Dacia Duster gets tiny 1.0-litre engine

The Dacia Duster, or Renault Duster as we know it, is getting a heart transplant.

In Europe, the 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine is being dropped in favour of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged unit.

It’s available only with a five-speed manual and in front-wheel drive.

This tiny engine produces 72kW and 160Nm of torque. That’s 12kW less, but 12Nm more than the 1.6-litre offered in South Africa.

The engine isn’t currently under consideration for South Africa. Renault SA confirmed that the local Duster range will carry on as is.