The new Dacia Bigster is an affordable space wonder

Dacia enters the C-segment with a new SUV called Bigster. A car that, as the name suggests, focuses on space on board. Autovisie introduces you to the Dacia Bigster in this video.

The design is strongly reminiscent of the smaller Duster. Calling the Dacia Bigster simply an extended version of that model is a bit simplistic, but there is some truth in it. Yet the model also brings novelties that we have not yet seen on a Dacia.

Dacia Bigster as a spacious SUV

At 4.57 meters, the Bigster is 23 centimeters longer than the Duster. In addition, the SUV is a few centimeters higher and the wheelbase has grown by 4 centimeters compared to its smaller brother. The width is unchanged.

(Image: Dacia)(Image: Dacia)(Image: Dacia)(Image: Dacia)

On the outside, the Dacia Bigster differs from the Duster with a significantly larger overhang, a different plastic element on the front door and 19-inch wheels (optional for the two most expensive versions, standard 17 and 18-inch wheels). In addition, the rear doors are fractionally longer than those of the Duster, this new Indigo Blue paint is exclusive to the Bigster.

Large trunk

The extra length of the Dacia Bigster comes in handy in the trunk, which for the first time on Dacia (optional) can be reached with an electrically operated hatch. The trunk is 667 VDA liters (150 liters more than the Duster). With this measuring method, the trunk is stacked with liter blocks. If all the nooks and crannies of the loading space are included, that figure will be even higher.

(Image: Dacia)(Image: Dacia)(Image: Dacia)(Image: Dacia)

The second row of seats can be folded down from the trunk using two levers. This creates a 2.7 meter deep loading space with a fairly flat loading floor. Dacia cannot yet tell us exactly how many liters of trunk space you have at your disposal with the rear seat folded down, but you don’t have to shy away from an afternoon of shopping at Ikea with the Dacia Bigster.

Plenty of room in the backseat

Backseat passengers also enjoy the extra centimeters. Even adults of above average height have nothing to complain about in the second row of seats. Here we find two USB-C chargers and a so-called YouClip, where accessories such as cup holders, lights or hooks can be clicked. The Bigster is also available with a folding backrest that houses a number of cup and phone holders. Contrary to what its increased length might suggest, the Bigster is not available with seven seats.

(Image: Dacia)(Image: Dacia)(Image: Dacia)(Image: Dacia)

At the front of the Dacia Bigster there is hardly any difference compared to the Duster. That in itself is not a problem, because the interior of both the Duster and this Bigster are beautifully designed. As a budget brand, Dacia has of course used cheaper plastics, but that should not have a name.

Features of the Dacia Bigster

Each of the four trims (Essential, Expression, Extreme and Journey) comes standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In front of you you will find a 7-inch instrument panel on which the most important driving information is displayed. On the Extreme and Journey this has been upgraded to a 10-inch digital instrument cluster.

(Image: Dacia)

More than two-thirds of Dutch people opt for one of the two most expensive versions. This means that the majority of Dacia Bigster drivers can enjoy a panoramic sliding roof (standard for the Extreme, optional for the Journey), a hands-free key, navigation with live traffic information, improved audio system, a wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control and a electrically adjustable driver’s seat (for the Journey).

New drivetrain

The Dacia Bigster comes with four powertrains. New is the Hybrid 155. Technically very similar to the Hybrid 140 that we tested in the Duster, but the naturally aspirated four-cylinder has been increased to 1,800 cc in this larger SUV. It is a full hybrid and so the petrol engine is supported by a starter generator and a 50 hp electric motor. The latter takes care of the reverse gear and the first forward gear. The rest is taken care of by a four-speed automatic transmission.

Driving test: Renault 5 becomes affordable success

Despite the relatively small 1.4 kWh battery, according to the manufacturer, fully electric driving in the city is possible thanks to the high energy recovery capacity of the regenerative braking system. The car weighs 1,419 kilograms and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds. The Hybrid 155 can tow a maximum of 1,000 kilograms, while the other three powertrains have a maximum towing weight of 1,500 kilograms.

TCe 140, ECO-G en TCe 130 4×4

What other flavors are there? A TCe 140, with a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder serving as the main power source. This mild hybrid is always combined with a six-speed manual gearbox. In the ECO-G 140 you get the same fuel engine, transmission and hybrid technology, but this variant is also equipped with an LPG tank.

The Dacia Bigster Extreme as TCe 130 4×4.(Image: Dacia)The Dacia Bigster Extreme as TCe 130 4×4.(Image: Dacia)The Dacia Bigster Extreme as TCe 130 4×4.(Image: Dacia)The Dacia Bigster Extreme as TCe 130 4×4.(Image: Dacia)The Dacia Bigster Extreme as TCe 130 4×4.(Image: Dacia)The Dacia Bigster Extreme as TCe 130 4×4.(Image: Dacia)

Finally, there is the TCe 130 4×4. This four-wheel drive variant also uses the 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder, but can send power to all four wheels. Why isn’t it called TCe 140 4×4? The TCe 130 4×4 has different turbos than the TCe 140, an engineer explains to us, as a result of which the fuel engine produces slightly less power and therefore receives the 130 designation.

How much does the new Dacia Bigster cost?

It seems that the Hybrid 155 will cost less than 3,000 euros more than the Duster as Hybrid 140, which you can buy in our country from 32,840 euros. The exact Dutch prices will not be announced until early next year. From that moment on, the order books will also be opened. You will see the Dacia Bigster on the road before the summer of 2025.

Spotted an error? Email us. We are grateful to you.