As reported by Autobrezik.com, Dacia has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Bigster SUV in Berlin on October 9, 2024. This affordable 7-seater is aimed at large families and marks the brand's entry into the popular family SUV segment. Codenamed Dacia R1310, the Bigster is expected to be a budget-friendly alternative to models like the VW Tiguan and Škoda Kodiaq.
Design: True to the Concept
The production version of the Bigster remains faithful to the concept car first shown in January 2021. It features a rugged and modern design with clean lines, a futuristic grille with LED headlights, and a high-riding stance. Interestingly, the design of future Dacia models, including the Bigster, will be influenced by former Aston Martin chief designer Miles Nürnberger.
Exterior: Spacious and Robust
The Bigster measures 4.57 meters in length, 1.71 meters in height, and 1.81 meters in width, with a wheelbase of 2.70 meters. This makes it significantly larger than the new Duster. The CMF-B platform, while designated as "small," allows for these generous dimensions while keeping production costs down.
Dacia describes the Bigster as "spacious and robust," ready for "open and dusty roads." The exterior design features smooth surfaces, clean lines, a futuristic grille with LED headlights, and a high body structure. Recycled Starkle plastic, a Dacia invention first seen on the Duster, is used in the cladding. Starkle is made of 20% recycled polypropylene and is used in its raw, unpainted state on the vehicle. The Bigster will be available with 17, 18, and 19-inch wheels.
Interior: Authentic and Practical
Dacia promises a "very spacious" interior for the Bigster. The brand will focus on "authenticity" in design: no chrome or imitation aluminum. The interior focuses on space, ergonomics, and comfort. All Dacia models now completely dispense with leather and chrome and limit the use of paper.
The Bigster will be available in both 5-seater and 7-seater configurations. The spacious interior is expected to feature comfortable third-row seats, making the car even more practical. Rear seats will be equipped with ventilation outlets, USB-C ports, and YouClip mounts for cup holders or phones. The rear bench also offers an armrest with smartphone holders and space for drinks.
Higher trim levels will feature two 10.1-inch displays (for the digital instrument panel and infotainment system). Cheaper versions will have a 7-inch instrument cluster in the design of the new Duster. It is still possible to attach a smartphone holder next to the display. The infotainment system offers physical controls for the dual-zone climate control. The high center console has an armrest with a cooled compartment, wireless charger, and cup holders. Electrically operated tailgate is a novelty at Dacia - only the right strut is motorized. The luggage compartment has a volume of 667 liters (VDA method), but the hybrid version will be smaller due to the battery, and the LPG version due to the toroidal gas tank. Only petrol versions can have a spare wheel as standard.
Technical Specifications
The Dacia Bigster will be offered with several engines:
- Hybrid 155: A full hybrid combining a 1.8-liter petrol engine with an electric motor (E-Tech technology from Renault). The system allows up to 80% of city driving in electric mode. Fuel consumption is 4.9 l/100 km.
- TCe 130 and 140: 1.2-liter petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology (48 V). The TCe 140 version is equipped with a turbocharger with variable geometry blades and consumes 5.6 l/100 km. The TCe 130 is available with all-wheel drive.
- ECO-G 140: The world's first mild-hybrid (48 V) engine burning LPG. The 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine has an output of 140 hp on petrol and 130 hp on LPG. The range on both fuels is up to 1450 km.
Safety
The Dacia Bigster will be equipped with standard safety features such as airbags, ABS, traction control and braking assist. However, in the interest of affordability, the car will not aim for the maximum 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
Equipment
The Bigster will be available in four trim levels: Essential, Expression, Extreme, and Journey, each offering a different level of features and technology.
Price and Release Date
The Dacia Bigster will enter the Czech market in the spring of 2025. It is expected to become one of the most affordable models in its class. At the international presentation in Berlin, the automaker announced that the base price in Europe will start below 25,000 euros (approximately CZK 633,000). Customers will pay extra for the hybrid version, which means that the price of the hybrid Bigster could be around CZK 760,000. Exact prices for the Czech market will be announced early next year.
Source: https://autobrezik.com/dacia-bigster-2025/
