What Makes the New Dacia Duster Cargo Stand Out for Small Businesses?
If you run a small business or need a practical work vehicle, you know the struggle: finding a van that’s both affordable and genuinely useful. Enter the new Dacia Duster Cargo. Priced from £22,995 (excluding VAT), this van version of the popular Duster SUV is making waves for all the right reasons. But what really sets it apart? Let’s break it down.
How Does the Duster Cargo’s Design Cater to Real-World Needs?
Dacia didn’t just slap a van badge on the Duster and call it a day. They’ve reimagined the rear of the vehicle, swapping out the back seats for a sturdy, flat wooden floor. Four lashing points make it easy to secure everything from toolboxes to bulky deliveries. There’s a mesh bulkhead separating the load bay from the cockpit, so your cargo stays put even if you need to brake hard.
Privacy and security matter, too. That’s why the rear windows are fixed and tinted opaque black, keeping prying eyes away from your gear. Need to keep things out of sight? There’s a removable load cover for that.
How Much Can You Actually Fit in the Duster Cargo?
Let’s talk numbers. The Duster Cargo boasts a load capacity of 1,149 litres. To put that in perspective, it’s right up there with the Toyota Corolla Commercial, one of the few other car-based vans in this price range. Whether you’re hauling gardening equipment, catering supplies, or just a week’s worth of deliveries, there’s plenty of room to work with.
Which Powertrains Are Available, and What’s the Real-World Impact?
Here’s where things get interesting. The Duster Cargo gives you a choice between two petrol powertrains: a mild hybrid and a full hybrid. The mild hybrid pairs a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine (128bhp, 170lb ft of torque) with a six-speed manual gearbox, returning a respectable 46.3mpg. If you need four-wheel drive for tricky worksites or rural routes, this is your pick.
The full hybrid, on the other hand, uses a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, working alongside two electric motors. This setup delivers 153bhp and 151lb ft, and it’s front-wheel drive only. The big draw? An impressive 59mpg, which could mean serious savings if you rack up the miles.
What About Payload and Towing Capacity?
Payload is a big deal for van buyers. The mild hybrid can carry up to 410kg, while the full hybrid edges ahead with a 430kg payload. But if towing is part of your daily grind, note this: the mild hybrid can tow up to 1.5 tonnes, while the full hybrid is limited to 750kg. That’s a significant difference, so think carefully about what you’ll need from your van.
Is the Duster Cargo Comfortable and Well-Equipped?
You might expect a stripped-back interior at this price, but Dacia’s gone the extra mile. The Duster Cargo comes in a single trim level, Expression, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That means you get the tech and comfort features you’d find in many passenger cars—no need to compromise on the daily commute.
How Does the Duster Cargo Stack Up Against the Competition?
The car-based van market isn’t exactly crowded, but the Duster Cargo’s closest rival is the Toyota Corolla Commercial. Both offer similar load capacities and car-like driving dynamics, but Dacia’s aggressive pricing and hybrid options make it a compelling alternative, especially for businesses watching their bottom line.
What’s the Verdict for Fleet Buyers and Entrepreneurs?
If you’re looking for a practical, efficient, and affordable van that doesn’t feel like a penalty box, the Dacia Duster Cargo deserves a spot on your shortlist. Its blend of hybrid tech, usable space, and thoughtful features make it a smart choice for tradespeople, delivery drivers, or anyone who needs a van that can double as a daily driver.
Deliveries are set to begin before the end of the year, so if you want to get ahead of the curve—and maybe even save a bit on running costs—it’s worth taking a closer look. Sometimes, the best workhorse is the one that doesn’t shout about it. The Duster Cargo quietly gets the job done.