India-bound Renault (Dacia) Bigster 3-Row SUV Unveiled

Dacia introduces the highly anticipated Bigster, a flagship model that marks the brand's ambitious entry into the competitive C-SUV segment. Announced as part of Dacia’s broader Renaulution strategic plan in January 2021, the Bigster will most likely come to India through Renault along with the new Duster which is also speculated to arrive next year.

Dacia's commitment to delivering essential but cool vehicles is reflected in the Bigster’s design. Staying true to the Bigster Concept revealed in 2021, the production model looks rugged, and has an assertive styling, with a strong focus on durability, practicality, and outdoor adventure. The vehicle features bold geometric lines, a wide stance, and a mix of gloss and matte finishes that add an air of elegance to its design. 

Dacia has incorporated Starkle material in the Bigster’s construction, particularly for the body protection elements. This material, made from recycled polypropylene, is left unpainted, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. The design also embraces functionality: with practical features like 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels and the option for a black roof.

One of the Bigster’s standout features is its interior space, which is best-in-class in the C-SUV segment. Built on Renault’s CMF-B platform, the SUV offers ample headroom and legroom for five passengers, along with a generous boot capacity of up to 667 litres. The SUV’s interior also emphasises practicality, with features like a high-mounted vertical dashboard, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, and a customisable digital instrument panel available in different sizes depending on the trim level. The higher-spec Journey and Extreme trims even feature conveniences such as wireless phone charging, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Arkamys 3D sound system. 

The Bigster’s modularity extends to its rear seating as well, with a 40/20/40 split bench that can be folded down to create a flat load floor, enabling up to 2.7 metres of storage space for bulky items.

A key highlight of the Bigster is its range of hybrid and electrified powertrains, a first for Dacia. The top-of-the-line Hybrid 155 combines a 1.2-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery. This powertrain also supports regenerative braking and offers enhanced fuel efficiency. 

In addition to the hybrid options, the Bigster will also be available in a TCe 130 4x4 variant, offering all-wheel drive capability with a 1.2-litre engine and 48V mild-hybrid system. The 4x4 system includes five driving modes such as Snow, Mud/Sand, and Off-Road.

The Bigster is equipped with a host of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features, compliant with the latest European safety standards. These include emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control.