Short Pickup Truck Features Incredibly Compact Bed Yet Remains Remarkably Cool
The Dacia Duster, a small SUV from the Renault-owned Romanian automaker, has made a surprising leap into the pickup truck market. The Duster pickup, a unique addition to the automotive landscape, undergoes a conversion by Romanian coachbuilder Romturingia.
The Duster pickup offers two engine options: the Mild-Hybrid 130 and the Hybrid 140. The former, a combination of a 130-hp 1.2-liter turbocharged I-3 and a small helper motor, provides a fuel-efficient choice. The Hybrid 140, on the other hand, boasts a 94-hp 1.6-liter I-4, two electric motors, and an AWD drivetrain, resulting in a combined output of approximately 140 hp. Both engines send power to an AWD drivetrain, ensuring optimal performance on various terrains.
The pickup bed conversion performed by Romturingia involves transforming the lower portion of the hatch into a tailgate. The resulting bed measures 41.3 inches long and 39.4 inches wide, offering a potential cargo capacity of up to 948 pounds. Despite its size, the Duster pickup bed is smaller than some of its counterparts, even compared to the Hummer H2 SUT.
The Duster pickup retains its rear doors, adopting a double-cab configuration similar to the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The previous version of the Duster conversion had a much longer bed, but the new version shares a platform with the 2024 and earlier Nissan Kicks, resulting in a more compact design.
It's important to note that Romturingia's involvement in the Duster pickup conversion is not an official manufacturer involvement. The Duster pickup is currently only available in Romania, with a starting price of around $31,000 at current exchange rates. Unfortunately, there is no indication that such a conversion is offered in the USA.
Aftermarket conversions for vehicles such as the Jeep WJ Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger, Subaru WRX, and many others share similarities with the Duster pickup conversion, showcasing the growing trend of transforming SUVs into pickup trucks.
In conclusion, the Dacia Duster pickup offers an innovative solution for those seeking a compact, dual-cab pickup truck. With its unique design and two engine options, the Duster pickup is a noteworthy addition to the pickup truck market, albeit currently limited to Romania.
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