The Renault-owned budget brand Dacia has revealed prices for its crossover Duster. Starting from just £8,995, with a four-wheel-drive option costing £10,995, it’s a huge difference to the similarly sized Nissan Qashqai which begins at £16,595 for a two-wheel-drive model.

The line-up is simple with a 1.6-litre 105hp petrol engine and a 1.5-litre 110hp diesel unit, and three trim levels Access, Ambiance and Laureate.

The petrol engine is only available in the entry-level Access trim and comes with electric front windows, four airbags and central looking, height adjustable steering wheel and remote central locking.

The midrange Ambiance models start from £11,495 rising to £13,945 for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Standard equipment includes CD radio with AUX, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and steering-column mounted controls, plus body coloured bumpers and fog lights.

The predicted best seller, the range-topping Laureate, which is expected to account for around two thirds of orders, costs between £12,995 and £14,995. Features include 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric rear windows, leather steering wheel and a trip computer. There’s also heated door mirrors and a fancier interior than the lesser trims.

The Duster has a 475-litre boot space, beating the popular Nissan Qashqai crossover which has 410 litres. The load space is reduced to 408 litres in 4×4 versions thanks to the spare wheel.

The car is available to order now, with first deliveries due in January 2013.

Dacia, which is already popular in countries such as France and Germany, says the car is the beginning of an assault on the UK, with a supermini called Sandero to follow shortly.