British buyers will be able to see, drive and own a Dacia from the end of 2012, following confirmation at the Geneva Motor Show that the brand will launch in the UK.

Bought by Renault in 1999, Dacia has sold 1.25m vehicles in the past five years.

With the unveiling of its new Duster compact off-roader in Switzerland this week, Dacia now offers a six-model range.

Originally intended largely for emerging markets, the first completely new Dacia model was the first 5,000 euro car, the Logan saloon.

With right-hand drive production of Duster now confirmed for 2012, plans have been confirmed to make the UK the final piece of the key European vehicle market jigsaw.

Commenting on the news of Dacia’s impending arrival on British shores, Renault UK’s managing director, Roland Bouchara, said, “We’ve been watching Dacia’s remarkable success closely over the last few years, so naturally I’m thrilled that we’ll soon be able to start showing the British public what all the fuss has been about across the water.”