From the desert to the showroom: Dacia celebrates Dakar victory with the limited edition Duster "Spirit of Sand"

After a historic victory in the toughest rally on the planet, the Mioveni manufacturer is turning the dust from the podium into national pride. Only 500 lucky people will be able to get their hands on a collector's item that promises to be the "unicorn" of the Duster range.

Dacia is no longer just Europe's "affordable car". Today, the Romanian brand under the Renault umbrella flexes its muscles where it counts: in the burning sands of the Dakar Rally. To mark its recent triumph, Dacia has pulled out an edition that will surely delight collectors and off-road enthusiasts: the Duster Spirit of Sand.

A Unique "Power Package": Hybrid, LPG and 4x4

The big surprise of this edition is not only aesthetic, but also under the hood. Dacia introduces the Hybrid-G 150 4x4 configuration, a technological mix that seems to meet all the fans' wishes.

We are talking about a 1.2-liter mild-hybrid engine assisted by an electric unit, but which preserves the brand's economical "DNA" through dual gasoline + LPG fueling. The icing on the cake? A 6-speed automatic transmission and paddles on the steering wheel, coupled to an all-wheel drive system. With 154 HP and 230 Nm of torque, this Duster is ready to attack both urban jungles and mountain roads.

"Tactical" Design and Rally Protection

Visually, Spirit of Sand distances itself from the rest of the range through subtle but impactful details:

• Exclusive Graphics: Visual elements applied to the lower body, reminiscent of desert navigation maps.
• Copper Brown Accents: The copper hue, already the aesthetic signature of the Extreme level, is present for an added touch of rugged elegance.
• 17-inch Tergan Wheels: Finished in matte black, ready for action.
• Underbody armor: Unlike the standard versions, this edition comes factory-fitted with a 6mm duralumin protective shield covering the engine and gearbox. It's a clear message: this car isn't afraid of boulders.

Luxury in Mioveni: Top Amenities

Based on the Extreme trim level, the limited edition makes no compromises when it comes to comfort. The interior is packed with technology that, a few years ago, we would not have imagined on a Dacia model:

• Thermal comfort: Heated seats, steering wheel and windshield.
• Technology: Adaptive cruise control, electric parking brake and Multiview Camera system (essential off-road).
• Safety: Front/rear parking sensors and blind spot detector.

Digital Exclusivity: 500 copies, one store only

Dacia is adopting a modern sales strategy. The 500 units intended exclusively for the Romanian market will not be available "in stock" in dealerships, but will be available exclusively online, on the brand's e-commerce platform.

    The price of success: 28,990 euros (VAT included).

It's an amount that places the Duster in the competitive territory of compact SUVs, but the package offered (limited edition, maximum features, 4x4 capabilities and hybrid propulsion) justifies the price tag for a vehicle that marks a historical milestone.

Watch out, the clock is ticking! Orders are open until March 31, 2026, and first deliveries are scheduled to begin in April. Given the overwhelming success of previous limited editions, it is very likely that the 500 places on the “starting grid” will sell out in a few days.