Renault has confirmed that it will introduce the Dacia Duster to the UK in right-hand drive form by the end of 2012.
Right-hand drive production has been given the green light after Renault took the decision to sell the Duster in India, which is another right-hand drive market.
The Indians will be the first to receive right-hand drive Dusters, with the car due on sale shortly after in the UK. When it reaches Britain, Dacia is hoping to sell the Duster from around £11,000 to make it one of the cheapest SUVs on the market.
Based on a Renault Clio platform, the Duster comes with a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 114bhp or the choice of 84- or 108bhp 1.5-litre turbodiesels. Four-wheel drive is standard with the petrol and more powerful diesel, while the 84bhp diesel has front-wheel drive.
Renault and Dacia hope the no-frills Duster will appeal to those who need a capable SUV or practical crossover but can't afford a Skoda Yeti or Nissan Qashqai.
Alisdair Suttie - 22 Jun 2011