Over three years ago, in the midst of the global Corona sadness, the Renault branch Dacia surprised with the prototype of a new model. The newcomer to the middle class will be called Bigster, will be the cheapest SUV in what is still a highly sought-after car category and will offer everything that its fans expect. Now Dacia is dropping the covers on the production model, the 4.60 meter long Dacia is ready for the market launch in spring. As a hybrid model it remains under 30,000 euros, as a combustion engine it remains under 25,000 euros. For many Dacia lovers, however, it will be disappointing that there will be no diesel. However, Dacia promises a variant with all-wheel drive, which is combined with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine.
Dacia Bigster: Cool and affordable model
Of course, not all ideas from the 2021 show model made it into the series. Nevertheless, the Bigster keeps Dacia’s promise of putting a “cool” and affordable model on the wheels. The design of the front section follows the lines of the hit Duster, which is almost 30 centimeters shorter. In both cases, the hood slopes slightly towards the narrow radiator grille. Its respective ends show a “Y”, which combines with a horizontal line to form the daytime running lights. The Dacia logo is confidently placed in the middle. Below this is an air intake mouth with a rectangular honeycomb structure, which is held at the bottom by a type of underbody protection. A rustic SUV look, but the Bigster is a size larger than the Duster.
The fact that the new one is prepared for a harsh environment is also shown by the planked surrounds of the wheel arches and the equally covered sill, which is connected to a solid-looking protection at the rear. The material for this consists of up to 20 percent recycled polypropylene. It remains untreated and unpainted, giving it an off-road feeling. The graphics of the taillights resume the “Y” logic. Depending on the version, roof rails underline the height of the Bigster, and a roof rack with a load capacity of 80 kilograms will appear in the price list as an accessory.
There is also a three-piece “Sleep Pack” that can be set up in less than two minutes and is precisely tailored to the dimensions of the Dacia. The resulting double bed is 1.90 meters long and 1.30 meters long. During the journey, the motorway rest area becomes a substitute hotel. A 1.20 meter glass panoramic roof is also celebrating its premiere at Dacia. It can be opened electrically by 35 centimeters with a tilt and turn function. The panoramic roof is standard on the top model “Extreme”.
Interior: spaciousness, comfort and space
A look into the interior confirms the impression of spaciousness, comfort and space for all occupants. Thanks to the 2.70 meter distance between the axles, the lounge for the backbenchers becomes a wellness oasis with head and legroom. “Family car” with high recreational value. The front passengers also enjoy the new Dacia freedom, sitting on washable cushions made from MicroCloud and can quickly remove unavoidable dirt thanks to rubber floor mats at the front and rear as well as in the trunk.
The necessary information for the driver is provided by a 10.1-inch central monitor and an equally large display behind the steering wheel. Long gone are the Dacia pioneer days, when owners had to do without most of the blessings of modern electronics. Anyone who orders the all-wheel drive can use five driving modes for off-road excursions. Examples include special settings for driving on snow, mud and sand or for turning into difficult terrain, where force is distributed between the axles depending on the grip.
Powered by a small battery
A purely electric version of the Bigster is not planned. But the top model Hybrid 155, whose price should remain under 30,000 euros, also uses the power of a small battery (1.4 kWh) and an electric motor, at least temporarily. It is constantly kept energized through recuperation, so that, according to Dacia, a good 80 percent of the driving time in city traffic can be driven with the combustion engine switched off. The entire system delivers 114 kW / 155 HP and a pulling power of 170 Nm. Dacia will keep details about consumption and performance data as well as the exact prices until January 2025. This also applies to the Bigster variant, which can also use autogas (LPG) in addition to petrol. With both fuels combined, the Bigster ECO-G 140 has a range of 1,450 kilometers per tank of fuel.
The features of the giant baby from the Balkans are quite impressive, depending on the variant you choose. Distance radar, electric tailgate, sound audio system with 6 speakers, hill descent control, rear view camera or a navigation system with live traffic data. Dacia has grown up and has finally arrived in digital life.
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