Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Dacia Bigster: Comfort and Value Redefined in New SUV
The Dacia Bigster, despite its imposing name, might be better suited to be called the ‘Chillster’ after an initial driving experience. This latest flagship model from the budget-friendly car manufacturer Dacia prioritizes smooth performance and practicality within a smart, affordable five-seater vehicle. Its value proposition is undeniable, offering considerable features for its price point.
First Impressions and Market Reception
Priced starting under £25,000, with even the highest specification model remaining below £30,000, the Bigster provides exceptional value for money in the competitive SUV market. Although UK deliveries are not scheduled until May, Dacia’s UK management team has already celebrated over 500 pre-orders, indicating strong early interest.
Spacious and Practical Design
Measuring 15 feet in length and 6 feet in width, the Bigster offers considerable interior space, making it ideal for families. It boasts a generously sized boot and ample leg and headroom for all passengers, enhancing passenger comfort during journeys.
Spacious: Its practicality includes a big boot and good leg-room
Trim Levels and Specifications
Constructed in Romania by Dacia, Renault’s budget division, the Bigster is available in several trim variations: Expression, Journey, and the premium Extreme. The UK market will not offer the entry-level Essential trim, as British consumers typically prefer enhanced features and specifications in their vehicles.
The Expression trim, equipped with a 140 Mild hybrid engine, starts at £24,995. The top-tier Extreme 155 hybrid model is priced at £29,995. The Journey 155 hybrid, test-driven for this review, begins at £29,245.
Driving Experience and Performance
The test vehicle, a Journey 155 hybrid model, featured 19-inch wheels (Expression and Extreme trims have 17 and 18-inch wheels respectively). This front-wheel-drive car incorporates a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual electric motors (a 50 bhp motor and a high voltage starter/generator), a 1.4 kWh self-charging battery, and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Notably, the vehicle initiates operation in a silent electric mode, emphasizing its hybrid nature and fuel efficiency.
Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph is achieved in a leisurely 9.7 seconds, purposefully indicating its design for relaxed and comfortable driving rather than high-speed performance. Overtaking maneuvers required careful planning to gain sufficient speed, and the engine exhibited strain during more demanding driving scenarios on open roads and steeper gradients.
Ride Comfort and Suitability
The driving experience is akin to listening to easy-listening music, prioritizing relaxation over high-energy excitement. It performs smoothly at cruising speeds and the supportive seats provide exceptional comfort, especially on longer journeys. For drivers seeking a vehicle for enjoyable cruising and comfortable travel, the Bigster proves to be a highly suitable choice, prioritizing ride quality and passenger well-being.