by Following a convincing victory at the 2026 Dakar Rally, Dacia presents a special series of the Duster off-roader called Spirit of Sand. This is a limited all-wheel-drive version with unique styling, additional underbody protection, and a hybrid bi-fuel powertrain.
Limited Series Features
Desert-Inspired Exterior
The Spirit of Sand model is based on the top Extreme trim but received unique decals on the lower part of the body. They are combined with the main Sandstone paint, Copper Brown-colored mirrors, and 17-inch black alloy wheels.
An even more important feature is the installed protection for the engine and gearbox. This shield is made of 6 mm thick duralumin – a very strong aluminum alloy. This option is available for the Duster Extreme, but in the Spirit of Sand version, it is part of the standard equipment.
The final look may not be as extreme as the Soul Of Dakar concept car based on the Duster, presented in December 2024, but owners will be able to further enhance it. For this model, optional accessories will be available on the Romanian market, such as a roof rack, additional LED lights, BFGoodrich off-road tires, and a 30 mm lift kit.
Interior and Equipment
The interior of the special version does not have exclusive decals or embroidery, but it received the full list of available equipment. Standard equipment includes a 10.1-inch multimedia system, automatic climate control, multi-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, and parking sensors.
Even this desert-inspired model received adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot monitoring system, despite Dacia’s generally skeptical stance towards modern driver assistance systems.
Hybrid and Bi-Fuel Powertrain
The Spirit of Sand is equipped with the recently introduced Hybrid-G 150 4×4 powertrain, which combines a hybrid scheme with the ability to run on two types of fuel. The system includes a mild-hybrid turbocharged 1.2-liter engine, an additional electric motor on the rear axle, a 48-volt battery, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The internal combustion engine develops 138 hp and 230 Nm of torque, while the electric motor adds another 30 hp and 87 Nm. According to Dacia, the total power is 152 hp, making this version the most powerful among all Dusters.
Thanks to the efficiency of the hybrid system and a pair of 50-liter tanks for gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas, the off-roader can cover up to 1500 km between refuelings.
Price and Availability
The Dacia Duster Spirit of Sand will be a rare sight on European roads, as the company will produce only 500 units for the Romanian market. The special version can already be ordered online for 28,990 euros. The first deliveries are planned for April 2026.
The release of such limited series dedicated to sporting victories is a classic marketing move that simultaneously enhances brand prestige and satisfies the demand of collectors and fans. For Dacia, a brand associated with affordability and practicality, creating an exclusive model is an interesting step in expanding the target audience. Success at Dakar provides a story of technical reliability and endurance, which are important arguments for off-road vehicle buyers, even if they don’t plan to venture onto the dunes.
