Currently reading: Dacia Bigster concept previews rugged range-topping SUV

Chunky 4x4 is brand's biggest model to-date; will prioritise affordability and capability

Dacia has revealed the new Bigster Concept, previewing a new back-to-basics mid-size SUV that will sit above the popular Dacia Duster in the budget brand’s range.

The new car is part of a plan to expand the budget brand into the profitable C-segment and has been unveiled as part of a renewed focus on Dacia’s value-for-money business strategy.

The Bigster Concept previews one of three new models that Dacia will launch by 2025, beyond the new Dacia Sandero, Logan and Spring EV that are all being launched this year.

The new machine will be built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Allance's CMF-B platform, which will be used for all Dacia vehicles moving forward. Future Dacias will be offered with both ‘alternative energy’ - likely LPG - and hybrid powertrains.

The Bigster Concept is 4.6 metres long and described as “the Dacia way of making the C-segment accessible, delivering a larger, more capable vehicle at the cost buyers would expect from the segment below”.

Dacia bigster concept 9hr00 14012021 2

The machine features Dacia’s distinctive Y-shaped headlight design, with rugged, simple styling that echoes the smaller Duster. Dacia says the concept features protective exterior panels made from raw recycled plastics. It also showcases a new logo that the brand is set to adopt.

Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Dacia’s design boss, said: “The Dacia Bigster Concept epitomises the evolution of the brand. Essential, with a touch of cool and an outdoor spirit. It proves that accessible isn't opposed by any means to attractiveness. At Dacia we believe so, and this car is the proof.”

The Bigster Concept will be part of a major model offensive for Dacia, which has now been linked with Russian brand Lada within Groupe Renault.

Brand boss Denis Le Vot said that “Dacia will stay Dacia, always offering a trustworthy, authentic, best-value-for-money proposition to smart buyers”.

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All future Dacia and Lada models, including the Bigster, will be based on the Alliance CMF-B platform.

Meanwhile, Lada will launch four new models by 2025, which will include a new C-segment vehicle and a reimagined version of the iconic Niva off-roader in 2024. The two brands will remain focused on different markets, so there are no plans for these to be offered in the UK.

READ MORE

New £7995 Dacia Sandero is Britain's cheapest car

New Dacia Spring EV being evaluated for UK sale

Dacia targets premium segment with new range-topping trim

James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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abkq 15 January 2021
I wonder how many of its super clean details like pencil thin panel gaps and flush windows make production. Or like so many failed concepts the production model relies on extral detailing to make fit and finish work.
FastRenaultFan 14 January 2021
I do not see why Dacia need a new logo. People have only just got used to the Logo they have to change would be silly. However if they do change is the new Logo the name on the back like Kias new Logo or is it that badge on the front or both. Seems expensive to do both. They should do one or the other or better yet do not waste funds doing that and just spend that money on there cars instead.
Peter Cavellini 14 January 2021

The way the World is going, maybe this is the type of Vehicle we'll be needing?

catnip 14 January 2021
Peter Cavellini wrote:

The way the World is going, maybe this is the type of Vehicle we'll be needing?

Hopefully I'll never need a 4.6 metre long SUV