Renault Duster 7-Seater (Bigster) Spied For First Time
Source:https://www.rushlane.com/
2025 Dacia Bigster Spied Testing in Spain, Promising Affordable Mid-Size SUV
The upcoming Dacia Bigster, the brand’s first foray into the highly competitive mid-size family SUV segment, has been spotted undergoing testing in the sunny landscapes of Spain. As the value-oriented automaker gears up for the Bigster’s launch in 2025, anticipation is building for this budget-friendly alternative to established rivals.
Heavily inspired by the 2021 Bigster concept, the production model bears a striking resemblance to a super-sized version of the latest Dacia Duster. The squared-off, chunky design language is evident in the prototypes, although some of the concept’s more exaggerated features, such as the flared wheel arches and sculpted hood, appear to have been toned down for the road-going version. Slim LED headlights and Y-shaped tail-lights, reminiscent of the concept, are also present on the test vehicles.
Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot has revealed that the Bigster will start at less than £20,000, matching the smaller Duster’s price point. This aggressive pricing strategy aims to attract buyers who may have previously purchased a crossover for around £28,000, only to see prices steadily increase with each renewal. Le Vot believes that the Bigster, with its 4.6-meter length and essential features, will be an appealing alternative for those seeking a full-sized C-segment crossover at a more affordable price point.
The Bigster’s generous dimensions, comparable to the recently facelifted Ford Kuga, the latest Volkswagen Tiguan, and the upcoming next-generation Vauxhall Grandland, should translate into a spacious interior. While Dacia has not confirmed whether the Bigster will be available with seven seats, the possibility has not been ruled out, potentially allowing the SUV to compete with the Nissan X-Trail in that regard.
Inside, the Bigster is expected to borrow heavily from the new Duster, featuring a large 10.1-inch central touchscreen, a seven-inch digital instrument panel, and Dacia’s innovative ‘YouClip’ system. This system allows various accessories, such as cup holders and lights, to be attached to designated mounts throughout the cabin, enhancing versatility and convenience.
Underpinning the Bigster will be the same CMF-B platform that Dacia has utilized for the Duster compact SUV, Sandero supermini, and Jogger seven-seater. While the Bigster will be the largest model to date built on this platform, the cost savings associated with platform sharing will contribute to the vehicle’s affordable price point compared to its competitors.
The CMF-B platform is capable of accommodating hybrid technology, as demonstrated by the Duster’s available mild-hybrid TCe 130 setup and the Hybrid 140 system. The latter pairs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, enabling up to 80 percent of city driving to be completed on pure-electric power.
With the Dacia Bigster set to arrive in 2025, an official unveiling could take place in late 2024 or sometime in 2025. However, the brand has remained tight-lipped about an exact date for the big reveal. As the testing phase progresses and more information becomes available, the automotive world eagerly awaits the arrival of this budget-friendly, mid-size SUV that promises to shake up the segment.
