Tuesday 24th February

Dacia launches AWD flagship for Bigster and Duster

New models coming later this year with 150hp, promising 'the freedom to take the long way home' 

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The Dacia range is more comprehensive than ever, stretching all the way from Spring to Bigster family bus. It offers pure electric powertrains, plain old petrol, and hybrids; there’s even a Dacia Duster Cargo for commercial use. We’ve come a long way from just cheap and cheerful Sanderos. Now the lineup is to expand even further, with the introduction of a new four-wheel-drive flagship for both the Duster and Bigster. 

The latest AWD models boast 150hp from another variation on Dacia’s mild hybrid powertrain. Where previously the 140hp version (a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo with some electric assistance) was only offered with a manual (and the full hybrid 155 only with an auto), this new setup will use a six-speed dual-clutch. Dacia says the transmission is ‘responsive’, with paddles included (unusual in a Dacia) for manual shifts ‘when drivers want more control, whether tackling challenging terrain, towing, or simply enjoying the drive.’

While the Bigster initially launched with a 130hp 4x4 variant, that’s no longer on the configurator - both 140hp MHEV and 155hp hybrid are front-drive only. For the Duster, the 130hp 4x4 is only offered with a manual. It’s easy to see why an automatic, all-wheel drive variant of both family-friendly SUVs might appeal. It’s said the new models ‘will strengthen what Dacia does best: rugged, robust SUVs with the kind of dependable usability that makes adventure part of everyday life.’

What a 150hp, four-wheel drive Duster or Bigster might cost, and when you might be able to get one, isn’t clear for the moment, but they’re on the way. For an idea, the current front-drive, 140hp manual arrangement in a top-of-the-range Bigster Extreme is £27,015; adding another driven axle and a cleverer auto to that is surely going to nudge the asking price close to £30,000. As for the Duster, the 130hp 4x4 sits at £26,595; again, expect a significant premium. Or, for those who prefer their off-road-ready Dacias manual and manual only, last year’s Dusters are from £20k… 

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• 2025 Dacia Bigster | PH Review
• 2024 Dacia Duster | PH Review

[Lil_Red_GTO]

A 4x4 auto was an obvious gap in the range. Even if I would rarely, if ever, truly need all wheel drive, there is just something slightly fraudulent about a front wheel drive only SUV, especially given the rugged utilitarian vibe of the Duster/Bigster.

Only problem is that unless you are buying with cash, I find these higher spec full hybrid Dacias quite pricey. There never seem to be good lease deals on them and you're taking over £400 a month on PCP unless you put in a chunky deposit. Maybe I've been spoiled by cheap leasing deals, but that seems a lot for a £30k car.

[Ben Lowden]

Sounds promising! While I enjoyed the simplicity and low cost of my Duster, I am craving a bit more luxury for my next wagon. So chuck in some half leather seats for the Bigster please Dacia, and I could definitely see myself in one of these

[S600BSB]

I’d prefer a plug-in hybrid, but this is a welcome addition to the Bigster range.

[Demonix]

Decent used buy in 3-5 years if you're after an affordable 4x4, Duster awd great choice for drivers not wanting a jlr product or a huge Toyota/Nissan.

[_Rodders_]

It was a glaring omission.

I know a couple of people that will probably go for a AWD auto Duster or Bigster.

People want autos these days

[Huzzah]

Ben Lowden said:

Sounds promising! While I enjoyed the simplicity and low cost of my Duster, I am craving a bit more luxury for my next wagon. So chuck in some half leather seats for the Bigster please Dacia, and I could definitely see myself in one of these

I agree, now Dacia is less bargain basement and more mainstream, I'd pay a lottle more for a car with 1/2 lth.

[valiant]

Had a look at these when they came out and you still get great value for money if you're after a no nonsense motor compared to the competition.

Bigster gets rave reviews and they've filled the glaring omission in the line up and even if its £30k, it will still undercut the competition and has a lot of bells and whistles (if slightly rough around the edges). A similar X-trail is over £40k now and whilst maybe a nicer place to sit, it's not £10k+ nicer in these cost of living times.

[dukebox9reg]

no doubt a dry clutch dsg, which then will be fairly rubbish as soon you try and offroad.

[MDT]

dukebox9reg said:

no doubt a dry clutch dsg, which then will be fairly rubbish as soon you try and offroad.

they will not be going off road, they will be fine to and from Tesco and on the school run.

[Andy86GT]

dukebox9reg said:

no doubt a dry clutch dsg, which then will be fairly rubbish as soon you try and offroad.

DSGs worry me, especially out of warranty. May be its unfounded, but I know a couple of people who had Audi's that had DSGs replaced under warranty.
In a 'no-nonsense' car I'd prefer a slushbox for reliability.

[nismo48]

Hope they can keep the price low as Dacias have always been good value for money.

[jwwbowe]

Lack of auto in the 4x4 variant has put us off glad that is being rectified, very interested now. Preferred it without hybrid gubbins for out of warranty longevity though unfortunately find a car without it now.

[Mr Tidy]

Andy86GT said:

DSGs worry me, especially out of warranty. May be its unfounded, but I know a couple of people who had Audi's that had DSGs replaced under warranty.
In a 'no-nonsense' car I'd prefer a slushbox for reliability.

I'd prefer a manual for even more reliability, and cheaper repair costs if it does go wrong. But new buyers probably aren't bothered so long as it outlasts the warranty!

[the-norseman]

For some reason I thought the bigster was a 7 seater, is it not?

[HTP99]

the-norseman said:

For some reason I thought the bigster was a 7 seater, is it not?

It's not.

[Dracoro]

MDT said:

dukebox9reg said:

no doubt a dry clutch dsg, which then will be fairly rubbish as soon you try and offroad.

they will not be going off road, they will be fine to and from Tesco and on the school run.

That’s what the 2WD versions are for. This thread is about the 4WD ones, many buyers of these do want the 4WD as often a farm/estate runaround etc.

But will depend on which 4wd tech it uses…..

[dukebox9reg]

Dracoro said:

MDT said:

dukebox9reg said:

no doubt a dry clutch dsg, which then will be fairly rubbish as soon you try and offroad.

they will not be going off road, they will be fine to and from Tesco and on the school run.

That s what the 2WD versions are for. This thread is about the 4WD ones, many buyers of these do want the 4WD as often a farm/estate runaround etc.

But will depend on which 4wd tech it uses ..

And every time I see channels like TFL offroad do anything with DSG (or even worse CVTs) when they tackle an incline more than once, they get a transmission over temp warning and the car cuts out.

Issue is, off the top of my head, there isnt many off the shelf transverse awd/4wd slush boxes available now. ZF has has the 9spd used in the smaller JLR products/Fiat/Jeep etc but that has it own issues. I then cant think of anymore......

[Night Owl]

"The latest AWD models boast 150hp"

Boasting 150 hp? Wut?

[dxg]

Compared to the 130hp before, it's a boast.

[mcpoot]

Night Owl said:

"The latest AWD models boast 150hp"

Boasting 150 hp? Wut?

English not your first language?