New Dacia Bigster large SUV – what we know so far

The problem with many large SUVs is that they cost a lot to buy, with even value-orientated models starting at around £26,000. The new Dacia Bigster, however, plans to change that.

Revealed here in concept form and with no firm on-sale date set, the Bigster will sit above the current Dacia Sandero small car and Dacia Duster family SUV in the firm's line-up. It's 4.6m long, which means it will face rivals such as the Kia Sorento, Seat Tarraco and Skoda Kodiaq in the large SUV market. However, Dacia is known for significantly undercutting its competition on price – the Sandero and Duster are the cheapest offerings in their markets – and the same is likely to be true of the Bigster. Indeed,  Dacia says the car will offer "no more and no less than the essential".

Sitting on the same underpinnings as the latest Sandero and Renault Clio hatchback, the Bigster will be offered both as a hybrid and with an "alternative energy" source, most likely liquified petroleum gas (LPG) fuel, given that Dacia already offers this option elsewhere. The hybrid setup could well be borrowed from the existing Renault Clio E-Tech, which features a 1.6-litre petrol engine supplemented by two electric motors. As with the Duster, some versions of the Bigster are expected to offer four-wheel drive.

The Bigster's exterior panels are made from recycled plastics, while inside we're not expecting to see much in the way of frivolities. Indeed, while the Bigster is expected to offer seating for up to seven occupants, plus a decent boot, it's also likely to feature very few creature comforts – especially on entry-level models.

The car's design is bluff and imposing, with prominent Dacia badging at the front, rear and sides. LED lights feature at the front and rear, while tough plastic body cladding can be seen on the lower edges of the car, alongside chunky front and rear bumpers.

The Bigster is just one part of an ambitious new plan by Dacia to launch three new models before 2025. The identity of the other two models remains unknown, but they could conceivably be a smaller SUV to sit below the Duster, plus a pick-up truck based on the upcoming Renault Alaskan.

There's no official word on pricing yet, but given Dacia's value position and the market in which the Bigster will operate, a starting price of close to £18,000 is likely, once again allowing the brand to undercut its key rivals by a significant margin.

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