Duster cleans up in pre-sales
2012-10-30 11:02
EL CHEAPO SPECIAL: Dacia's Duster SUV has had a flying sales introduction in the UK, ahead of its early-2013 launch. Could we, in South Africa, see the same when it comes here later in 2013?
More than 1000 orders are in for Dacia’s Duster with three months to go to its UK launch after “shockingly affordable” prices for the SUV were revealed. The Duster will reach SA in 2013 where it will, like its Logan and Sandero siblings, be badged Renault.
With a base price equivalent to R125 200, eager value-conscious buyers have leaped at the opportunity to own the cut-price SUV. A R1400 refundable deposit might have helped to sweeten the deal, too…
WHO'S BUYING WHAT?
Interestingly, though, the list of pre-orders has revealed odd buying patterns – demand is highest for the top-spec Lauréate versions (its starting price is the equivalent of R181 000) and the 4x4's, although one in six buyers has opted for the base model.
Standard features, depending on specification, range from air con to alloy rims while Dacia in the UK reckons the Duster’s sizable boot and cabin area will also attract families. The mini-SUV’s proven abilities in countries such as Brazil, Columbia, India and Russia are seen as an indicator of its ruggedness.
Dacia UK's marketing director Phil York said of the brand’s early UK success: “Our Duster flagship is off to a great start even before we’ve received our first right-hand-drive shipment.”
