Dusting off a classic; Innovative newcomer from Romania unveils concept car.

Byline: Steve Hughes Motoring Writer

ROMANIAN car maker Dacia says it is waiting until the dust settles on the credit crunch before bringing the brand back to Britain.

The Renault subsidiary unveiled its first concept car at this month's Geneva Motor Show with the revival of the Duster name for a truly innovative newcomer.

Designed mainly by Renault in Bucharest, it is a coupe-SUV crossover with three doors.

This comprises a single door on the driver's side and two doors, including a rear-hinged 'suicide' door, on the passenger side.

The interior is very clever and incorporates an innovative passenger seat that slides sideways and underneath the driver's seat.

This creates a two-metre long load area capable of accommodating a bicycle or small motorbike.

There is also a tailgated box that slides out of the rear of the car, creating an additional pick-up load bed.

Dacia had intended to come back to the UK this year with the Sandero hatch back but has proved to be a victim of its own success.

The car has proved such a hit elsewhere in Europe that the Bucharest factory has no more capacity meaning right hand drive models having to be shelved until at least next year and possibly beyond.

By the time the brand does return to Britain it could relaunch with the Duster, which was the name of the company's compact utilitarian 4x4 that was on sale in the UK during the late 1980s and early 1990s.