Here is a car Irish people recognised as a bargain right from the start. The Duster is one of the most keenly priced cars on the market and sales have soared since its launch in 2013. It is a bargain-basement competitor for the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and the Skoda Yeti. There’s plenty of space in the cabin and boot; it’s also really comfortable. When it comes to the base model, there’s not much to shout about in terms of standard kit, but you will at least get the basics. However, the other two spec levels have plenty. It’s not the type of car that was built to offer lots of luxuries; the emphasis is on practical, low-cost car ownership. It a well-built, robust and reliable machine, which can get you where you want with little fuss and lots of space. The sole engine on offer is the robust 1.5l DCI which is available in both two and four wheel drive. It's been well-tested across both the Renault and Nissan brands and offers decent fuel economy and low CO2 to keep those running costs as low as the asking price.

•  Reports of water leakage in the foot-wells due to badly sealed doors

•  It’s much cheaper to buy and run than its rivals
•  Has an excellent driving position; plenty of visibility
•  The engines are economical
•  Available in two or four wheel drive
•  Cabin is spacious

•  The steering is vague
•  It can get quite noisy in the cabin