Dacia Bigster Review 2024

You’d be forgiven for thinking that there was already too much choice in the family-sized SUV arena, yet Renault’s value-focused satellite brand evidently thinks otherwise. Its largest and most expensive model to date, the Dacia Bigster looks set to be on many car buyers’ shortlists in 2025.

As the marque’s new range-topper, the Bigster is essentially a longer version of the recently launched new generation of the popular Dacia Duster — indeed, its name appears to be a contraction of ‘Big Duster’.

There are a handful of exterior styling differences between the two at the front but forwards of the rear wheels their bodywork is essentially the same, while the underpinnings below the cars are also very similar. It’s towards the rear where the Bigster’s, erm, bigness is more evident.

So what’s with the Dacia Bigster’s swollen dimensions given the Duster is a roomy car in its own right? Well, the lengthier Bigster is more directly comparable to alternative choices, such as the Ford Kuga, whereas the Duster’s smaller than the Kuga yet bulkier than the Ford Puma.

By making the latest Dacia a similar size to its rivals, its advantages are easier for customers to understand, especially in terms of its value-for-money. As the Bigster is of comparable dimensions to the best-selling SUVs, its likely starting price of around £25,000 becomes even more eye-catching compared with the Kia Sportage and the Nissan Qashqai, both of which cost from £30,000.

Not that value-for-money is the Bigster’s only trick — Dacia claims its interior is not only highly practical but particularly roomy, with more space in the boot (quoted at 667 litres) and for rear seat passengers than anything else of this size. The split/folding rear seats are arranged 40:20:40 and can be lowered using release levers inside the boot.

Dacia’s also promoting its new YouClip system with the Bigster, which allows a range of accessories to be added for convenient positioning on the dashboard, the back of the centre console, in the boot and on the tailgate.

Three trim level choices will be available for the Dacia Bigster, starting with the entry-level Expression before progressing in one of two directions. While the Journey specification is focused more on comfort and convenience, the Extreme is angled towards those who appreciate their SUVs being of a more rugged appearance.

Features you may not normally associate with Dacia are available on the Bigster, including adaptive cruise control, a 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen system incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an electric tailgate, dual-zone climate control and an enlarged centre console housing a wireless smartphone charger and a chilled cubby.

Engine-wise, there are no diesel, PHEV or full EV versions of the Dacia Bigster but all three choices have some degree of hybridisation. For the three-cylinder, 1.2-litre TCe 140 with its six-speed manual gearbox sending drive to the front wheels, that’s a 48-volt mild hybrid system for which Dacia claims around 50mpg with CO2 emissions as low as 129g/km.

A sufficient number of Dacia SUV customers have sought out four-wheel drive versions for additional traction in slippery conditions, so the Bigster TCe 130 4x4 will be of particular interest — it is also a mild hybrid set-up.

Most powerful — and with a full, self-charging system — is the Bigster Hybrid 155 combining a four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, sending power to the front wheels via an automatic transmission. Dacia claims many drivers will find it remains in all-electric mode for up to 80% of city driving.

Order books are due to open around New Year, with customer deliveries of the all-new Dacia Bigster are set to begin during the first half of 2025.