Establishing itself in the competitive family SUV segment is Dacia’s new leitmotif. To do this, the brand has just recently unveiled its new asset: the Bigster. This model relies on its very spacious interior and generous trunk to appeal to families. Add to this a wide range of equipment and engines, including a diesel version specially dedicated to the Moroccan market.
In January 2021, during the presentation of the “Renaulution” strategic plan, orchestrated by Luca de Meo, boss of Renault Group, Dacia announced its ambition to conquer the C-SUV segment. The latter, representing almost a quarter of sales in Europe, was until now out of reach for the brand. He therefore needed a tailor-made model: the Bigster. Faithful to Dacia’s key values – simplicity, robustness, versatility of use, and smart pricing – the Bigster focuses above all on its unparalleled habitability; enough to compete with the big names in the segment.
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To achieve this, Dacia used the CMF-B platform, well known in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi group, and optimized it. The lengthening of the Bigster (4.57 meters long, or 23 cm more than a Duster) comes from a wheelbase extended by 4 cm and an extended rear overhang. Its width remains unchanged at 1.81 m. Visually, the Bigster is distinguished by clean lines, characteristic of Dacia’s DNA. Its prominent grille, its marked wheel arches and its well-defined lines recall the features of the new Duster. As standard, the Bigster is equipped with 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, with 19-inches available as an option on the top Journey finish.
Very spacious
In addition to its impressive trunk volume of 667 dm³ (assisted by a motorized tailgate depending on the finish), one of the largest in its segment, the Bigster also focuses on on-board comfort, making it one of its main assets . This model offers one of the best interior spaces in the segment, comfortably accommodating five people and their luggage. Whether at the front or at the rear, the Bigster also offers among the most generous headroom in its category, thus offering a very appreciable feeling of space. Rear passengers benefit from ample legroom, a major advantage on long journeys. Note that the central part of the bench seat (40/20/40) folds down, allowing you to benefit from a large armrest with two cup holders and a smartphone holder. Really practical! Add a panoramic sunroof for a guaranteed bright ambiance.
Very well thought out interior
To attract demanding customers in this segment, the Bigster improves certain details, notably soundproofing on board thanks to an acoustic windshield and wheel arches with reinforced insulation. The interior is also more refined, with good quality materials, such as improved carpets and modernized furniture elements. On certain hybrid finishes, a refrigerated central console completes on-board comfort, adding an additional touch of practicality.
Several interior elements are reminiscent of those of the Duster, such as the front seats (with new upholstery) or the dashboard. The same goes for the 10-inch central screen, offered in two versions: Media Display, without integrated navigation, and Media Nav Live, with connected GPS. Both systems are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Note that the driver’s seat is now electric (depending on the finishes). However, this electrical function remains partial: it allows you to adjust the height of the seat and the inclination of the backrest, but you will always have to use the adjustment lever to move the seat forward or backward. This is explained by Dacia’s desire to concentrate on the essential, avoiding heavier but also costly and complex mechanisms. And don’t try to memorize the seat settings, it’s not necessary!
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A dedicated diesel for Morocco
Under the hood of the Bigster, we find a new Hybrid 155 engine, which combines a 107-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors developing 50 horsepower, in addition to a 1.2 kWh (230 V) battery. The mechanical offer also includes the TCe 140. Also on the program: a 1.2 liter TCe 130 4X4, as well as the ECO-G 140, a unit running on gasoline and LPG. In Morocco, a diesel variant specifically dedicated to the national market, with a 1.5-liter Blue dCi 115 horsepower engine powered by a six-speed manual gearbox, is also planned. The starting price of the Bigster, whose marketing on its various markets should begin gradually during the first half of 2025, will be below 25,000 euros.
