Dacia is undoubtedly on a roll. The Sandero has emerged as Europe's best-selling car this year, surpassing the once dominant Volkswagen Golf. Additionally, the Duster is competing fiercely with the Tiguan for the sixth spot. With the Bigster, Renault's budget-friendly division aims to expand its market share by venturing into the C-segment territory. Despite its uninspired name, Dacia's largest vehicle to date is shaping up to be a robust product.
Dacia describes the Bigster as a completely new vehicle, but it closely resembles a Duster XL. Essentially, it is the production version of the 2021 Bigster concept, and it looks quite stylish for a budget SUV. Although pricing details are yet to be disclosed, Dacia models typically offer the lowest prices in their respective segments. The Bigster remains a five-seater but offers more space and additional features. At 180 inches (4.57 meters) long, it lives up to its name by being significantly larger than the Duster. It measures 71.2 inches (1.81 meters) wide and 67.3 inches (1.71 meters) tall, with a slightly longer wheelbase of 106.2 inches (2.7 meters), making it Dacia’s first true C-segment model.
Equipped with 19-inch wheels and two-tone paint jobs, the Bigster is far from the basic Dacia models of the past. It includes premium features such as an electric tailgate, panoramic sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, adaptive cruise control, and an electrically adjustable driver's seat. The Bigster also features a 10-inch digital driver's display combined with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, along with dual-zone air conditioning. The powertrain lineup is diverse for a no-nonsense SUV. Dacia has phased out diesel engines, but the Bigster offers an efficient hybrid setup instead. It is the first Renault Group vehicle to use a Hybrid 155 configuration, which includes a combustion engine, two electric motors, a 1.4-kWh battery pack, and an innovative automatic transmission with four gears for the ICE and two for the e-motors.
The four-cylinder gasoline engine delivers 107 horsepower, while one of the electric motors adds an extra 50 hp. The other e-motor functions as the starter/generator. The Bigster always starts in pure electric mode. Dacia claims the compact SUV operates in zero-emissions mode around town for up to 80% of the time, though exact figures are not provided. A simpler powertrain option is the TCe 140, featuring a turbocharged 1.2-liter, three-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid setup. This is the first time a Dacia model has used this ICE, which runs on the Miller cycle and benefits from a mild-hybrid setup. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, with front-wheel drive as standard and an optional 4x4 setup.
The Bigster can be ordered with four-wheel drive and a manual transmission. This all-wheel-drive variant includes hill descent control and selectable driving modes: Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road, Normal, and Eco. The Duster is a reputable off-road SUV, and its larger sibling is expected to follow suit. For those seeking efficiency without the hybrid, the ECO-G 140 offers a three-cylinder 1.2-liter turbo engine designed to run on liquified petroleum gas, with a maximum driving range of 900 miles (1,450 kilometers). This is made possible by a 26.1-gallon (99-liter) fuel tank, including 13.2 gallons (50 liters) of gasoline and 12.9 gallons (49 liters) of LPG stored under the cargo floor.
The Bigster is compatible with several accessories, including a double bed that can be installed in under two minutes by folding the 40:20:40-split bench. This is part of an optional Sleep Pack that also includes a storage table and dedicated cargo areas. If the 23.5 cubic feet (667 liters) of luggage capacity is insufficient, a roof rack capable of carrying 176 pounds (80 kilograms) is available. It is installed on modular roof rails that can be reconfigured transversely. There's also a tent option.
If Dacia sets the right price, the Bigster could become another popular product from the emerging Romanian brand. However, it will compete in a crowded segment with numerous established players. Since its launch in 2010, the Duster has achieved over two million sales. Renault-owned Dacia is confident it can replicate the Duster's commercial success with its larger sibling. Although a diesel engine would enhance its appeal, the Renault Group is focusing on hybrids instead of oil-burners.
The Bigster will make its public debut at the 2024 Paris Motor Show next week. Pricing will be announced in January 2025, with sales commencing in April. It is expected to cost more than the Duster, which is available in Germany from €18,950 ($20,800) to €22,150 ($24,300). While this might not seem like a bargain compared to some compact crossovers in the American market, it's important to consider the value-added tax in Europe. In Germany, VAT is 19%, and it can reach 27% in Hungary. Other countries like Croatia, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have VAT rates around 25%.
