Dacia presented the new Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4, a version that stands out in the automotive market due to an unprecedented combination of technologies. The model is the only compact SUV currently available that integrates all-wheel drive, a 48-volt mild hybrid system and dual-fuel power supply, using both gasoline and Gás Liquefeito of Petróleo (LPG). Essa configuration allows electric operation in various driving situations and offers a total range of up to 1,500 kilometers with both tanks full.
The vehicle was developed to meet the growing demand for SUVs with low CO2 emissions, without sacrificing the off-road capability that consolidated the name Duster. The engineering solution was created in-house by Dacia to maintain the attractiveness of its four-wheel drive SUVs while aligning with strict European environmental standards.
With a competitive price positioning, the new Duster Hybrid-G is now available to order in several Europa markets. Prices start at approximately 28 thousand euros, reinforcing the brand’s strategy of offering advanced technology with an aggressive cost-benefit, targeting consumers who seek efficiency, versatility and operating savings.
Innovative propulsion system
The heart of the Dacia Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 is a complex, coordinated powertrain to maximize efficiency. The main engine is a 1.2 three-cylinder turbo combustion engine, which delivers 140 horsepower. Ele operates in conjunction with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, which assists in acceleration and allows operation with gasoline or LPG without the need for mechanical modifications.
Complementing the combustion engine, an electric motor positioned on the rear axle provides an additional 31 horsepower. Esta unit is responsible for activating 4×4 traction instantly and also acts as a generator during regenerative braking, recovering energy that would be wasted to recharge the battery.
The 0.84 kWh lithium-ion battery automatically recharges while driving, eliminating the need to connect to external power sources. An electronic system intelligently manages torque distribution, prioritizing electric mode in urban areas and activating all-wheel drive only when it detects loss of grip, optimizing consumption.
The system’s combined power reaches 154 horsepower, with a maximum torque of 230 Nm coming from the thermal engine. The transmission is a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, which includes the option of manual shifting using paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel, ensuring smooth shifts and contributing to fuel economy.
Hybrid operation with 4×4 traction
The all-wheel drive of the Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 is activated electronically and instantly thanks to the dedicated electric motor on the rear axle. Under normal highway driving conditions and high speeds, the vehicle operates in front-wheel drive only to minimize fuel consumption and mechanical friction. However, in urban cycles, the system is capable of keeping the vehicle in pure electric mode for up to 60% of the time, using exclusively the rear engine. Essa feature not only reduces pollutant emissions, but also significantly improves acoustic comfort at low speeds, making city driving quieter and more pleasant.
The model offers specific driving modes that adjust the behavior of the propulsion and traction system for different scenarios. Auto mode automatically balances efficiency and performance, while Eco prioritizes fuel economy and electric operation. Para challenging terrain, Neve, Lama/Sand and Lock modes optimize traction on slippery surfaces or distribute torque equally between axles in extreme conditions. Há also has the Hill Descent Control function, which maintains a constant and safe speed on steep descents. The rear electric motor’s two-speed gearbox allows a short gear ratio for starting and energy recovery, and a long gear that supports speeds of up to 140 km/h in electric mode.
Record consumption and autonomy
The Dacia Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 sets new efficiency standards for a 4×4 SUV. The average consumption approved in the WLTP cycle is 5.5 to 5.6 liters per 100 km when operating on gasoline. When using LPG, the value increases slightly to 7.1 to 7.2 liters per 100 km, due to the lower energy density of this fuel.
The big advantage of the model is its combined autonomy. Equipado With two tanks of 50 liters each, one for gasoline and the other for LPG, the SUV can travel up to 1,500 kilometers without the need for refueling. Switching between fuels can be done manually or automatically, without any interruption in driving.
Tests in real conditions of use indicate that it is possible to achieve averages even better than the official ones, reaching 4.8 liters per 100 km on mixed gasoline routes. The use of LPG, in turn, can reduce operating costs by up to 30% in markets where the fuel is more accessible, representing substantial savings for the owner.
Preserved off-road capabilities
Despite the complexity of the hybrid system, the Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 keeps intact the off-road qualities that are a trademark of the line. The ground clearance remains high, and the approach and departure angles continue to favor use on trails and rough terrain, allowing the vehicle to overcome obstacles with ease. The rear electric motor offers a crucial advantage off-road: the delivery of immediate torque, which improves traction on low-grip surfaces, such as mud or sand, faster and more precisely than a traditional mechanical system. The system also allows complete decoupling of the rear axle to avoid energy losses through friction when 4×4 traction is not required, such as on dry asphalt. In tests carried out in desert terrain, the model demonstrated the ability to progress steadily over sand and dunes, with the descent control acting in a precise and adjustable manner. The automatic transmission facilitates off-road maneuvers, especially in combination with paddle shifters for manual downshifts in situations that require greater control from the driver.
Updated interior and equipment
The cabin of the Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 received updates that combine robustness and technology. The finishes use resistant materials, designed to withstand intense use, ideal for a vehicle with an adventurous proposal. The central infotainment screen, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, concentrates the main connectivity and navigation functions.
The digital instrument panel displays hybrid system-specific information such as real-time energy flow, battery charge level and active traction mode, allowing the driver to monitor the vehicle’s efficiency. The trunk volume is 348 liters, which can be expanded to more than 1,400 liters with the rear seats folded down.
Prices and positioning at Europa
Prices for the Dacia Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 start at 28,500 euros for the Expression version in selected markets. The most equipped configurations, such as the Extreme and Journey, increase the value to around 30 thousand euros, offering items such as a 360-degree camera and driving assistants.
The Dacia positions the model as an affordable option for those looking for a vehicle with all-wheel drive without compromising on energy efficiency. The unique combination of technologies justifies the superior value compared to front-wheel drive versions, attracting a public that values both economy and adventure capabilities.
An exclusive combination on the market
Currently, no other manufacturer offers the combination of a mild hybrid system, LPG dual-fuel power supply and 4×4 traction with an electric motor in a compact SUV. Essa exclusivity makes the Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 a unique proposition, attracting consumers concerned about operating costs and emissions restrictions, while reinforcing the image of Dacia as a brand of rational and durable solutions.
