Dacia Duster Hybrid G-150 4x4: desert test of the only bifuel hybrid SUV with all-wheel drive

Mild hybrid but also capable of functioning as a full hybrid and, in some situations, as a pure electric, this Duster's powertrain runs exclusively on LPG when starting up. Petrol enters the scene automatically only when the gas runs out or on demand by pressing a special button. To head to the desert area with the Hybrid G-150 4x4, we set off from Marrakech, driving a few kilometres on paved and, above all, very busy roads. In these conditions at low speed with Eco and Auto modes, the Duster often used only the thrust of the electric unit. In short, it also behaved like a full rather than a mild hybrid both fuelled by LPG and petrol, proving lively when necessary and offering a linear delivery, except at times when rapid speed changes are required when the two engines are about to start working synergistically.

On desert tracks using only petrol (LPG is not sold in Morocco and we were advised not to use it so as not to drain the tank) with a hard surface and dotted with rocky stretches, steep gradients and inclines, it behaved admirably, overcoming the pitfalls in a determined manner and always indulging in instinctive driving. And not only thanks to the appropriate use of the off-road driving modes (mud and sand, look) that engage the four-wheel drive in a fixed manner, but also to the possibility of fully exploiting the torque of the rear electric motor to graduate the accelerations millimetrically in order to move at a walking pace and, finally, to the average ground clearance of 22 centimetres and the reduced body overhangs.

Unchanged in terms of dimensions compared to the other versions, as it is 4.34 metres long, 1.81 metres wide, 1.66 metres high and has a wheelbase of 2.66 metres, this Duster is recognisable externally only by the Hybrid lettering in addition to the model and 4x4 lettering on the tailgate.

In the spacious cabin, furnished like that of the other versions with a style that combines visual appeal with practicality, thanks also to solutions such as washable upholstery and the correct arrangement of controls, the only new features are the dual-clutch gearbox joystick on the console between the seats and paddles on the steering wheel for manual gear management. The environment is littered with Usb-C sockets and offers a 7" configurable cluster and different levels of connectivity and infotainment with a central display that according to the system goes up to 10.1". The more sophisticated one like the one in the top-of-the-range Extreme version of the Duster in our test also offers wireless charging for smartphones, Apple Carplay and Android Auto wireless connections, connected navigation and allows remote car updates. The graphical user interface is clear, intuitive and even includes an off-road screen that shows tilt and pitch angles, as well as the distribution of traction on the two axles for the G-150 4x4. Its boot offers a capacity ranging from 520 to 1,635 litres.

The bifuel LPG hybrid Duster with all-wheel drive is offered in the Expression, Journey and Extreme trims. In the first case the price is 28,000 euro, in the other two, which are top of the range and differ only in aesthetic connotations aimed at determining urban or off-road connotations, it is 30,000 euro.