Renault’s UK unit has begun taking orders online for its upcoming Dacia range ahead of first deliveries next January. The first model, the Duster, will be sourced from the Renault plant in Chennai, India, which builds right hand drive models.
Prices will start at GBP8,995.
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The automaker has appointed 127 dealers who began static displays of the Duster on 28 June. All are current Renault main dealers.
The company chose last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed – fast becoming a must-see motor show (Daimler took covers off its CLS Shooting Brake; Jaguar gave a lightly disguised F-type its first public airing) – as the UK Dacia launch pad and offered 50 potential buyers test drives in LHD cars.
The UK marketing strapline, reflecting the low cost, low frills design of the cars is: ‘You do the maths’.
The Duster will be sold in the UK with trim levels: Access, Ambiance and Lauréate, from GBP8995 on the road (2WD) to GBP10,995 as a 4×4, with Renault claiming it the country’s most affordable SUV.
Buyers will have the option of extending the usual three-year warranty to a five- (60,000 miles), or seven-year (100,000 miles) policy (GBP5 a month for five years).
Up to two thirds of sales are expected to be of the flagship trim level in line with other western European markets.
Two engines – 1.6 105hp petrol and 1.5 110hp diesel – will be offered. The 1.6 petrol is the only option on entry-level versions with diesel an alternative on the upper two trim levels. Four wheel drive versions will be available with either engine.
There are only two factory options: ASR traction control/ESC and metallic paint but dealers will sell four accessory exterior packs.
Following a successful launch in Italy and the Netherlands, the UK will be the third market to offer buyers the option of pre-ordering a Dacia online. They will choose the supplying dealer and pay a GBP100 deposit ahead of first deliveries next January.
