Dacia Reportedly Preparing New Seven Seater MPV for 2012

It appears that Renault's low cost brand Dacia is getting ready to expand its reach into yet another segment. After the top of the line Duster soft roader, the Romanian manufacturer is planning a seven seater MPV for next year, at least according to a report from French car journal, L'Automobile.

The magazine said the MPV will carry the Popster nameplate and will ride on a modified version of the Logan's platform. The engine lineup is said to include a 1.5 dci engine with various power outputs and 1.2-, 1.4- and 1.6 liter petrol engines. Measuring around 4.5 meters in length, the Popster is said to slot in between Dacia's own Logan MCV and Renault's larger Grand Scenic and come in at under €15,000.

And the MPV won't be the last new model for Dacia as it is reported the Romanian company is also planning its own version of the Kangoo, currently codenamed Project K97. It will feature sliding doors and a spilt tailgate, just like the Logan MCV and though we don't have a name for this light van-like vehicle yet, L`Automobile Magazine reports an estimated price of around 13.000 euros.

READ MORE - Dacia Reportedly Preparing New Seven Seater MPV for 2012

New Dacia SUV Model Scooped without any Camouflage!

A member of a Dacia enthusiast forum has just posted these photographs of what appears to be the Romanian automaker's forthcoming all-wheel drive SUV model that is said to be named after the Duster concept study which was previewed at this year's Geneva Show. However, given that the vehicle pictured here and the concept study share nothing in common in terms of styling, we're not going to draw any definite conclusions as there is the possibility that this crossover may be an entirely different SUV model altogether. Until we find out more, hit the jump for more pics.

READ MORE - New Dacia SUV Model Scooped without any Camouflage!

2010 Dacia Duster SUV Prototype Spied in Romania?

The heavily camouflaged prototype you see in these spy photos is believed to be Dacia's forthcoming small SUV / Crossover model, due to be launched in final production form at next year's Geneva Motor Show. The photos, courtesy of 'Freelancer' and 'Automarket', don't reveal anything on the Romanian budget SUV model that is supposed to be stylistically inspired from the Duster concept study revealed at this year's Geneva show. And by inspired don't expect to see anything more than a few common styling cues here and there.

What you can expect is two and four-wheel drive versions and competitive prices when the small Romanian SUV / Crossover hits European showrooms next summer. The five-door model will most likely be offered with Renault's 1.5-liter dCi diesel (available in different outputs) and 1.6-liter gasoline engines.

Via: Automarket & Freelancer

READ MORE - 2010 Dacia Duster SUV Prototype Spied in Romania?

VIDEO: Dacia Duster Commercial Redefines “Insulting” [NSFW]

This here commercial for Dacia's low-cost Duster SUV is the work of Dutch advertising company Artcore. We should warn you that the ad is a 1 minute and 46 second parade of almost continuous swearing. While we can appreciate some over-the-top creations, we just can’t see this ever airing, at least not during daytime hours. But even if the commercial somehow made it on your TV set, we doubt that this is what Dacia wants to promote.

The commercial has been labeled as “banned” by various internet sources, but it seems to have been produced to showcase a radical idea, rather than to be purpose driven advertisement. The foul-mouthed clip is available right after the break.

READ MORE - VIDEO: Dacia Duster Commercial Redefines “Insulting” [NSFW]

Video: Dacia Logan with Volkswagen 2.8-liter VR6 Engine!

I don’t know if the word Dacia gives James May that fizzing sensation he often talks about, but the Top Gear host seems pretty fond of the Romanian brand. Same goes for low-budget European buyers who see the Renault-era Dacias as well priced models with affordable maintenance costs. One of the Romanian firm's latest cars, the Duster was even nominated for the 2011 COTY award.

However, the brand's models aren't exactly exciting, even more so when it comes to sheer performance with their mundane, small displacement petrol and diesel engines. But as always, for every problem there's a fix. This man's answer was to ditch the Logan sedan's four-cylinder and throw in a 2.8-liter VR6 Volkswagen engine.

Details surrounding the build are pretty scarce right now, as it’s an ongoing project. The owner says that the powerplant churns out 174 hp (most likely stock) and it’s coupled to a VW transmission. Other upgrades include the suspension and brake system.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - Video: Dacia Logan with Volkswagen 2.8-liter VR6 Engine!

Renault Unveils Updated Dacia Duster Ice for next Andros Trophy

As Renault is continuing to work on Dacia's image, the Duster Ice will once again compete in the Andros Trophy, after finishing in second place last year. Set to be piloted by the legendary Alain Prost, the updated model features a number of evolutions for the new season. The opening round of the ice-racing championship will be held at Val Thorens (France), on the 4th and 5th of December.

Developed by Renault Sport Technologies, the Dacia Duster racecar features a tubular chassis with a lightweight fiberglass body with power coming from a Renault-Nissan-sourced 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 350-horsepower.

The six-cylinder powertrain underwent a few key modifications and churns out an extra 20Nm of torque (15 lb-ft) at 3,000 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels, through a six-speed sequential gearbox, while the suspension features new shock absorbers better suited for the rough, icy terrain on which the Andros Trophy events are held. For added precision, engineers also modified the electro-hydraulic steering system, which turns all wheels.

Alain Prost commented:

"We are determined to build on what we started last winter. The thinking behind our second year together marks a logical step forward in sporting, technical and brand terms. Last season, we were aware it would be tough to win the Trophée Andros with a new car, not to mention the fact that the programme began at a relatively late stage. Our overriding aim was to take part, try to be competitive and win races, and also win over the public. This time round, my intention is to challenge for the title. We completed two very positive days of testing at Val Thorens last weekend. Our work on Duster has clearly paid dividends and we are convinced we have the means to make a strong start."

Overall, the Romanian brand's image is at an all-time high, as the budget SUV is also a finalist in the 2011 Car of the Year competition.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Dacia Duster Technical Data

CHASSIS

Tubular steel chassis Double wishbones

ENGINE

Renault-Nissan Alliance-developed Type VQ 30 engine Mid-rear position V6

Valves: 24

Cubic capacity: 2,987cc

Bore x stroke: 93mm x 73.3mm Maximum power: 257kW EEC (350hp) at 7,500rpm

Maximum torque: 360Nm EEC at 5,500rpm

TRANSMISSION

Six-speed SADEV sequential gearbox

BRAKES

Front: 260mm-diameter ventilated steel discs

Rear: 265mm-diameter steel discs

WHEELS AND TIRES

Magnesium, 5.5'' x 16'' Continental Ice Racing Contact 3 tyres

DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT

Length: 4,001mm Width: 1,900mm

Front/rear track: 1,690mm

Wheelbase: 2,500mm

Weight: 950kg

Fuel tank: 25 litres

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

READ MORE - Renault Unveils Updated Dacia Duster Ice for next Andros Trophy

Dacia Sandero Stepway: New Small Crossover Revealed in Barcelona

The Barcelona Auto Show saw Renault's low-cost Romanian brand, Dacia swiping off the covers from the Sandero Stepway, a small hatchback with raised ground clearance but no all-wheel drive system as the crossover retains the standard Sandero's front-wheel drive layout. If the Sandero Stepway reminds you of another model, give yourself a pat on the back because it's essentially the European version of the South American market, Renault Sandero Stepway - 'oui', the French automaker didn't even bother changing names.

The Stepway features a 20mm higher road clearance than the conventional Sandero hatchback while cosmetic upgrades include black and body-colored bumpers housing front and rear skid-plates, new fog lamps and roofbars plus protective cladding around the wheel arches and satin-finish chrome rocker panels, exterior mirrors and door handles.

While we don't have any photos of the interior, Dacia claims in its press release that the Stepway benefits from specific black upholstery with visible white stitching and revised trim.

Depending on the market, the Sandero Stepway will be available with a 90HP 1.6-liter petrol and a 70HP 1.5-liter dCi diesel engine. Sales of Dacia's new model will begin in most European countries this September.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - Dacia Sandero Stepway: New Small Crossover Revealed in Barcelona

Geneva Show: Dacia Duster Coupe Crossover Concept

Dacia, Renault's Romanian budget brand, launched its first-ever concept car at the Geneva Motor Show. Designed collaboratively by the Renault Design Central Europe studio in Bucharest, Romania and the firm's Paris studio, the Duster is coupe crossover with three doors, a single door on the driver's side and two doors, including a rear-hinged 'suicide' door, on the passenger side.

The compact crossover that measures 4,250mm in length is powered by Renault-Nissan's 1.5 dCi diesel engine with 105-horsepower emitting 139g of CO2/km. The concept features an adaptable interior with the passenger seat sliding below the driver's seat allowing a large, 2-metre long load bay. Also, the Duster comes with a tailgated box structure that can slide out of the rear of the car, creating an extra pick-up load bed.

READ MORE - Geneva Show: Dacia Duster Coupe Crossover Concept