The Bigster is Dacia’s new affordable SUV flagship

Dacia has finally properly unveiled its largest crossover SUV, the Bigster. It will be marketed as a more practical and spacious alternative to the Duster when it goes on sale, but the date remains to be announced.

Aside from revised bumpers and headlights, the newcomer shares most of its design with its smaller cousin. It is also the first Dacia on the market to be available with a two-color exterior and a wide assortment of wheels sized from 17 to 19 inches large. The blue finish seen here is also new and designed specifically for the Bigster lineup.

Size-wise, the SUV measures 4,570 mm (178.5 inches) long, 1,810 mm (70.7 in) wide and 1,710 mm (66.8 in) tall with 220 mm (8.6 in) between the axles. The trunk size maxes at 667 liters (23.55 cubic feet).

Even in its most basic trim, the Bigster has a seven-inch digital dash screen and a 10.1-inch infotainment display. Higher trims come with a larger 10-inch dashboard and a bulky center console between the front seats housing a refrigerator – also a first for the Dacia brand.

The trim nomenclature makes it clear who is envisioned as the target audience. Extreme targets adventure lovers, while Journey is best-equipped for long road trips. Equipment options include panoramic sunroof, two-zone HVAC, Arkamys six-channel audio, wireless charging and power tailgate, among others.

The powertrain is known as the Hybrid 155 and comprises a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a starter-generator. The engine outputs 108 PS (107 hp / 79 kW) and 170 Nm (125 lb-ft) of torque, while the motor contributes 50 PS (49 hp / 37 kW) of its own. The transmission is automatic and dedicates four speeds for the engine and two for the e-motor.

If this version proves too costly for you, there will be a 1.2L base spec similar to that of the Duster. A turbocharged three-cylinder engine in tandem with a small e-motor produce a combined 140 PS (138 hp / 103 kW) – 10 horsepower more than the Duster. Later on, Dacia plans to launch a bi-fuel version of the Bigster with up to 1,450 km (901 miles) of range.

Those looking for the biggest bargain can go for a 130-PS (128 hp / 96-kW) entry-level spec. It is based on the same hybrid system as above and has a six-speed manual transmission sending the torque to all four wheels. This SUV supports five drive presets for rough terrain, sand, snow and the like.

All prices are pending.