Introduction
Dacia has stepped up its SUV game with the Bigster, a larger, tougher, and more practical model based on the all-new Duster. While India will have to wait a little longer for its debut, we got behind the wheel of the 4×4 mild-hybrid version in Iceland to see if it has what it takes to succeed in our market.
Design and Exterior
Visually, the Bigster carries forward the Duster’s rugged DNA but in a more mature and proportionate form. Its squared-off wheel arches, upright stance, and bold front design give it a proper SUV presence. Despite its extra length, the Bigster looks muscular rather than bulky — a balance few SUVs manage well.
Interior and Features
Inside, the cabin feels familiar, sharing much of its design with the new Duster, including the dashboard layout, digital driver display, and floating 10.1-inch touchscreen. Build quality is solid, and the upright seating position offers excellent visibility.
With a length of 4.57 metres and a 2.7-metre wheelbase, the Bigster is notably roomier than the Duster. There’s ample legroom in both rows and a massive boot, making it a genuine family-friendly SUV.
Feature highlights include:
- 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- 10-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless charging
- Panoramic sunroof
- Automatic climate control
Driving Experience
Testing the Bigster in Iceland’s challenging conditions revealed its true character. Power comes from a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid engine, producing 130bhp and 230Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and 4WD system.
The hybrid assist ensures smooth acceleration and quieter starts, making urban driving refined and effortless. On highways and mountain roads, the Bigster remained stable and sure-footed even in strong crosswinds and icy terrain.
Its Terrain Control system offers five driving modes, enabling confident performance across gravel, snow, and mud — a testament to its all-terrain capability.
India Launch and Expectations
The Renault Bigster is expected to launch in India a few months after the 2026 Renault Duster (scheduled for debut on January 26, 2026). It will likely be offered as a three-row SUV, competing against the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, and Mahindra XUV700.
If priced competitively and equipped with locally adapted hybrid technology, the Bigster could become a compelling choice for Indian buyers looking for a tough, premium, and practical SUV.
