Many are perhaps totally unaware that the name Dacia even exists, let alone that since 2004 Dacia has been the fastest-growing brand name in continental Europe. This lapse is partly because local motorists are heavily into the more common brands associated with the great motoring names.

This SUV looks great and has useful performance helped by the great Renault input

We do know that the Dacia Duster is immensely popular in rural France, Italy and Sicily. This is because it looks darned good and, with the option of having a somewhat cheaper entry level car with two-wheel drive, the serious community can choose a two-wheel or four-wheel, depending on the way the vehicle will be used.

However, when consideration is given to the fact that Renault plays an important role in the production of the Dacia, it should become apparent that this brand name is going to be here for many models to come.

I was totally non-plussed by the fact that a superbly constructed five-seat SUV with a startlingly large boot was sitting on 16-inch wheels just asking to be explored.

Sixteen-inch wheels for a sports utility vehicle is a massive plus, because without undue stretching, passengers and drivers can get in and out of the car with little or no inconvenience.

The Duster is very comfortable, and with a length of only 4,315 mm, a very practical means of either using the car for business or pleasure, visiting hairdressers, nail parlours, coffee shops or even the local garden centre, safe in the knowledge that parking will be no more difficult than in a medium-sized family car.

Over the years, potential SUV drivers have become brainwashed into believing that four-wheel drive is essential. What a load of rubbish.

There is, of course, a further reason for locally extolling the joys of owning a two-wheel drive Duster, and that is quite simply because the authorities will fine any owner who goes offroad to enjoy a picnic, photo opportunity or anything else.

Vehicles must be driven on roads, lanes or easily recognisable, genuine, old vehicular tracks, unless you’ve parked offroad at Qawra Point for a swim. These ‘roads’ need no more than two-wheel drive, especially when it’s linked to a great six-speed gearbox with a very low first gear, designed for coping with unusual, unsurfaced gradients and terrain.

Five people will be carried in total comfort. The design allows for great leg room and the passengers’ height allowance is suitable for very tall people. I found all the controls exactly where they should be and was happily impressed by a very reasonably-sized steering wheel. Some SUVs have a steering gadget more suitable for a truck rather than a car.

The Duster looks stylish, modern and thoroughly user-friendly. The chromed radiator grill is an elegant welcome, continued with chrome roof bars, front and rear skid plates and satin chrome side-skirts.

Renault makes superb engines and the 107bhp unit in the Duster is most certainly no exception. In size, it displaces only 1,461cc with a variable geometry turbo charger to help the diesel on its way. Euro 5 emission standards keep the authorities happy.

It has a maximum speed of 171km/h, quite fast enough to keep Transport Malta on their toes, and will reach 100km/h in 11.8 seconds. This is pretty darn good for a small diesel engine in a very decent SUV.

I thoroughly appreciate McPherson struts and the Duster has them at the front with a flexible axle with programmed deflection and spiral springs at the rear (McPherson multi-link at the rear of the 4X4).

This SUV looks great, has useful performance helped by the great Renault input and also because the kerb weight is only 1,205kg on the two-wheel drive.

As continental Europeans may confirm, this SUV handles well, stops well and, all in all, provides economical, costwise, motoring for a multitude of owners who also need five comfortable seats.

Verdict

Comfort
Four stars by any standards.

Performance
With only the driver on board, a clear four-star job lot.

Cool
In class. This is ‘real cool man’.

Quality
Well up to the standards set by the competition.

At a glance

Starting price
£13,990.

Top speed
171kp/h.

0-100km
11.8 seconds.

Economy
Combined cycle. Five litres/100km.

C02
130gm/km.

Engine
1,461 cc turbo diesel.

Power
107bhp at 4,000rpm.

Maximum torque
240Nm at 1,750 rpm.

Dimensions
Length: 4,315mm.
Width, including mirrors: 2,000mm, 1,822mm mirrors folded.
Height: 1,695 with roof bars.
Wading trough depth: 350mm.

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