DACIA DUSTER WINS AT THE 2015 GREEN APPLE AWARDS

  • Dacia Duster collects Small SUV title at the 2015 Green Apple Awards
  • Fifth annual awards from the not-for-profit organisation
  • The first time Dacia has won at Green Apple Awards

The Dacia Duster has won the Small SUV class at the fifth annual Green Apple Awards at an awards ceremony held today at the Houses of Parliament in London. The ‘shockingly affordable’ Duster, in dCi 110 4x2 guise, was voted into first place by judges thanks to its efficient performance, value for money and high specification.

The automotive-based honours at The Green Apple Awards, organised by the Midlands-based The Green Organisation, are judged by members of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers.

Ian Donaldson, Chairman of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers said: "The Dacia Duster represents the best sort of economical motoring, returning good economy and costing less than you might expect for a car that feels modern and well equipped. It was greatly liked by my fellow members of the MGMW."

Marks were awarded by judges for the way a car drives and behaves in the real world, away from the testing laboratory.

One judge said: "As well as being great value for money the Duster is actually a pleasant car to drive and economical too." Another commented: “I've chosen it because it looks good, drives well and exceeds all expectations."

Another Midland Group judge added: "When you actually drive the Duster you discover it rides well enough and feels thoroughly modern, with enough urge to bowl along happily at the national limit. And a 53mpg average over many hundred miles on test won't hurt on the running costs front either."

Louise O’Sullivan, Brand Manager, Dacia UK said: “We’re delighted the Duster has been recognised by such a well-respected environmental group as the Green Organisation. The Duster has really struck a chord with the Great British public thanks to its no-nonsense approach to motoring and shocking affordability, but this award proves just how economical it is, too.

“It has been challenging preconceptions since launch with its rugged looks and impressive reliability, and the Green Apple judges have proved that not only does the Duster offer great value for money upon purchase, but also through its running costs thanks to its efficient performance.”

The Green Organisation, based in Northamptonshire, was established in 1994 as an international, independent, non-profit, non-political, non-activist environment group, dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world and invites entries from all parts of industry for its annual Green Apple Awards.

The multiple award-winning Duster has been a part of the Dacia range since the brand’s launch in the UK in 2013 and is the most affordable SUV on the UK market – priced from £9,495 with the Green Apple Award-winning dCi 110 4x2 starting at £11,995. Duster is available in a choice of three trim levels, with 1.6-litre petrol or 1.5-litre dCi diesel engines and in 4x2 or 4x4 set-ups.