Dacia celebrates the world premiere of the new Bigster SUV. We took a closer look at the enlarged Duster. Unfortunately, the Romanian carmaker has decided not to include a third row of seats in the Bigster, but it is still expected to shake up the Tiguan class. The so-called C-segment is the most popular in the European SUV world. However, with competitors like the VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai, or the Peugeot 3008, Dacia has been cautiously approaching this prestigious class with the Duster. With the Bigster, the Romanians are finally diving headfirst into the competition.
The Best Part: The Dacia Bigster closely follows the dimensions of the highly anticipated concept (further down in the text). Measuring 4.57 meters in length, it fits right into the SUV class, with a width of 1.81 meters and a height of 1.71 meters, making it easily garage-friendly. The new Bigster stretches to a length of 4.57 meters – that’s 23 centimeters longer than the Dacia Duster. Based on the successful Dacia Duster (length: 4.34 meters), it is not only longer but also features a slightly extended wheelbase (2.70 meters instead of 2.65 meters). The Bigster is built on the B-derivative of the CMF group platform, which Dacia already uses in the third generations of the Logan and Sandero. The platform can accommodate various drivetrains and can also be electrified.
Despite its significant length, the Dacia Bigster will not have a third row of seats. Seven seats will still only be available in the Dacia Jogger wagon. However, versatility and comfort are still the focus of the SUV Bigster. Even with the second-row seats up, the Bigster offers 667 liters of cargo space. Folding down the three-piece rear seat creates a huge, flat cargo space that Dacia has not yet precisely measured. Additionally, the large tailgate on the Bigster Journey opens electronically as standard. The feature is optional for the Extreme variant.
The Dacia Bigster’s cargo area is flat up to the loading edge. 668 liters of volume are available behind the five seats. Beneath the cargo floor, there are generous smuggling compartments. The two floor sections can also lock into a lower position to reveal a higher luggage space. For those needing to store additional luggage, the standard roof rack with swiveling crossbars can be used. It can carry up to 80 kilograms. Dacia has even announced the Sleep Pack for the Bigster, which turns the SUV’s rear into a 1.90 x 1.30 large double bed and transforms the Bigster into a „Campster.“
Like the new Duster, the Bigster features a digital cockpit (7 or 10 inches) and a centrally positioned screen on the dashboard. The central 10.1-inch touchscreen is standard in all models. The Bigster Essential and Expression offer access to the Media Display multimedia system with four speakers and wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Bigster Extreme and Bigster Journey are also equipped with the Media Nav Live multimedia system, which includes cloud navigation with real-time traffic information and maps updates for eight years. It also includes an Arkamys 3D sound system with six speakers. Notably, there are physical buttons for climate control, providing a solid feel when pressed. Overall, the new Dacia interior is solid at key points, although not made with the finest materials.
Diesel engines are not available in the Bigster. Instead, the Bigster features engines similar to the smaller Duster. It includes the turbocharged three-cylinder TCe 140, the Autogas engine ECO-G 140, and the all-wheel-drive model TCe 130 4×4. A new addition is a more powerful hybrid model which now uses a larger 1.8-liter engine delivering a system output of 155 PS. The Bigster Hybrid 155 is the first model in the Renault Group to feature this new hybrid drivetrain. The system combines a 107 PS four-cylinder gasoline engine, two electric motors (a 50 PS motor and a high-voltage starter/generator), a 1.4 kWh battery (230 V), and an automatic electric gearbox with four gears for the combustion engine and two additional gears for the electric motors.
The new Hybrid 155 surpasses the previous Hybrid 140 from the Duster and the Jogger. It offers more power (plus 15 PS), more torque (plus 20 Nm to 170 Nm solely from the combustion engine), and a higher towing capacity (plus 250 kilograms to one ton). Efficiency has also been improved, with a six percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. Dacia also promises that the Bigster Hybrid can operate in pure electric mode for up to 80 percent of city driving time. Additionally, the vehicle always starts in electric mode. Unlike previous hybrid models, the Bigster Hybrid 155 uses an air-cooled battery instead of a water-cooled one. The 1.8-liter engine runs most of the time in the Atkinson cycle for increased efficiency at lower loads.
For those who prefer more range over electric driving, the Bigster ECO-G 140 offers a bivalent drive that can run on both gasoline and Autogas (LPG). Dacia combines a bivalent drive with a 48V mild-hybrid system for the first time in the Bigster. This system assists the turbocharged engine during acceleration and regenerates energy through regenerative braking to recharge the 0.8 kWh battery. Two 50-liter tanks in the Bigster ECO-G 140 provide a range of up to 1,450 kilometers. The new Bigster ECO-G 140 emits an average of 10 percent less CO₂ in LPG mode compared to a similar gasoline engine without hybrid support. The LPG tank is located under the cargo floor, preserving the storage space. A switch on the dashboard allows for a quick and seamless switch between fuel types.
The Bigster TCe 130 4×4 is the only variant with all-wheel drive. It also uses the turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, delivering 130 PS and equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid system and the familiar 0.8 kWh battery. Like the LPG base model, the driver can select gears with a manual six-speed gearbox. The downhill assist (standard for the Bigster Extreme) is particularly useful for off-road and steep terrain driving. The system automatically applies the brakes and adjusts speed between 0 and 30 km/h as desired. The system works in all gears, including reverse.
The new Bigster TCe 130 4×4 comes with the Terrain Control System featuring five driving modes:
• AUTO: Distributes power between the front and rear axles automatically based on traction and wheel speed.
• SNOW: Optimizes performance on slippery roads with specific ESP and anti-slip settings.
• MUD/SAND: Designed for changing terrain with loose surfaces.
• OFF-ROAD: Provides the best off-road performance in challenging terrain by automatically and appropriately distributing torque between the front and rear wheels based on traction and speed.
• ECO: Reduces fuel consumption by regulating power output from the engine and air conditioning, as well as optimizing torque distribution between the front and rear wheels.
The new Bigster is offered in four trim levels: Essential, Expression, and the two equally priced top models, Extreme and Journey. The Bigster Essential, priced at just under 25,000 euros, already includes 17-inch alloy wheels, fixed roof rails, the Media Display with a central 10.1-inch touchscreen, a digital 7-inch instrument cluster, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors and camera, and electric windows front and rear. Even with the powerful hybrid drive, Dacia aims to keep the price below 30,000 euros. Sales are set to begin in January 2025, with the first Bigsters available at dealerships starting in April.
As an increasingly important part of the Renault-Nissan group, the Dacia brand plays a central role in the group’s strategic shift known as „Renaulution.“ Therefore, it is not surprising that the introduction of the large restructuring program in early 2021 by the then-new group CEO Luca de Meo was accompanied by a concept study from the Romanians: the Bigster Concept. The design of the concept presented a more modern and confident reinterpretation of the Duster’s design cues. The flared fenders with extended plastic wheel arches and the Powerdome on the front hood give the Bigster a sturdy look. The large wheels provide the five-seater with a high ground clearance, while the Y-shaped light signature creates an aggressive front view. The middle section already featured the now established brand logo. At the back, the Y-shape is repeated, and a distinctive roof spoiler sits above the otherwise smooth rear end. The rugged roof rails indicate that the Romanian cars are still designed with practicality in mind.
Prominently featured in the concept is the ubiquitous Dacia logo. The message is clear: no Dacia driver should be ashamed of choosing the brand. Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Dacia’s former Spanish short-term design chief, who moved to Alfa Romeo in June 2021, described the Bigster as having an „Outdoor spirit“ and „a touch of coolness“ – and he was not wrong. The Y-shaped lights and the Powerdome on the front hood give the Bigster an almost aggressive front end. On the contrary, the Bigster Concept lacks chrome decorations and aluminum imitations. Dacia states that this decision is not primarily for visual reasons but rather that the concept car was produced following environmentally friendly principles. For example, the exterior protectors are made entirely from recycled plastics. The dark green matte paint embodies this commitment.
Overall, the new Dacia Bigster SUV promises to offer a compelling option in the competitive SUV market, with its spacious interior, practical features, and a range of engine options to suit different preferences and needs. The combination of affordability, versatility, and modern design makes the Bigster a strong contender in its segment. Dacia’s commitment to practicality and innovation shines through in this new model, setting it apart from its competitors. With the Bigster, Dacia is stepping up its game and making a bold statement in the SUV market.