After announcing their entry into the UK market earlier in the year,
Dacia have officially launched in Ireland. The Romanian manufacturer was acquired by
Renault in 1999. New models have been offered across Europe since but the most successful it seems is the
Dacia Duster which after launching in Europe in 2010 had a six month waiting list in both France and Germany. It's also won a number of awards including the 2011 4x4 of the Year in France and 2011 Car of the Year in Croatia.
With it's price it's easy to see why Dacia Duster has become so popular. At €14,990 it's base price the Duster SUV is similar in price to one would pay for a small hatchback and not even a "premium branded" one. It will be available in two wheel drive and four wheel drive and will be sold by Renault dealers across the country. The
Dacia Sandero hatchback will also be available in Ireland from January 2013.
The new car market in Ireland is in turmoil at the moment and it is difficult to see a success story behind any new launch. But with the current economic outlook a budget car brand may be just what the doctor ordered. If your interested in more details on the Duster, here is an interesting review by Top Gear in typical Top Gear fashion and below a video test drive by AutoCar.
Due to it's mechanical similarity with Renault aftermarket Dacia car parts should be readily available and MicksGarage
will have plenty to offer for the potential influx of Dacias on UK and Irish roads. More details on the dealer network, etc. are available on the official Dacia Ireland website at www.dacia.ie
