The Shockingly Affordable Dacia Duster 4x4 takes teh Best 4x4 Van award at the What Van? Awards.

The Dacia Duster Commercial 4x4 has won ‘Best 4x4 Van’ at the What Van? Awards 2016, at a ceremony held today in Central London.  

Based on the popular Duster SUV and launched at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2015, the capable commercial crossover, was praised by judges for its off-road capability, driving style and value for money.  The Duster Commercial is based on the road-going version of the vehicle yet benefits from the same tax advantages of light commercial vehicles, making the SUV even more affordable to own and run.

Paul Barker, Editor, What Van? said: “The arrival of the Dacia Duster Commercial has given this niche area of the market a new, interesting and well-priced alternative that offers something unique in the marketplace, which is why we have awarded it our 4x4 Van of the Year title. 

A simple, well-driving and good value proposition capable of accessing muddy and off-the-beaten-track sites, the Duster Commercial is a sensible and welcome addition to the UK’s light commercial vehicle sector.”

On collecting the award for the Duster Commercial 4x4, Louise O’Sullivan, Head of Dacia UK said: “It’s great to see the Commercial 4x4 being recognised by the What Van? team after launching in April this year. 

The Duster Commercial 4x4 provides a no-nonsense solution to businesses looking for an affordable, reliable vehicle that’s also capable of heading off-road when needed. Dacia has really struck a chord with the British public since it was launched in 2013 – becoming the most successful new car brand launch ever in the UK.  

The introduction of the Duster Commercial now brings Dacia’s brand values of ability, affordability and simplicity to the LCV market.”

Available in two different trim levels – Ambiance and Lauréate – the Duster Commercial 4x4 receives Bluetooth connectivity, electric front windows and a heated rear screen even on entry level versions.  The Lauréate version adds cruise control, leather steering wheel, alloy wheels and electric heated wing mirrors.  

Dacia offers a comprehensive selection of low-priced option packs to help owners secure payloads and protect their vehicle during a life of hard work. There is a choice of steel or mesh bulkheads between the passenger and cargo areas; privacy film for the tailgate window and mudguards.

The Duster Commercial is offered with one business-oriented diesel engine – the dCi 110 unit, the best-selling Renault Group diesel powertrain, either as a 4x2 or a robust, go-anywhere 4x4. The 4x2 dCi 110 returns up to 56.5mpg (NEDC Combined), with CO₂ emissions as low as 130 g/km and is available from £9,595 (excluding VAT) for the Ambiance entry level trim.  Meanwhile, the 4x4 dCi 110 returns up to 54.3mpg (NEDC Combined), with CO₂ emissions as low as 137 g/km and is available from £11,295 (excluding VAT) for the Ambiance trim.

The What Van? Awards are decided by the expert editorial panel of What Van? Magazine, calling on their combined decades of experience in the light commercial vehicle industry. The What Van? Awards seek to reward the best products, companies and services in the industry for their ability to make life easier, cleaner, safer and more efficient for light commercial vehicle operators in the UK.