Dacia developed into the European leader of budget models, however, starting with the recently launched Duster, it began a subtle transformation into a mainstream brand. It continues to maintain an emphasis on good value for money, but at the same time will offer cars fully comparable to the competition. This trend will be further developed by the new Dacia Bigster, which will be officially presented at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. Technically and design-wise, it is an extended version of the Duster, with which it also shares the modular CMF-B platform, but with an extended wheelbase of 40 millimeters. However, the offer of motorizations only partially matches; The Bigster will be distinguished by a completely new, more powerful version of the full hybrid with an atmospheric gasoline four-cylinder engine, which will offer 155 instead of the current 140 horsepower and at the same time lower consumption.
The largest Dacia in history focused primarily on volume. Therefore, it will offer not only noticeably more space on the back seats, but also a trunk with a record volume of 667 liters according to the VDA, which is a figure that would not embarrass even a class larger SUV. However, there are also other options that are unprecedented for the brand, such as adjusting the inclination of the rear backrests or dividing them in a ratio of 40:20:40. The program of smart and cheap YouClip accessories serves as the icing on the cake, creating storage spaces or possibilities even in places where we can hardly imagine them. A modern tradition of the brand is also a wide range of accessories, including, in addition to the usual accessories and sleeping built-ins and external InNature tents, also a rear armrest that turns into a backpack after leaving the car, an organizer for the back of the front seats, or a cargo box for towing equipment. Also worth mentioning are the roof rails, which can be turned into crossbars, or the robust, washable rubber mat for the trunk.
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However, comfort was also found in the viewfinder to a much greater extent than before. For the first time ever in a Dacia, you can get a panoramic sunroof, acoustically reinforced front glazing, electric seat controls, a refrigerated storage box between the front seats with a wireless charger or adjustable lumbar support for both front passengers. The new standard is also completed by dual-zone air conditioning with rear vents, keyless access, electrically operated fifth door (but without hands-free control), remote folding of the rear backrests using levers in the trunk or the Arkamys 3D sound system. Two color displays, electric control of all windows, 17″ alloy wheels, air conditioning or rear parking sensors and a camera are standard here. On the other hand, up to 19″ wheels shine among the extras.
The equipment is divided into four stylistically differentiated lines, while the sparingly equipped Essential base will, as before, be primarily aimed at work purposes. The top-selling midsize Expression already offers automatic dual-zone climate control, an electric parking brake, a rain sensor, power-folding mirrors and 40/20/40 modular rear seats with remote folding. The off-road-tuned Extreme trim adds 18″ wheels, adjustable roof rails, a sunroof, keyless entry, washable upholstery, rubber floor mats, a larger 10.1″ instrument panel instead of an eight-inch one, navigation and hill descent assist. The luxuriously tuned Journey is at the Extreme level, but its equipment is built differently. It does not lack two-tone painting (another historic first for Dacia), electric fifth door and driver’s seat, box between the front seats, navigation, sound system, inductive mobile phone charger or adaptive cruise control.
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The range of drives now relies exclusively on hybrids, which also applies to the LPG version of the Eco-G 140. Its focus is on a new, direct-injected, turbocharged three-cylinder with a 48V mild-hybrid system with a 0.8 kWh battery. It is available here in the TCe 140 version, which adds 10 horsepower compared to the Duster and is the only option that can be ordered with all-wheel drive. However, we are most interested in the Hybrid 155, i.e. a parallel hybrid with a naturally aspirated 107 and a robotic gearbox with 4+2 gears. The Duster received an evolutionary improvement, which was manifested not only in the increase in power from 140 to 155 hp, but also in the torque by 20 Nm, the permissible towing weight by 250 kg, all at the same time with a 6% decrease in consumption.
ConstructionSUV, 4,570 × 1,810 × 1,710 mm, ? kg DriveHybrid (electricity/gasoline), driven axle: front Power 155 (107 + 50) horsepower, torque: 170 Nm Battery 1.4 kWh Charging Consumption? Price from
