BETTER performance, reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions and a hefty cut in running costs are the major benefits of a brand new EU6-compliant 1.6 litre, 16 valve, 115bhp petrol engine which is now available in the Dacia Duster.

The engine is a brand new unit, not simply an EU6 version of the petrol engine previously fitted to the Duster. It develops 10hp more than its predecessor at 5,500rpm and has an extra 8Nm of torque - now 156Nm at 4,000rpm.

This trims the 0-62mph acceleration time of two wheel drive versions from 11.5 to 11.0 seconds, while for 4x4 models the reduction is 0.8 seconds to 12.0 seconds. Top speeds rise by one mph and five mph respectively.

By far the greatest gains are in fuel efficiency and running costs, however. For 4x4 versions, CO emissions tumble by 30g/km to 155g/km, while average fuel consumption has been reduced by 6.2mpg and is now 41.5mpg. This is sufficient to slash the annual vehicle excise duty (VED) cost by £170 to £180.

There are substantial gains with two wheel drive models, too: CO falls by 20g/km to 145g/km, fuel economy improves by 4.3mpg to 44.1mpg and the yearly VED charge is £35 less at £145. The increase in power and torque also raises the towing capacity of front wheel drive versions from 1,200 to 1,500kg so that it is now on a par with that of the 4x4 versions. Benefit-in-kind (BIK) taxation is four bands lower with all-wheel drive and two bands lower with front-wheel drive.

The new engine is a 1,598cc unit with multi-point fuel injection, driving through a five-speed manual gearbox in 4x2 models and a six-speed manual in the 4x4s. Engine Stop and Start is standard.

With its arrival, Dacia now offers a greater number of petrol-engined models in the Duster line-up. Mid-range Ambiance 4x2 and 4x4 versions have been added, giving a more progressive and logical product line-up. Previously, only entry-level Access models were offered with a petrol engine.

The new Ambiance versions are priced at £10,495 (4x2) and £12,495 (4x4). The new petrol engine is also fitted to Access versions, which are priced at £9,495 (4x2) and £11,495 (4x4).

The newcomers extend the Duster range to 10 versions with the dCi 110 turbodiesel engine also now meeting EU6 emissions standards and benefitting from reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. As with the new petrol engine, this has the effect of lowering the VED band of every model.