- Judges praise the Duster’s great value, secure handling and go anywhere versatility
- Duster is the UK’s best value SUV, with prices starting at £9,995
- Awards run by Practical Caravan in association with What Car?
- Third success for Dacia in the annual towing awards
The Dacia Duster has won Best Budget 4x4 in the 2019 Tow Car Awards. In Comfort Blue dCi 115 4x4 guise the Duster impressed the judges with its winning blend of value, practicality, composed driving experience and genuine go anywhere ability.
Run in association with What Car? and the Camping and Caravan Club, the Practical Caravan Tow Car Awards are a tough test for any car, with the expert panel of judges taking into account a contender’s towing ability, everyday driving characteristics, practicality and the ease of both buying and owning. In 2019 there were 40 cars under consideration for awards, making any victory hard won.
The towing aspect of the test is particularly tough and rigorous, with all cars subjected to an emergency lane change, a hill start on a 1 in 6 gradient and towed at speeds of up 60mph. On top of this, each car and caravan unit is subjected to full acceleration and braking tests using sophisticated GPS timing gear. Furthermore, each caravan is ballasted to 85 per cent of the kerb weight of the tow car, while each car is loaded with a further 100kg of ballast.
Speaking about the Duster’s hard fought win, David Motton, Editor of Practical Caravan said: "The Dacia Duster offers more car for your money than any other car in the Tow Car Awards 2019. It tows well, too, staying stable and secure at 60mph. Four-wheel drive will help caravanners tow away from a muddy pitch and makes the Duster an ideal choice for anyone who likes to tour all-year-round, whatever the weather."
Ben Fletcher, Head of Dacia UK, commented: “We’re delighted with the Duster’s win in the 2019 Tow Car Awards. Not only is it another addition to its ever expanding trophy cabinet, it’s further evidence of the Duster’s incredible versatility. Not only has the car proved its impressive value for money, it has excelled with its refined yet rugged driving experience and effortless towing capability in all weathers.”
The Dacia Duster range starts at just £9,995, with the four-wheel drive version available from £13,710 for the Essential SCe 115 4x4 petrol and £15,700 for the Essential Blue dCi 115 diesel.
The Tow Car Awards have been running since 2007, in which time more than 500 cars have been tested. Since its first entry in 2013 Dacia has taken class honours on two other occasions, with victories for both the previous generation Duster and the Logan MCV.
For more information on the Dacia Duster range please visit: https://www.dacia.co.uk.