Dacia’s Bold Leap: The Bigster SUV Targets the C-Segment with Affordability and Ambition

Dacia Bigster (2025): Introduction and First Seating Test

The up-and-coming major player: With its latest SUV, the brand formerly known for affordability is now making its mark in the popular C-segment for the first time.

Dacia is taking a significant leap with its latest Bigster model, venturing for the first time into a market segment where the decision to purchase isn't solely based on cost-effectiveness, but also on the social standing and prestige that come with the vehicle.

It remains to be seen whether the new Bigster will impress in the SUV C-segment with its traditional Dacia attributes and some newly added premium elements. However, the prospects seem quite promising.

In the mid-2000s, when the traditional Romanian brand Dacia made a comeback under the stewardship of Renault, it was distinctly positioned as offering extremely affordable vehicles that also provided significant utility. The Logan marked Dacia's initial foray into the modern era, delivering ample space while incorporating the penultimate generation of Renault technology, although it was fairly rudimentary in terms of comfort.

Photo Gallery: Debut of the Dacia Bigster (2025)

Over time, Dacia has consistently maintained an excellent balance between cost and performance, steadily incorporating more comfort and current technology without forsaking its foundational principles. The Duster stands as a prime illustration of the triumph of this approach. Moreover, the brand's market share continues to grow, particularly among individual consumers.

Dacia is now ambitiously reaching for the stars by launching a new model in Germany's most competitive category – the compact SUV segment. This arena is filled with the elite, including the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and the segment leaders Skoda Kodiaq and VW Tiguan. Customers in this segment have higher expectations for comfort, prestige, and exclusivity. We took a first look to see if Dacia can manage to balance its characteristic practicality with these heightened expectations during an initial seating trial.

Exterior | Interior | Engines | Pricing

Exterior

Upon initial observation, the Bigster strikes a significant presence as an SUV. Measuring 4.57 meters, it leans towards the larger spectrum of the C-segment, standing about 25 centimeters longer than the visually comparable Duster. The additional length is notably apparent in the extended rear overhang.

Overall, the Bigster has a powerful appearance thanks to its crisp lines and sharp edges. Much of what was introduced in the 2021 "Bigster Concept" study has been retained. The entire vehicle exudes toughness, yet still offers some pleasant design elements. Noteworthy are the graphic design details on the front end, doors, and above the rear license plate.

Instead of adhering to the trend of glossy black, the designers at Dacia have opted for a combination of glossy and matte black, creating a finish that is tougher and more durable. The vehicle's sturdiness is underscored by the substantial skid plates at the front and rear. Particularly when equipped with the optional 19-inch wheels and the exclusive "Indigo Blue" color, the Bigster appears very sophisticated and not at all low-end.

The "Y" serves as a pioneering graphic feature, recurring throughout the vehicle. Isn't the "Y" a hallmark of Lamborghini? Dacia certainly doesn't lack confidence in that respect…

Interior

Inside, Dacia had to delve even further into their bag of tricks to maintain the set budget while simultaneously catering to the demands of a more discerning customer base. The focus, they claim, was on the fundamentals: space, user-friendliness, and comfort.

Immediately noticeable is the vertically mounted dashboard, positioned quite high. Its crisp lines and geometric shapes reflect the vehicle's exterior design and provide a seamless transition. The overall impression is one of sturdiness, yet it doesn't lack a certain comfort factor.

The craftsmanship is quite appealing, despite the absence of any foam-backed plastics or truly luxurious materials. While the interior of the Bigster does seem more sophisticated than, say, the Duster, it still falls short of a "premium" classification. The steering wheel, with its leather wrapping, does feel rather upscale, which stands out amidst the prevalent use of hard plastic. Although this doesn't convey an overly high-quality feel, it's been part of Dacia's brand image, particularly since the Mehmet Scholl advertising campaigns. Whether the target market will agree with this approach is yet to be determined.

Moreover, Dacia boasts a number of smart features, such as the You-Clip system, previously seen in the Duster, which offers a straightforward and convenient way to attach various accessories at key spots inside the cabin. Be it a flashlight, a coat hook, or a tablet holder, each can be easily and swiftly installed. It's reminiscent of Skoda's "Simply Clever" concept.

All versions of the model come standard with a main touchscreen measuring 10.1 inches, unlike the Duster. The Bigster Essential and Expression models feature this screen which provides access to the Media Display multimedia system, complete with four speakers and the ability to wirelessly connect smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Bigster Extreme and Bigster Journey models come equipped with the Media Nav Live multimedia system, which provides connected navigation featuring real-time traffic data and map updates for eight years.

Depending on the vehicle's features, driving information is displayed on either a 7-inch driver information screen for the Essential and Expression models, or a digital 10-inch screen for the Extreme and Journey models, with customizable color preferences.

Dacia had pledged that their new model would be among the most spacious in its category. Upon conducting a thorough examination of the seating, we can confirm that they've certainly lived up to their promise. The front seat offers a comfortable and spacious experience in all directions. The legroom in the back is impressively generous, almost rivaling that of the class leader, the Skoda Kodiaq, from our perspective. Even with the enormous panoramic roof, the headroom doesn't disappoint. A touch of opulence is added with features like a partially electric seat adjustment and a dual-zone climate control system.

The trunk has a capacity of up to 667 liters up to the lower edge of the windows, which should be sufficient for any situation. The rear seatbacks can be easily folded down from the trunk using the Easy Fold feature, which is operated by two levers.

The trunk's floor is safeguarded by a durable rubber mat that's easy to clean and can be conveniently rolled up when not in use. This mat is included as standard in the Extreme trim package and is available as an optional accessory for other models. An electrically operated tailgate is available upon request and, as has been proudly noted on multiple occasions, it operates using a single motor, setting it apart from competitors.

Engines

From the outset, there will be four engines available for order. The Bigster TCe features a newly developed engine unit, making its debut across the entire corporation in the Bigster model. The TCe engine combines a next-generation 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, based on the Miller cycle, which boasts improved efficiency and reduced pumping losses, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a six-speed manual transmission. With a total output of 140 horsepower, the Bigster is quite well powered.

The second in the series is the ECO-G 140, which is capable of running on both petrol and LPG, a fuel type that Dacia is known for specializing in. With the Bigster model, Dacia is innovating by pairing a dual-fuel engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system for the first time. This system aids the 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine during start-up and acceleration, regardless of whether it's using petrol or LPG.

The vehicle features two fuel storage units with a combined capacity of 99 liters, split between 50 liters for gasoline and 49 liters for LPG, allowing it to cover distances up to 1,450 kilometers. The LPG tank is strategically placed beneath the trunk floor to ensure cargo space remains unaffected. Additionally, a dashboard-mounted switch facilitates an effortless and smooth transition between fuel types.

The latest top engine option is the new Hybrid 155. This powertrain features a combination of a 107 horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine, two electric motors – one rated at 50 horsepower and the other serving as a high-voltage starter/generator – along with a 1.4-kWh battery (230 V) and an automatic electric transmission. This transmission offers four gears for the gasoline engine and an additional two for the electric motors. Since the Bigster always starts on electric power, there's no need for a clutch.

Individuals who frequently venture off paved roads will discover that the TCe 130 4×4 offers a suitable driving solution. This particular model is equipped with four-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission, and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to maximize efficiency. In this setup, the 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine is also electrically assisted during startup and acceleration phases.

Models

The newly released Bigster will be available in three different trim levels: Essential, Expression, and the two equally priced high-end options, Extreme and Journey. "Extreme" caters to the outdoor enthusiasts with standard features like a panoramic sunroof, adaptable roof rails, downhill assist, rubber mats, and the versatile 3-in-1 YouClip system. On the other hand, "Journey" focuses on travel comfort, offering a two-tone paint job (with an optional black roof), an electric tailgate, and a partially electrically adjustable driver's seat.

All models come equipped with the standard SUV driving modes such as MUD/SAND, OFFROAD, or SNOW, along with a hill descent control feature. Additionally, advanced driver assistance systems like an adaptive cruise control are available, with some even included as standard features.

Pricing Strategy

Dacia continues to approach vehicle development differently compared to its rivals. Usually, cars are designed first and their prices are determined afterwards. However, at Dacia, the target price is set in stone from the onset. Every other aspect of the car's development must align with this predetermined price point. Remarkably, Dacia's engineers consistently manage to adhere to these strict budget constraints.

The exact pricing for the Bigster has not been solidified yet. However, Dacia's CEO, Denis Le Vot, guaranteed that the standard combustion engine model would start at less than 25,000 euros during its unveiling. He also indicated that the more complex hybrid version would be priced below 30,000 euros. Indeed, these are competitive prices considering the market rivals and the qualities offered.

The Bigster will make its physical debut on October 14, 2024, in Paris. Starting from January 2025, orders for the vehicle will be open in Germany. Germany represents a critical market for the Bigster as the C-segment is most robust there. Annually, over 600,000 vehicles are sold across various manufacturers. This is the reason why extensive customer surveys were conducted in Germany in advance.

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Our conclusion is that Dacia has successfully transferred its brand's core features to the SUV sector of the C-segment with the Bigster. They are introducing a contender in the market that is likely to appeal mainly to those potential buyers who prioritize ample space and practicality at an affordable price over prestige.

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