Did Dacia miss the mark by turning its new Duster into a pickup? The question arises following the arrival of this new version, which seems to have gotten off to a rocky start in meeting the expectations of professionals. While previous generations of the Duster pickup had managed to convince with their versatility and robustness, this new iteration leaves some doubts about certain key points.
A legacy to preserve
The older versions of the Duster converted into a pickup had built a solid reputation. Appreciated for their value for money and no-frills utility, they perfectly matched the needs of craftsmen, farmers, or small businesses. This success had set the bar high for this new generation.
The points of doubt about the new Duster pickup
Several elements distinguish this new model from its predecessors and don’t seem entirely in line with the demands of the professional market. Initial feedback reports choices that could prove problematic in intensive use.
A transformation that raises questions
The modification of the structure to create the cargo bed appears to have impacted some expected characteristics. Practicality and access, crucial elements for a work vehicle, are being questioned by some observers.
A professional target perhaps forgotten
The direction taken with this new Duster pickup suggests that Dacia might have tried to appeal to a new audience, at the risk of neglecting its historical core target: professionals seeking above all a reliable and functional tool.
Conclusion: A risky bet for Dacia
It’s still early for a definitive verdict, but the first impressions suggest that Dacia might have made a positioning error with this transformation. Will the brand manage to correct course and win back professional users? Only time will tell.