Dacia Duster makes history! It’s the first ever double victory at the 4x4 of the Year Awards

The Dacia Duster has made history by being the first car to win twice in Overlander 4x4 magazine’s 4x4 of the Year Awards.

This year, its off-roading talents, robust design and Dacia’s renowned value for money took the Duster to the top of the class in both the Best Small SUV and Best Budget SUV award categories. Alan Kidd, Editor of Overlander 4x4 magazine, said the double win for the Duster’s was, “a landmark performance”, as no vehicle has ever won two of the main categories before.

He added: “It was always likely that the new Duster would feature somewhere in our awards this year. The old model was a class winner, after all, and this one’s a quantum leap forward even from that.”

With 4x4 transmission available in Expression, Journey and Extreme trim levels, and prices from £23,550 on-the-road, it is easy to understand why the Duster won the Best Budget SUV award. Alan said: “The Budget SUV class is for vehicles which start at less than £30,000, and that lets in some pretty strong competition.

“But you’re at the top of the Duster range long before you hit that sort of money – and you’re getting a vehicle with genuine off-road credentials for that, as well as everything you need in a family wagon. It’s a no brainer.”

Like many other awards the Duster has received since its launch this year, Dacia’s great value and no-nonsense practicality always shines through. Alan concluded: “As always, low price only equals high value if it’s a good vehicle in the first place.

And the Duster certainly is – that’s why it’s going home with the Best Small SUV title too. You put it alongside its rivals and there are precious few tell-tales to suggest it’s the low-cost one.

In fact, there are areas where you wonder why nobody else has thought of doing it that way. It’s unpretentious, all-round capable and a cracking little 4x4 at any price.”

Luke Broad, Brand Director for Dacia UK commented: “I’ve experienced off-roading in the Duster and it’s a great experience, but it’s also nice to know that the professionals at Overlander 4x4 magazine also think it’s fantastic for its all-terrain skills.

“There are a lot of people who need all-wheel drive but don’t want or can’t justify the cost of a traditional large SUV, so Duster fits the bill perfectly. We’re especially proud that Duster has beaten so many other off roaders to win not one, but two titles!”

The off-roading skills of the Duster are enhanced not only by its robust design with generous approach angles but also some of the latest technology, including Hill Decent Control and 4x4 Terrain Control transmission that comes with five driving modes – Automatic, Snow, Mud/Sand and Eco.