Romanian automaker Dacia has issued an official statement to clarify its strategic position regarding the use of Gás Liquefeito of Petróleo (LPG) in its vehicle lineup. Contrariando recent rumors that suggested the end of this technology by the end of the decade, the brand reaffirmed its commitment to alternative fuel, announcing significant investments in new engines and technologies for the coming years. The company highlights that the continuity of the LPG is guaranteed as long as the União Europeia regulations allow, serving as a pragmatic solution for reducing emissions.
New engines and increased power
As part of the renewal strategy, the manufacturer presented important mechanical updates for its main models, including the Sandero, the Jogger and the Duster. The big news lies in the introduction of a new 1.2 turbo engine with 48V micro-hybrid technology, capable of delivering higher power than current ones. The highlight is the 120 horsepower version intended for the compact line, which can now be associated with an automatic dual-clutch transmission, meeting consumers’ long-standing demand for more urban comfort.
For the SUV segment, specifically the Duster and the unprecedented Bigster, the brand has prepared an even more robust configuration. The mechanical package evolves to offer 150 horsepower, combining gas efficiency with a mild hybrid system. Esta engine not only replaces the old 130 horsepower blocks, but also introduces the possibility of 4×4 traction, maintaining the brand’s characteristic off-road versatility without compromising energy efficiency.
Extended range and load capacity
One of the crucial points of the technical update concerns vehicle autonomy. The brand’s engineering team redesigned the storage system, allowing the installation of gas tanks with greater volumetric capacity. The reservoirs, which previously held around 40 liters, were expanded to almost 50 useful liters. Essa change, added to the conventional gasoline tank, projects a total autonomy that can exceed the 1,500 kilometer mark under ideal driving conditions.
The installation of the new tanks was designed not to interfere with the internal space or trunk capacity, maintaining the habitability that established the company’s family models. The solution of installing the reservoir in the place of the spare tire continues to be used, preserving practicality for daily use and long trips. Essa characteristic reinforces the positioning of LPG as a low operating cost alternative to pure electric vehicles.
Regulatory context and future vision
The decision to maintain and evolve bifuel technology comes at a time of transition in the European automotive industry. The Dacia positions gas as an essential tool for affordable decarbonization, offering an immediate 10% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to pure gasoline engines, without the high costs of large batteries. The company monitors discussions about Euro 7 standards and 2035 targets, adjusting its portfolio to comply with legal requirements without abandoning its customer base.
The strategic move aims to consolidate the brand’s leadership in the alternative fuels segment at Europa. By offering a mature technology, with an already established supply infrastructure and a lower cost per kilometer driven, the manufacturer seeks to attract consumers who still see barriers to total electrification. The line update reaffirms that, for the Dacia, efficient internal combustion will still play a relevant role in accessible mobility over the next decade.
