The Dacia Bigster – An affordable large SUV
As part of the Renaulution strategic plan announced in January 2021, Dacia is expanding into the C-segment with the launch of the Bigster, a new model that reflects the brand’s core values of being Essential yet Cool, Eco-Smart, Robust, and Outdoor-oriented. Already a leader in Europe’s B-segment, Dacia aims to make its mark in the C-SUV segment with this new offering.
The Bigster is designed to meet the growing demands of this market, where rising costs are a concern for many buyers. It offers a balance of comfort, performance, and spaciousness without compromising on affordability.
This move is part of Dacia’s broader strategy for the C-SUV segment, with the Bigster to be followed by two additional vehicles.
New Dacia Bigster Design:
Dacia’s core values align perfectly with the demands of the C-SUV segment. The design of the All-New Bigster emphasises its robust character, catering to car buyers who need a vehicle that supports their work, leisure, and family activities. Its generous proportions are highlighted by sharp, geometric lines and strong volumes. The prominent wheel arches and the positioning of the headlights and taillights at the vehicle’s outer edges enhance Bigster’s confident road presence.
The vehicle’s strong, rugged appearance is further emphasized by its compact, upright front end, a hallmark of SUVs. True to Dacia’s design philosophy, the front features a wide, glossy black grille with the signature “Dacia Link” emblem at its centre. The sculpted, horizontal hood is designed to provide the driver with a clear view of the road ahead.
The styling of the All-New Bigster focuses on practicality while also incorporating the ‘cool’ factor that defines Dacia’s brand values and meets the expectations of C-SUV customers.
Dacia Bigster Exterior:
True to its reputation for doing things differently, Dacia brings its own brand of cool to the Bigster. The front end, doors, and rear number plate area feature graphic design elements that add a subtle touch of casual elegance. Instead of sticking to the all-gloss-black trend, Dacia’s designers have chosen a mix of gloss and matte black finishes, resulting in a more robust and durable appearance.
The front and rear skid plates are dyed throughout the material for enhanced durability. Meanwhile, the protective elements around the body—on the sides, wheel arches, and lower bumpers—are made from Starkle®. This innovative material, developed by Dacia’s engineers, incorporates recycled components and is used in its raw, unpainted form as part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
In classic Dacia style, the All-New Bigster is designed with functionality in mind, meeting the tastes and expectations of C-SUV buyers. It comes standard with 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, while the top-spec Journey trim offers 19-inch wheels. Higher trims also provide the option of a black roof, creating a two-tone finish that accentuates the vehicle’s lines—an exciting first for Dacia.
The Bigster also introduces a new body colour, Indigo Blue, an exclusive metallic shade that adds an elegant touch to its rugged look.
Bigster Interior:
Inside the All-New Bigster, the designers prioritised key essentials: space, ergonomics, and comfort. The high-mounted, vertical dashboard enhances the front cabin’s spaciousness, providing more room for passengers.
For simplicity and efficiency, all driving information is consolidated on a digital instrument panel, available in either a 7-inch or 10-inch display depending on the trim. The multimedia system’s information is shown on a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, standard across all trims. A sleek green line runs between the two screens, visually integrating them into the dashboard design.
The Bigster offers three types of front centre consoles, depending on the trim: low, intermediate, or—for the first time on a Dacia—a high console featuring an armrest with a built-in cooler compartment, an induction phone charger, and ample storage space.
Special attention was also given to seat upholstery. Depending on the trim level, the focus shifts from simplicity and style (Expression), durability and easy maintenance (Extreme), to enhanced comfort (Journey).
Finally, the distinctive Dacia Y-shaped signature ties together the vehicle’s interior and exterior design. Inside, the Y-shape is echoed in the air vents (in Copper Brown on the Extreme trim) and door handles, while outside it appears in the front light signature and the LED rear lights.
Functional for Everyone:
The All-New Bigster is loaded with practical features that make the most of its generous interior space. The 40/20/40 split rear bench allows users to transport bulky items without sacrificing passenger comfort. When only two passengers are in the rear seats, the centre section of the backrest can be folded down to create an armrest, complete with two cupholders and a phone holder. With the rear seats folded, the Bigster provides a flat boot floor with an impressive maximum load length of 2.7 meters.
The Easy Fold function simplifies folding the rear backrests from the boot, using two levers conveniently located on the left and right of the cargo area.
A tough, easy-to-clean rubber boot mat is standard on the Extreme trim and available as an accessory for other trims. This mat protects the boot floor and can be rolled up for easy storage when not in use.
The Bigster also introduces Dacia’s innovative YouClip system, designed to securely hold a variety of accessories at key points throughout the cabin. The vehicle comes standard with four YouClip points: on the dashboard, at the rear of the centre console, in the boot, and on the inside of the boot door. An additional two anchor points can be added using an accessory headrest support.
YouClip points can accommodate a tablet holder, storage pouch, phone holder (with or without wireless charging), coat hanger, or a clever “3-in-1” device that combines a cup holder, bag hook, and portable flashlight. This 3-in-1 accessory comes standard on the Bigster Extreme. All YouClip-compatible accessories can be purchased online or from Dacia dealerships.
Dacia Bigster Powertrain Options:
All-New Bigster HYBRID 155
The Bigster is the first model in the Renault Group to feature the new HYBRID 155 powertrain. This system combines a 107 bhp 4-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors (a 50 bhp motor and a high-voltage starter/generator), a 1.4 kWh (230V) battery, and an automatic electric gearbox. The gearbox has four gears for the internal combustion engine (ICE) and two for the electric motors, enabled by the absence of a clutch.
The HYBRID 155 complements the existing HYBRID 140 powertrain available in the Duster and Jogger, offering 15 more bhp and an additional 20 Nm of torque (170 Nm for the combustion engine alone). It also increases towing capacity by 250 kg, bringing it to approximately one tonne. Efficiency is improved as well, with a 6% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, thanks to optimised engine speed management.
With regenerative braking, a high-energy recovery battery, and the efficiency of its automatic gearbox, the Bigster can operate in all-electric mode up to 80% of the time in urban driving. It always starts in electric mode.
All-New Bigster TCe 140
Making its debut in the Dacia lineup at this power level, the TCe 140 powertrain is based on the TCe 130 found in the Duster. This mild-hybrid system pairs a new-generation 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (using the Miller cycle for optimised efficiency) with a 48V mild hybrid system and a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The hybrid system assists the combustion engine during start-up and acceleration, enhancing driving pleasure while lowering fuel consumption (5.6 l/100 km) and CO2 emissions (129g/km) by about 10% compared to a similar non-hybrid engine. Regenerative braking charges the 0.8 kWh battery without the driver needing to intervene.
All-New Bigster TCe 130 4×4
Built for off-road adventures, the Bigster TCe 130 features all-wheel drive paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 48V mild hybrid system. This system supports the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, reducing fuel consumption and emissions while improving driving performance. Regenerative braking recharges the 0.8 kWh battery automatically, making the process seamless for the driver.
Sustainable Materials
In line with Dacia’s Eco-Smart philosophy, the Bigster incorporates nearly 20% recycled plastics, a higher proportion than typically seen in the automotive industry.
The vehicle uses Starkle®, a material developed by Dacia’s engineers and first introduced on the Duster. Composed of up to 20% recycled polypropylene, Starkle® is used unpainted and untreated, which reduces its carbon footprint. It’s used in the lower body, wheel arch protection, and parts of the front and rear bumpers, recognisable by its speckled appearance.
The Bigster’s front and rear skid plates are dyed in the mass, a method that reduces paint usage while maintaining durability and appearance over time.
As part of a broader eco-friendly approach, Dacia has eliminated leather and chrome trim from all its models and reduced paper use. The onboard user manual is more compact, with a full, interactive digital version available via the My Dacia app and the Dacia website.
If you want to find out more about the Dacia Bigster or any other Dacia models, why not get in touch with your local Stoneacre Dacia dealership? Our friendly staff are currently on hand to offer advice over the phone or online to ensure you get help when considering your new car options.
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