Firm Drops the Top on Dacia Logan

For the time being, Dacia's parent company Renault doesn't seem to have any solid plans to further expand the range of its low-cost Logan subcompact, but that hasn't stopped tuning companies from creating their own unique proposals.
Enter the world of Auto K9, a tuning house based in Romania. The company has just presented its latest creation in the form of a one-off Dacia Logan Convertible study based on the sedan model.
Aside from chopping the roof, the tuning firm also removed the rear doors and extended the front ones. From what we understand, the car doesn't come with a top of any sorts.
Other touches include a bodykit, chunky alloy wheels and a customized interior swathed in white leather plus a high-end audio system.

Source: 4Tuning [Hat tip to Valentin]

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