A COMMERCIAL version of the Dacia Duster SUV will be on the road before the end of the year with prices starting from £17,734 including VAT.

With the rear seats removed and replaced by a flat load floor, the Duster Commercial has up to 1,623 litres of space available and a payload capacity of up to 503kg.

Like the regular Duster, the Commercial variant is available with both petrol and diesel powertrains with the latter priced from £21,934.

Two trim levels are being offered - Essential and Expression - while the diesel engine model is available with a 4x4 system.

The Duster Commercial's specification is the same as the Duster SUV and included an eight-inch touchscreen with an infotainment system complete with both Android Autoand Apple CarPlay.

Two petrol engines are available - a three-cylinder manual turbo unit developing 90hp or a 150hp version with an automatic gearbox.

Both have an official best fuel economy of 45.6mpg with the auto available only in Expression trim costing from £22,714.

Expression specification includes front fog lights, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, rear-view camera with parking sensors, hill descent control, and a centre differential lock on 4x4 models.

All versions feature LED daytime running lights, body-coloured bumpers, black roof bars with ‘Duster' inscription, air conditioning, electric front windows and cruise control with speed limiter.

As part of the conversion for commercial use a mesh bulkhead is fitted between the load area and front passenger compartment, while a series of lashing eyes make it easy to secure loose cargo.