This morning, the 60 members of the Car of the Year jury announced their seven finalists for the prestigious 2025 Car of the Year award, and among them is the All-New Dacia Duster. After rigorous testing of a 42-strong longlist, this new iteration of the iconic Dacia model stood out, earning its place as a finalist. For Dacia, this marks a historic first, as the brand has never before reached the final stages of this esteemed competition.
The All-New Duster’s selection is a testament to the qualities that have made it a favourite among European drivers since its debut. Combining innovative technology, impressive value for money, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, the All-New Duster embodies all the key criteria that the Car of the Year jury values most.
What Makes a Car of the Year?
The Car of the Year award is one of the most sought-after accolades in the automotive industry. The criteria are rigorous, with particular emphasis on technological innovation and value for money. According to the Car of the Year organisation, a worthy winner must demonstrate advances in technology while maintaining affordability for consumers. In the case of the All-New Dacia Duster, it’s clear that this model checks both boxes, making it a strong contender for the 2025 title.
Technological Innovation: The All-New Duster Leads the Charge
At the heart of the All-New Dacia Duster’s technological innovation is its electrified powertrain. Built on the advanced CMF-B platform, the Duster now offers the highly efficient HYBRID 140 variant. This powertrain enables the vehicle to drive in all-electric mode up to 80% of the time in urban environments, resulting in a significant reduction in fuel consumption—by up to 40% on the urban cycle. This not only lowers running costs for drivers but also makes the All-New Duster a more environmentally friendly option for those concerned with their carbon footprint.
Further enhancing its sustainability credentials, the All-New Duster incorporates innovative recycled materials, with one standout being Starkle®—a pioneering plastic made from 20% recycled materials. This fully recyclable material is prominently featured in the vehicle’s exterior design, reinforcing Dacia’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and improving the sustainability of its models.
The Dacia Duster also introduces the YouClip system, an innovative feature that allows owners to personalise the interior of their vehicle with a range of useful accessories. Whether it’s a smartphone holder or a clever 3-in-1 cupholder, the YouClip system enhances convenience and comfort, providing a level of customisation previously unavailable in this segment.
Unbeatable Value for Money
Since its debut in 2010, the Dacia Duster has consistently delivered outstanding value for money, which is one of the key reasons for its ongoing popularity. With more than 2.5 million customers globally, the Duster has become one of Europe’s best-selling B-SUVs since 2018. Offering exceptional practicality and quality at an accessible price point, the All-New Duster has been a game-changer for British drivers looking for a versatile, cost-effective vehicle.
The third generation of the Dacia Duster continues this tradition, starting from just £18,745 in the UK. At this price point, it remains one of the best-value options in the B-SUV market, offering an unparalleled combination of technology, comfort, and practicality for its price bracket.
The Road Ahead: A Finalist for the 2025 Car of the Year
With its blend of cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and exceptional value, the All-New Dacia Duster is a worthy finalist for the 2025 Car of the Year. As the automotive world eagerly awaits the announcement of the winner at the Brussels Motor Show on 10 January 2025, Dacia’s historic achievement marks a significant moment for the brand and its customers.
Whether or not it claims the coveted Car of the Year title, the All-New Dacia Duster has already proven itself as a standout model in the highly competitive automotive landscape, reaffirming Dacia’s reputation for delivering high-quality vehicles at an accessible price. The All-New Duster is more than just a finalist—it’s a symbol of the future of driving: efficient, affordable, and eco-conscious.
