We covered the Dacia brand some time ago when the electric Spring was launched. Founded in Romania in 1966 and part of the Renault group since 1999, with the Bigster the brand now continues its electrified transition with a full hybrid model that is, admittedly, larger in size (justifiably so this time — you can even sleep inside it if you want…), while confirming the approach the market has already shown it greatly appreciates: affordability (the price list starts at €29,300 for the full hybrid version we'll describe shortly, and €24,800 for the 48 V mild hybrid), lightness (it weighs less than many rivals), efficiency and essentialness.

And for those who love the outdoors, as mentioned, you can even sleep inside the Dacia Bigster: we didn't try it personally, but the option (called Pack Sleep) allows you, once fitted, to transform the cabin into a bed suitable for 2 people, to which you can also add a tent that attaches to the rear tailgate. But let's start with a concise portrait of the Dacia Bigster.

Why the Dacia Bigster is a great example of value for money

Here are the main ingredients (many shared with Renault e-Tech models): a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 107 horsepower paired with an automatic gearbox, 2 electric motors (one delivering 50 horsepower that contributes to traction and one starter/generator), a small 1.4 kWh, 280 V battery (guaranteed for 8 years or 160,000 kilometres) which, as with all full hybrid models, does not need to be plugged in to recharge — charging occurs while driving, using the energy generated during braking, downhill sections and normal deceleration. The line-up also includes mild hybrid 48 V and 4×4 versions, but no plug-in versions — a shame. A colourful footnote: in this hybrid 155 version, the Bigster is also the most powerful Dacia ever built.

The electric motor does allow fully electric driving — in the city, this can account for up to 80 per cent of the time — even though there is no true "zero emissions" range as such. On the Dacia Bigster, it is more common for the electric motor to provide supplementary power to the combustion engine; this is always perceptible while driving (delivering noticeably improved smoothness and acceleration, both of which are very good). In total there are 3 possible driving modes: electric only, electric plus combustion, combustion only — as on the vast majority of full hybrid cars. At full load, power output may not be entirely "ideal", but the balance between comfort and performance is well judged.

Emissions, real-world fuel consumption and the savings factor

Before looking at the interior, practicality (plentiful), the trim (essential but functional, with the fun additional accessories that can be "clipped" onto various parts of the cabin: a tablet holder, bags, smartphone mount, coat hook and even a portable lamp). Or the generous interior space (the name, with that "big" prefixed to Duster — another model in the range — winks precisely at this feature), a couple of interesting figures are worth noting. For this model, Dacia claims "up to 40 per cent savings in fuel consumption and a reduction in CO2 emissions compared to an equivalent petrol engine"; in detail, the declared CO2 emissions are 122–124 g/km — others do better here, it must be said… Meanwhile, real-world fuel consumption figures are very low: when driving in traffic and using Eco mode, they can exceed 25 km/l.

Bigster: it's true, it grows. But it stays essential

And yes, we have commented (negatively) on the rampant "gigantism" of the car more than once. And the Bigster certainly doesn't sidestep the issue, although at 4.57 metres in length it still occupies a reasonable amount of space even if you live in the city. Of course, this is an SUV — a "C-SUV" in the official automotive market segmentation — with the Skoda Kodiaq being one of the first alternatives that comes to mind.

Striking a balance between practicality and new luxuries

The Bigster, as we've said, bets everything on space and practicality, remaining as essential as the Dacia philosophy demands but with a few more concessions to comfort: a 10.1-inch central touchscreen display, improved acoustic insulation, dual-zone climate control, an opening panoramic roof, an electrically adjustable driver's seat — new "luxuries" taken for granted elsewhere but not for a brand that has always placed great emphasis on the essential. If you want, there's even a cooled compartment under the armrest (a genuine "luxury" for a Dacia), a powered tailgate or a wireless smartphone charger. Admittedly, plastics are everywhere, but this is partly offset by the fresh and fun design, and justified by the affordable price point.

Circular economy: 20 per cent of plastic materials is recycled

The aforementioned automotive "gigantism" also has some positive sides: in the case of the Bigster, it translates into a larger boot capacity (even though the hybrid version loses some space due to the battery), spacious and flexible interiors for those who regularly load bulky items — in short, "the fullest expression of all Dacia values, of which it is now the flagship", reads a press release.

What values are we talking about? Setting aside the design, which as always we leave for you to comment on, there are "material" aspects such as the use of composite plastics that integrate up to 20 per cent recycled polypropylene, used for the protective panels on the sides, wheel arches and lower bumper sections — parts most frequently exposed to knocks and scratches. Overall, Dacia states that this model "contains around 20 per cent" recycled plastic materials, a solid example of circular economy.

Interior: the no-frills approach you'd expect

Back inside the Bigster. The interior design is very similar to that of the Duster — simple, geometric and functional, in a word. The driver's instrumentation is digital, with varying screen sizes depending on the trim level, and the multimedia system is easy to manage via the central touchscreen (though more responsive systems do exist…). The fabrics look sturdy, and if you're a pet lover you should opt for the Extreme trim, which uses easier-to-clean materials, such as the practical rubber mat in the boot.

"With Bigster we offer the essential features that customers expect from this segment, while the work done on acoustics, cabin space and comfort will make long family journeys easy and enjoyable," reads a press note. Indeed, in our admittedly brief test drive the comfort seemed good, the space adequate for 5 people, and the practicality impressive.