A new and unusual pickup version of the Duster was presented on the European market, the result of a specialized collaboration with the Romanian manufacturer Romturingia. The model, which uses as a base the latest generation of the SUV from Dacia, a subsidiary of
Equipped with hybrid engines and 4×4 traction, the pickup was designed to mainly serve companies and self-employed professionals who need a versatile vehicle to transport light loads. Although the capacity of the bucket is limited, the functionality and onboard technology position it as a practical and efficient solution for the needs of the European continent, combining the robustness of an SUV with the practicality of a utility vehicle.
While this news shakes up Europa, Renault prepares a different offensive for Brasil. The automaker plans to launch the Niagara pickup truck from 2026, a project developed to compete in a higher segment with higher volumes, reinforcing the brand’s strategy for the South American market with a more robust product aligned with local preferences, directly targeting strong competitors.
A conversion focused on functionality
The transformation of the Duster into a pickup truck is a specialty of Romturingia, which has already carried out adaptations in previous generations of the SUV. Contudo, this is the first time that the new platform model has been converted, being characterized by a pragmatic approach and focused on cost containment, aligned with the philosophy of the Dacia brand.
The decision not to lengthen the chassis or wheelbase simplifies the production process and keeps costs under control. Essa choice, however, directly impacts the dimensions of the bed, which becomes more compact compared to traditional pickup trucks, limiting its application to large cargo volumes.
The focus of the project is to offer an agile and efficient work tool. With a load capacity of up to 430 kg, the Duster pickup is ideal for transporting tools, small equipment or goods in urban and rural deliveries, where agility is a crucial factor.
The target audience is small companies, service providers and fleet owners looking for a vehicle with lower operating costs and greater versatility than a compact van, especially in difficult-to-access terrain where 4×4 traction is necessary.
Compact design and bucket details
Visually, the Duster pickup maintains a front identical to that of the SUV, with its tapered LED headlights and the robust grille that characterizes the new visual identity of the Dacia. The modifications are concentrated in the vehicle’s central column, where Romturingia engineering was applied to create the cargo compartment.
The rear roof and side windows were removed to make room for an open bed. The engineering solution includes a new rear panel for the cabin with a porthole window, protecting the occupants and maintaining the structural rigidity of the monocoque.
The trunk lid has a conventional opening and the cargo compartment is 1.05 meters long by 1 meter wide. Embora these dimensions limit its use for larger volumes, they are sufficient for the niche market for which it is intended, such as transporting gardening materials, maintenance equipment or small orders.
Electrified engine options
The Duster pickup truck inherits the modern engines of the European SUV, with a strong appeal to electrification and efficiency. One of the main versions is the Mild Hybrid (mild hybrid), which combines a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine with 130 hp and a 48-volt electrical system. Este set is associated with a six-speed manual transmission and a 4×4 traction system, which expands the vehicle’s capacity on different types of terrain and optimizes fuel consumption by allowing the combustion engine to be turned off in certain conditions, such as short stops.
The all-wheel drive system offers five selectable driving modes: Auto, Snow (snow), Mud/Sand (mud/sand), Off-Road and Eco. Essa variety of settings allows the driver to adapt the vehicle’s behavior to road conditions, optimizing both performance and fuel consumption. The other available option is the Hybrid 140, a full-hybrid configuration that uses a 1.6 aspirated gasoline engine, working together with an electric motor to deliver a combined power of 140 hp. Nesta version, the transmission is automatic and the drive is exclusively front-wheel drive, with a total focus on energy efficiency for urban and highway use.
The scenario of the Renault pickups in the Brasil
The reality of the Duster pickup truck in the Europa contrasts sharply with the Renault strategy for the Brazilian pickup truck market, which is much more focused on volume, capacity and direct competition with consolidated models. No Brasil, the brand was a pioneer in the intermediate pickup truck segment with the Oroch, launched in 2015, which paved the way for a new market niche. The Oroch has established itself as a robust and versatile option, offering 1.6 naturally aspirated engines and the modern 1.3 TCe turbo flex. Para the future, the plans are even more ambitious. The Renault is in the final stages of development of the Niagara, a completely new pickup truck that will be produced in the Brasil and launched in 2026. The Este model will use a more modern platform and will have the size to compete directly with market leaders such as the Fiat Toro. The Niagara promises to bring hybrid powertrains and 4×4 traction, with the aim of leading one of the most competitive segments in the country. Portanto, while the European Duster pickup is a niche solution, the Niagara represents a strategic and large-scale project for the Renault in the América of the Sul.
4×4 traction differentials
The availability of 4×4 traction in the mild-hybrid version is one of the biggest attractions of the European Duster pickup truck. Essa functionality considerably expands the vehicle’s range of uses, making it capable of tackling unpaved roads, rough terrain or adverse weather conditions, such as snow and ice, common in different parts of Europa.
For a professional audience, such as farmers, field engineers or technicians working in remote areas, off-road capability combined with the economy of a hybrid engine represents an important competitive advantage. The system allows the vehicle to operate quickly both in the city and in rural environments, without compromising efficiency.
Production and availability at Europa
It is important to note that the Duster pickup truck is not a series production model of the Dacia or the Renault. Trata is a specialized conversion carried out by Romturingia, available to order, which limits its scale and makes it a niche product, with production adjusted to the specific demand of customers seeking this exclusive configuration.
A history of adaptations
The Romturingia has a long tradition of modifying Dacia vehicles, especially the Duster. The company had already created pickup versions of the previous generation of the SUV, meeting a constant demand in the region for a compact and robust utility vehicle. The continuity of the project with the new Duster demonstrates the commercial viability of this adaptation.
The experience accumulated over the years allowed the preparer to refine the conversion process. The current model features a higher level of finish and better integration between the cabin and the bucket, offering a more cohesive and durable final product than the first versions developed in the past.
