Road Test: Dacia Duster 1.5 dCi 110 Ambiance 5dr 4X4

Everyone likes a bargain, which is why a lot of us, and not just Dacia evangelist James May, should like the Duster. Basically, what you're looking at here is a Nissan Qashqai/Skoda Yeti rival which costs just £13,495 for the mid-range specification diesel 4WD car. (A car that has Bluetooth, an aux-in socket and body-colour bumpers as standard.) And it's all about the Value for Money.

That's a huge nine grand cheaper than an oilburning 4x4 Qashqai and five grand less than a diesel AWD Yeti. OK, so the crash safety and refinement could be described as somewhat lacking, but, for 13 grand, something's got to give.

Badge snobs may say that its lack of squidgy interior plastics and decent soundproofing cannot be overcome; enthusiastic drivers may say that the steering is vague and the handling is sloppy... but not many will be able to moan about the running gear.

The diesel engine is more than adequate - punchy in town and long-legged on the motorway - and the gearbox is fine, if a little, erm, porridgey. Welcome to the UK, Dacia, we're liking what you're doing.