If you find yourself saying ‘I just want something that gets me from A to B’ then the Dacia Duster will most certainly meet your needs and more.

But it’s important to remember this if you start to complain that it feels sluggish or a bit dull to drive. Because this is very much a ‘no frills’ car that is amazingly good value.

There are hardly any options and just a simple choice of colours and accessory packs to keep production costs low.

The Duster has already earned a whole host of awards though. It is a straightforward, functional car – with the large space that most of us need.

There is clearly a huge market for this type of motoring, in same way there are always going to be loads of people who fly with Ryanair or easyJet.

Two engine choices are on offer – the 1.6-valve petrol and the 1.5 dCi 110 diesel – and there are three versions: Access, Ambiance and Lauréate.

It is available as both a 4x4, or a more economical 4x2 for those keen on practicality and a higher driving position, but without the need or extra weight of a 4x4. At Access level you get front and side airbags, electric front windows, roof bars and steering wheel adjustment, plus ABS with EBD and Emergency Brake Assist.

Move up to Ambiance and a four-speaker sound system is added, plus audio controls on the steering wheel, Bluetooth, Aux input and USB port and split-folding rear seatbacks.

I drove the range-topping Lauréate version – expected to be the range’s bestseller in the UK. It comes with 16-inch alloys, air conditioning, electric rear windows, a trip computer and leather steering wheel trim. There is also a satin chrome finish for the roof bars, scuff plates, side sills and door handles.

All versions are equipped with Bosch 8.1 ABS, with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Diesel models can be fitted with ASR traction control and Electronic Stability Control as well.

The warranty is for three years/60,000 miles, with a two-year paintwork warranty and six years’ anti-corrosion cover. If you suffer a breakdown, a call to Dacia Assistance can help – the service operates 24/7 and is provided in partnership with the AA.

Fact File:
Car: Dacia Duster dCi 110 4x2
Price: £13,195 on the road
Top speed: 106mph
0-62mph: 11.8 seconds
Fuel: 61.4mpg (extra urban)
CO2 emissions: 130g/km