Dacia Bigster

The answer: by building a mid-size car according to Dacia's standard recipe. Unlike other manufacturers, Dacia looks at price first and then builds the product within that limit. It did the same with the Bigster. To make an economical start, Dacia took the Duster as its base; after all, most of the investments have already been made for it. The Bigster has the same sympathetically simple look as the Duster, but with significantly more sophistication, because that is the norm in this segment.

For example, the lines are elongated, the bonnet has a distinctive crease and this is Dacia's first model with two-tone paint. Together with a larger rim size (up to 19 inches) and a large glass roof, this creates the distinguished look that comes with a higher-end car. Note also the "hidden" rear door, as the handle is incorporated into the c-pillar for a more elegant silhouette. For the sake of the environment, no chrome has been used and given the end result, there is no need at all!

Space

The Bigster is larger than the Duster thanks to a longer wheelbase (+4 cm) and more overhang in front of the front wheels and behind the rear wheels. With that, the design is also immediately clear. The greater overhang makes the Bigster less suitable as an off-roader and more intended as a travel car. The longer wheelbase benefits the space in the rear, as the rear seats accommodate adults just fine. The rear seat folds down in three parts, with the middle part also serving as a table (including cup holders and phone holders).

The space in front is good. The seats can be adjusted over a long distance, so persons of very different stature can find a good seating position. Depending on the chosen engine (automatic or manual transmission) and the chosen equipment level, the centre console is conventional and low or, on the contrary, high and equipped with a cooling compartment, a phone charger and a lever to control the automatic transmission.

The luggage space is so large that it looks like there is enough room for a third row of seats. However, Dacia is very adamant about this: the Jogger is the spacious family car for seven people and in the case of the Bigster, a third row of seats would require a compromise. Therefore, Dacia has chosen to make the Bigster a very spacious five-seater. As that is now common in this segment, the Bigster is equipped with an electrically operated tailgate. However, to keep the price down, only one motor is used for this instead of the usual two.

Equipment

Also very modern: the clocks behind the steering wheel have been replaced by a display screen, allowing the driver to decide to some extent what information is displayed and how.

A central display screen controls the Android-based audio, communication and navigation system. This works very well, but the terms and conditions reveal that the system collects all the information it can and that the manufacturer reserves the right to sell this data to third parties. As this is a now obsolete version of Android (12), there is a good chance that updates will no longer be possible after only a few years and/or apps will no longer function. The basic spec level has no built-in Android system and is therefore preferable.

Through a USB-C connection, the display can also be used to display Apple CarPlay or Android Auto from a smartphone. The climate control system has two zones and is routed to the rear, where the average temperature of front left and front right is transmitted.

Like the other new Dacia cars, the Bigster also features "YouClip" mounting points. Accessories such as a cup holder, phone holder and multi holder (hook, tray, torch) can be attached to these. Depending on the chosen version, the Bigster comes with adaptive cruise-control (automatic distance keeping regardless of the speed of the car in front), automatic high beam, an electrically adjustable driver's seat and a sunroof. A "sleep pack" is also on the options list; this easily turns the Bigster into a bed on wheels.

Engines

The Bigster is available with the "TCe 140" engine that can also be found in other models from the brand. It owes its popularity to a combination of LPG and mild-hybrid technology, which is still unique. According to Dacia, LPG reduces CO2 emissions by 10% and particulate emissions by 90%. The LPG tank sits at the location of the spare wheel and therefore does not come at the expense of boot space.

The hybrid engine was given a larger capacity (from 1.6 to 1.8 litres) and the battery capacity was slightly increased (+0.2 kW). The electric motors were retained and the gearbox came from a 200 hp hybrid from Renault. A clutch has been dropped because an electric motor can handle any speed differences between components. Thanks to these relatively simple modifications, the additional price remains limited and the Bigster is the first model from Dacia / Renault with a 155 hp hybrid.

In practice, its performance is adequate, but no more than that. Regularly, the automatic maintains a low gear to charge the battery. Because of the high revs, the quietness is then gone. The same goes for high-speed driving. From around 100 km/h, the sounds of wind (the Bigster is 35 mm higher than a Duster) and engine increase considerably.

The test route consisted largely of country roads, on which the hybrid engine was at its best. Test consumption therefore came to just 4.4 litres per 100 km.

Driving behaviour

Despite the fact that up to the B-pillar (the beam between the front and rear doors) the Bigster is largely the same as the Duster, the Bigster feels much bigger. Both cars owe their big feel to a high seating position and a clearly visible bonnet. Thanks to better sound insulation, more headroom and a different response to the steering, the Bigster feels even bigger.

To keep the price modest, the Bigster has no advanced suspension. The car therefore feels less refined than the competition. Nevertheless, stability at high speed is adequate and comfort on bad roads (and speed bumps!) is good. In short: just like every other model from Dacia, the Bigster has a solid, solid and honest character.

Conclusion

Dacia is introducing a mid-size SUV for the first time: the Bigster. In its design, the Romanian manufacturer followed the same pragmatic approach as for its smaller models. The result is a mid-size car with a decidedly down-to-earth character. The Bigster is not about refinement or ostentation, but functionality and space.

A test drive reveals that the Bigster is much more than an economical family car. Most mid-size SUVs try to impress with their looks, specifications or technology. The Bigster is as down-to-earth and pragmatic as any other Dacia. That makes the Bigster not only a smart choice but also a very conscious one. In short: the Bigster is the big car for the small budget.