Dacia has unveiled a new Duster Commercial model. Based on the passenger version of the company’s Duster SUV, the LCV version brings a new offering to van customers, with its practical cargo area offering 1.5 cubic metres of load space.

The Duster Commercial also benefits from the same specification as the passenger model. Available in a choice of Essential and Comfort trim levels, engine options include TCe petrols and Blue dCi diesels. The diesel version is available with two- or four-wheel drive.

Practical cargo area
To become a commercial vehicle, each Duster van is converted by Renault Tech at the factory, removing the rear seats to open up as much cargo space as possible leaving an entirely flat floor with no awkward loading lip from the tailgate.

The floor is fitted on site and is completely flat with a carpet cover. As part of the van conversion kit, the Duster Commercial also features a bulkhead with load stop to safely separate the front passengers from the load area, four lashing hooks and a removable load cover up to the window line. The regular parcel shelf remains in place, but the new extra load cover fills the gap to ensure a full cover for the whole load bay, both of which are easily removed to fit in bigger, bulkier items.

The maximum load length in the load bay is 1,557mm, while maximum load width measures 1,247mm on four-wheel drive.

To boost security, all Duster Commercials have fixed rear windows and an opaque film to restrict the view into the load area, plus an alarm.

The Duster’s off-road ride height is an advantage for loading heavy and awkward items without the need to reach down low into the load bay, which can accommodate a payload of up to 492kg.

Exterior design
Based on the standard passenger SUV, the Duster Commercial benefits from the same exterior design features, including the full range of metallic paint options, alloy wheels and sturdy and off-road look.

Its distinctive LED lighting signature at the front is complemented by Dacia’s stacked square rear light detail.

Engines and driving
Two petrol engines are available – the TCe 90 and TCe 130 – both in 4×2 application with front-wheel drive. The diesel option is the Blue dCi 115, available in a choice of 4×2 or 4×4, the latter of which is best suited to those needing unlock the full potential of the Duster’s rugged capabilities. All models are fitted with a six-speed manual transmission.

Both Blue dCi diesel options produce 113 bhp and 184 lb ft of torque, offering the strongest pulling power of all Duster Commercials, and up to 57.7mpg for the two-wheel drive version and CO₂ emissions as low as 128g/km. All engines are fully compliant with Euro 6D Full emissions regulations.

Stop&Start – which automatically turns the engine off at a standstill – is standard on all Duster Commercial models to reduce emissions and boost efficiency, keeping all-important running costs to a minimum.

The Duster Commercial is available to order now and priced from £15,309.