- The new Duster Spirit of Sand limited edition celebrates Dacia’s Dakar victory.
- It features a unique livery, a generous kit, and extra underbody protection.
- It will be produced in 500 units for Romania, priced at €28,990 ($34,200).
Fresh off a dominant performance at the 2026 Dakar Rally, Dacia is bringing a slice of the desert to the streets. The company has launched the Duster Spirit of Sand limited edition as a full-spec AWD model with a special livery, additional underbody protection, and a hybrid bi-fuel powertrain.
Dressed for the Dunes
The Spirit of Sand is based on the flagship Extreme trim of the Duster but adds unique decals on the lower portion of the bodywork. These are combined with a Sandstone shade, Copper Brown mirrors and 17-inch alloy wheels finished in black.
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More importantly, the SUV is fitted with a protection shield for the engine and the gearbox, which is made of 6 mm (0.23-inch) thick duralumin – a very strong aluminum alloy. This feature is available as an option for the Duster Extreme, but comes standard in the Spirit of Sand.
The end result might not look as wild as the Duster-based Soul Of Dakar concept from December 2024, but owners can further enhance it later on. Optional accessories available for the SUV in Romania include a roof rack, extra LEDs, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, and a 30 mm (1.2-inch) lift kit.
Inside, the special edition doesn’t get any fancy decals or stitching but comes standard with the full list of available equipment. Amenities include the 10.1-inch infotainment, automatic A/C, a multi-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, a Multiview camera, and parking sensors.
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The desert-inspired Duster even comes with adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection, despite Dacia’s stubborn attitude against modern ADAS.
Hybrid And Bi-Fuel
The Spirit of Sand is fitted with the recently introduced Hybrid-G 150 4×4 powertrain which combines an electrified setup with bi-fuel capability. The system pairs a mild-hybrid turbo 1.2-liter engine with an additional electric motor at the rear axle, a 48V battery and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The ICE makes 138 hp (103 kW) and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque, while the e-motor contributes another 30 hp (23 kW) and 87 Nm (64 lb-ft). According to Dacia, the combined output is 152 hp (113 kW / 154 PS), making it the most potent version of the Duster.
Thanks to the efficiency of the hybrid and a pair of 50 lt (13.2-gallon) tanks for gasoline and LPG, the SUV can travel up to 1,500 km (932 miles) between refuelling stops.
Pricing And Availability
The Dacia Duster Spirit of Sand will be a rare sight on European roads, as the company will only make 500 units for the Romanian market. The special edition is available to order online, priced at €28,990 ($34,200). The first deliveries are scheduled for April 2026.
