Remember: in 2021, the Dacia Bigster concept had the effect of a bomb with sharp-cut lines and chunky wings, in total opposition to the rounded but slender style of the brand’s productions. A true aesthetic revolution which gave birth, at the start of the year, to the third generation of Duster.
Today, the firm is launching the definitive version of the Bigster, which could be summarized as an extended Duster if we only stuck to its length increased by 23 cm (including 4 cm between the axles), i.e. 4,57 m in total (or 6 cm more than a Renault Austral and 3 cm longer than a VW Tiguan 3). In fact, the new Romanian SUV is much more than that.
New Dacia Bigster: much more than an extended Duster!
Aesthetically, it differs from its little brother by the disappearance of certain body protections, in particular on the front doors and the shield, the objective being to leave aside the adventurer genes a little. Of course, we will note the larger rear quarter windowsthe Bigster stretching especially at the rear part. Finally, the newcomer takes care of his look in this Journey version withnew options : two-tone paint and 19-inch rims.
Thanks to its generous dimensions, the Bigster boasts much greater interior space. Son trunk gains 150 dm3, or 667 dm3 for gasoline micro-hybrids (the capacities of the full hybrid and LPG versions are not yet known), or one of the best values in the segment. However, the Romanian does not take the opportunity to offer a seven-seater option.
In the cabin, passengers benefit fully from the stretching of the wheelbase, with 4 additional cm announced at knee levelwhile the roof raised by 3.5 cm guarantees a greater feeling of space. On the other hand, no gain to be expected at the elbows since the width does not change.
Well-thought-out modularity
Not content with offering more space on board, the Bigster adds many practical aspects. Starting with the second Expression trim level, it has a 40/20/40 three-part bench seat which allow the choice of having a large central armrest or loading long objects, such as skis, between two passengers. We also appreciate that the backrests fold down from the trunk using two zippers on the walls. Finally, a height-adjustable double bottom allowing a floor without steps from the threshold.
But these are not the only refinements of the Bigster. To seek out a more demanding clientele, the SUV had to provide a level of comfort unprecedented at Dacia. Soundproofing is thus announced to be significantly improved. with a acoustic windshield all the more expected as air noise is very present on board the Duster above 100 km/h, and wheel arches lined with a thin insulating layer.
The new SUV also wants to be a little neater in appearance, with a carpet worthy of a Renault which replaces the one, flat and rough, of all the other Dacias. Finally, the furniture evolves slightly by offering, on the Journey hybrid versions, a prominent center console equipped with a refrigerated compartment between the front occupants.
Speaking of equipment, the Bigster also introduces expected equipment in the segment. Jumbled together, we will notably cite the arrival of a clim bizone accompanied by rear vents, two independent reading lights for the passengers in the bench seat, a motorized tailgateof a partially electric driver’s seat (backrest inclination and seat height), a sunroof panoramic, of a adaptive cruise controlas well as a larger digital instrumentation (10” instead of 7”) and improved allowing in particular the display of the navigation map. Equipment which depends, of course, on the level of finish chosen from the four offered (see box below – new in bold).
Equipment: four finishes available…
Essential : 17” alloy wheels, fixed roof bars, 10.1” central screen, 7” digital instrumentation, manual air conditioning, radar and rear camera, electric front and rear windows, etc.
Expression : Essential + clim auto bi-zone (opposite), electric parking brake, rain sensors, auto folding mirrors, banquette 40/20/40.
Extreme : Expression + 18” alloy wheels, modular roof bars, panoramic sunroofhands-free access, carpet of floor and rubber trunk, 10” digital instrumentationconnected navigation, 6 HP audio system, downhill speed control.
Journey : Expression + 18” alloy wheels, motorized tailgatehands-free access, high center console with armrest and refrigerated compartment, semi-electric driver’s seat, 10” digital instrumentationconnected navigation, 6-speaker audio system, wireless charger for smartphone, adaptive cruise control…
More powerful engines, necessarily electrified, and always LPG!
Under the hood, the Bigster benefits from notable improvements. First surprise: the version GPL snubs the 1.0 TCe of 100 hp well known at Dacia in favor of the recent three-cylinder 1.2 TCepledged for the occasion of a variable geometry turbo allowing you to not lose power once the gas intake is switched on, unleaded operation guaranteeing 140 ch. A block which will be all the more economical in use as it benefits from a system of micro-hybridization.
If you want a full hybridizationknow that the Bigster benefits from it in an evolved version, the naturally aspirated engine inheriting a cycle Atkinson which improves its energy efficiency, and a crankshaft increasing the stroke of its 4 pistons to bring the displacement to 1.8 (compared to 1.6 for the Duster), its torque to 170 Nm (instead of 150), and its power to 107 hp (instead of 95), for a cumulative power of 155 ch.
More than improving performance, the objective is above all to operate more often at lower engine speeds to reduce noise levels and improve comfort. At the same time, battery capacity increases of 0.2 kWh for move to 1.4 kWh and allow more all-electric phases, or at least compensate for the increase in weight. On the other hand, the clutch gearbox changes little and still only has 4 gears. Gentleness but slowness will therefore remain on the menu.
Finally, backpackers will always be able to count on a version 4×4 whose 1.2 TCe microhybrid engine retains the classic turbo with, accordingly, power contained at 130 hp. A version which, as on the Duster, inherits a multi-link rear axle.
To remember: unique services at Dacia.
More clever, more careful in details, equipped with more technological equipment and cleverly revised engines, the Bigster could well attract a more demanding clientele who still wish to make significant savings. When it comes to budget, Dacia is not revealing prices for the moment but promises an entry-level version for less than €25,000, and a full hybrid for less than €30,000. While waiting for the first tests, it will still be possible to discover it from October 14 to 20 at the Paris Motor Show.
