The compact SUV segment is a battleground for established players and rising stars. Two such contenders vying for a slice of the budget-conscious off-road enthusiast’s pie are the Dacia Duster 2024 and the new Suzuki S-Cross. Both offer a compelling blend of practicality, affordability, and off-road capability. But which one emerges victorious?
First Impressions: Design Language and Aesthetics
The Dacia Duster retains its boxy silhouette, a testament to its utilitarian roots. The 2024 update brings sharper lines to the bonnet and a redesigned front grille with chrome accents, injecting a touch of modern sophistication. The S-Cross, on the other hand, adopts a more sleek and flowing design language. Its rounded curves and sloping roofline create a more modern aesthetic, while the prominent grille and skid plates hint at its off-road prowess.
Ultimately, the design choice comes down to personal preference. The Duster exudes a rugged charm, while the S-Cross offers a more contemporary appeal.
Stepping Inside: Cabin Comfort and Features
The Dacia Duster’s interior has undergone significant improvement for 2024. While budget-conscious materials remain, the overall layout feels more modern and user-friendly. The Duster boasts an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (standard on higher trims). The instrument cluster remains analog on lower trims, while higher variants offer a digital instrument display.
The new S-Cross prioritizes a more premium feel inside. The cabin features a blend of soft-touch plastics and fabric upholstery, creating a more upscale ambiance. The centerpiece is a larger 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with a user-friendly interface and similar smartphone connectivity options. The S-Cross also features a digital instrument cluster as standard equipment.
In terms of space, both SUVs offer sufficient legroom and headroom for front passengers. However, the Duster might feel slightly roomier in the rear due to its boxy design. Both offer decent cargo space, with the Duster potentially offering a slight edge due to its squarer cargo area.
Under the Hood: Powertrains and Performance
The Dacia Duster offers a wider range of engine options in the European market. The base model comes with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 100 horsepower, while a more powerful 1.3-litre turbo petrol with 130 or 150 horsepower is also available. Diesel options include a 1.5-litre unit with varying power outputs depending on the chosen configuration. All engines are mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (on select models).
The Suzuki S-Cross adopts a more streamlined approach, offering a single 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology. This engine produces 140 horsepower and comes paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. While not the most powerful option, the mild-hybrid system promises improved fuel efficiency.
When it comes to off-road capability, both SUVs come equipped with all-wheel-drive options. The Duster offers a more traditional 4×4 system with selectable drive modes, allowing you to tailor performance to the terrain. The S-Cross utilizes Suzuki’s ALLGRIP Select all-wheel-drive system, which offers four driving modes – Auto, Sport, Snow, and Mud – for optimal traction in various conditions.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
The Dacia Duster, particularly with the smaller 1.0-litre engine, is likely to be the more fuel-efficient choice. However, official figures for the 2024 model haven’t been released yet. The Suzuki S-Cross’s mild-hybrid technology also promises decent fuel economy figures. Running costs will likely favor the Duster due to its generally lower purchase price and potentially lower maintenance costs.
Safety First: Features and Ratings
Both the Dacia Duster and Suzuki S-Cross prioritize safety. The Duster features a suite of airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control as standard. Higher trims offer additional features like lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The S-Cross comes equipped with a comprehensive safety package as standard, including airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Both SUVs are expected to receive decent safety ratings, but official results from Euro NCAP haven’t been released for the 2024 Duster at the time of writing.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Off-Road Companion
The verdict ultimately boils down to your priorities and budget:
The Dacia Duster is the Ideal Choice For:
- Budget-conscious buyers: The Duster offers significant value for money, with a lower starting price and potentially lower running costs compared to the S-Cross.
- Off-road enthusiasts: The wider range of engine options, including powerful diesel variants, and the more traditional 4×4 system might appeal to those who crave serious off-road capability.
- Those who prioritize practicality: The Duster’s boxy design translates to potentially more spacious headroom and cargo space.
The Suzuki S-Cross is the Ideal Choice For:
- Those seeking a more premium feel: The S-Cross boasts a more upscale cabin with higher-quality materials and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.
- Drivers who value modern safety features: The S-Cross comes standard with a comprehensive safety package, including autonomous emergency braking.
- Those who prefer a comfortable on-road experience: The S-Cross’s focus on a more car-like driving experience might be preferred by those who prioritize on-road comfort over rugged off-road capability.
The Final Takeaway: Value vs. Refinement
The Dacia Duster remains a champion of affordability and off-road prowess. The 2024 update brings some welcome improvements to the interior, making it a more compelling value proposition. The Suzuki S-Cross, on the other hand, offers a more refined and feature-rich experience with a focus on on-road comfort and modern safety features.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dacia Duster 2024 and the new Suzuki S-Cross hinges on your budget priorities and driving preferences. If you prioritize raw capability and affordability, the Duster is a compelling option. However, if you seek a touch of refinement, modern features, and a comfortable on-road experience, the S-Cross might be the better fit.
