Dacia has taken the covers off the new Bigster SUV, and it looks remarkably like the concept of the same name first revealed three years ago. It sits at the top of the Dacia line-up, above the existing Duster, expanding the range and the number of market segments Dacia competes in. Irish deliveries start in the second quarter of 2025 following the car’s world debut at the Paris motor show next week.
Rugged Dacia corporate image
The Bigster is clearly related to the new Dacia Duster, but it’s a much larger vehicle. Despite that, Dacia refers to it as a C-segment car, indicating it could compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota RAV4. Dacia’s white badging and Y-shaped daytime running light motif are all present and correct, mixed with muscular bodywork and even the option of a two-tone finish with a black roof. All versions feature Dacia’s ‘Starkle’ material for rugged-looking protection on the sides, lower bumpers and wheelarches. This is made from recycled plastics and is unpainted to emphasise its unique pattern.
Depending on specification, the Bigster will sit on 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, with a 19-inch option. Exclusive to the Bigster is the classy new ‘Indigo Blue’ paint colour shown in our gallery.
Focus on space and practicality inside
In line with its higher position in the market - when compared to other Dacia models - the Bigster’s five-seat cabin is more luxurious. There’s an acoustic windscreen and thicker glass all round to enhance refinement, upgraded seats designed for comfort, dual-zone air conditioning (it’s not clear if this will be standard across the range) and air vents in the back. Dacia claims best-in-class measurements for rear legroom and headroom in all seats, while the boot holds a massive 667 litres under the parcel shelf. The rear seat back splits and folds 40:20:40 for maximum versatility, and this can be done using levers on the wall of the boot. Top-spec models come with a powered tailgate.
Back in the main cabin, there’s a 10.1-inch touchscreen as standard, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The size of the digital instrumentation display varies depending on trim level and Dacia’s ‘YouClip’ system of clip-on accessories is integrated into the structure of the interior. Unusually, there are three different designs of centre console, the top one featuring an armrest, built-in cooler and wireless charging pad.
No diesel option, but there will be four-wheel drive
There are no diesel engines listed in the launch material for the Bigster as Dacia adds more electrification than ever. The entry-level powertrain, called TCe 140, is a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. Its 140hp goes to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Dacia quotes figures of 5.6 litres/100km and 129g/km CO2.
Next up is the sole four-wheel-drive option, the TCe 130 4x4. It takes the same mild-hybrid-enhanced petrol engine as the front-wheel-drive model as its basis, though with lower peak power. It comes with a five-mode Terrain Control system allowing the driver select Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road, Eco or Auto settings. Hill descent control will be offered in certain trim levels.
Topping the range is the Hybrid 155, using a four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors, a small drive battery (1.4kWh) and an unusual automatic transmission with six gears and no clutch. Peak power is 155hp, maximum torque is quoted as 170Nm and maximum towing weight is expected to be approximately 1,000kg. No emissions or fuel consumption figures have been confirmed for this model, though Dacia claims it can spend up to 80 per cent of its driving time in an urban environment in all-electric mode, and that the system is about six per cent more efficient than that in the Jogger Hybrid.