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Dacia Duster confirmed for Ireland

Dacia's budget-friendly crossover is coming to Ireland in 2012.

Renault has confirmed that it will introduce the Dacia Duster to Ireland in right-hand drive form in 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 Ireland. It'll be sold in front-and four-wheel drive formats (4x2 and 4x4 respectively).

Based on a Renault Clio platform, the Duster comes with a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 115hp or the choice of 85- or 110hp 1.5-litre turbodiesels. Four-wheel drive is standard with the petrol and more powerful diesel, while the 85hp 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.

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Published on June 24, 2011