The Dacia Duster pickup truck is a (very) limited run truck built for OMV Petrom, the largest oil and gas company in Romania. There will be 500 unites built through coachbuilder Romturingia. Powered by a tiny 109 horsepower (it makes about 177 lb-ft of torque) 1.5-liter diesel, the Dacia Duster pickup truck comes with a six-speed manual transmission. There is a five-speed manual available with the petrol engine-based Duster SUV, but there is no mention of that power-plant being used by the Dacia Duster pickup truck.
This is basically an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle with a very low 1st gear that helps with climbing and towing. The AWD system comes from parent company Nissan. From what I’ve seen, the Duster is pretty damn good on rough roads and (somewhat) technical off road trails. It would be interesting to see how the pickup version does in the rough stuff.
Many people think the Dacia Duster SUV is extremely good looking, this pickup variant is no exception. The short overhangs and ride height give the overall appearance a slick, rugged look without being too bold. Based on looks alone, I want one and so do you.
The entire structure is reinforced to support the open bodyshell, which includes a reinforced, two-person cabin. That reinforcement helps the Dacia Duster pickup truck hold 992 lbs of weight in its 66.9-inch (length) bed. That’s not too shabby. Based on the SUV’s towing ability, the Dacia Duster pickup truck should be able to tow over 3,300 lbs.
Looks like the Romanians have good fabrication skills, just LOOK at that bed!
Dacia (Renault/Nissan) says there are no plans to go into full production. That’s a shame, the Dacia Duster pickup truck looks like its got gobs of potential. It’s estimated that it costs Romturingia around €3,000 to convert the Duster, perhaps they will build and sell the little pickup locally.
Renault/Nissan could, possibly, maybe consider larger production if there is enough demand.
Check out the Nissan Leaf Pickup Truck (here).
In North America, Nissan is known as a company that thinks outside the box. Just imagine how many people would clamor for an affordable, lightweight, simple pickup truck that was economical. Why not slap a “Datsun” badge on it and call it the “Datsun Duster?”
That’s not a half bad idea… but, it would make more sense to build something like that for Third World markets.
Bummer.
Speaking of lightweight trucks…
worldwide.
