Dacia has had over 1,000 orders for its new Duster model; however, order books have only been open for 100 days and the Duster won't make a showroom appearance for another three months. These orders have also been placed before buyers have had the chance to drive a UK-spec car on British roads.

The most popular versions are proving to be the higher-spec Laureate and 4x4 models; but a sixth of orders placed are for the base-level Duster, costing just £8,995. A large majority of buyers, two thirds in fact, have ticked one or more options boxes when placing their order.

In terms of location, Welsh dealers are scooping up the majority of orders with Scotland not too far behind - according to Dacia. In England, Liverpool has taken the lead for number of orders placed, with Brighton, Kettering, Middlesborough and Yeovil making up the rest.

As well as the UK, Renault's Indian subsidiary - where the UK's Dusters will be built - has taken 20,000 orders of its own in the last three months.

Dacia's Marketing Director, Phil York, said, "We always knew Dacia had the potential to tap into a stagnant UK new car market. Our Duster flagship is off to a great start even before we've received our first right-hand-drive shipment."

The latest influx of orders was helped in no doubt by the announcement of the arrival of the Duster's sister car, the Sandero, onto the UK market; priced from a tiny £5,995 and expected to hit our shores in January.

James Giddings - 29 Oct 2012