There is a certain nobility in the “honest car”—a vehicle that doesn’t pretend to be a luxury lounge on wheels but instead focuses on the fundamental requirements of transport: space, durability, and a price tag that doesn’t require a second mortgage. For years, Dacia has occupied this niche with surgical precision. However, with the introduction of the Bigster, the Romanian brand is attempting something far more ambitious than mere utility. It’s moving upmarket, challenging the established order of family crossovers.
The Dacia Bigster Hybrid-G 150 AWD represents a daring, if slightly contradictory, engineering experiment. It is a vehicle designed to attract not just the loyal Dacia devotee, but drivers from more premium brands who are weary of overpriced SUVs. By combining an LPG system, a mild hybrid setup, and an electric all-wheel-drive system, Dacia has created a machine that is technically impressive on paper, yet reveals the friction of its own complexity on the road.
Having spent years reporting from diverse terrains across 30 countries—from the diplomatic hubs of the Middle East to the climate-stressed regions of Sub-Saharan Africa—I have learned that the most successful tools are often the simplest. In the automotive world, the Bigster is a tool that tries to do everything at once. Although it succeeds as a spacious, affordable family hauler, the synergy of its sophisticated powertrain suggests that in the pursuit of versatility, Dacia may have flirted with the law of diminishing returns.
The Complexity of the Hybrid-G 150 AWD
At first glance, the Bigster’s technical specifications look like a masterclass in efficiency. The Hybrid-G 150 AWD is not a traditional hybrid, but a multifaceted energy system. It utilizes a 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine producing 140 hp and 230 Nm of torque, paired with a 48V mild hybrid system and a modest 0.839 kWh battery. To further drive down running costs, Dacia has integrated a factory-installed LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) system, featuring dual 50-liter tanks for both LPG, and petrol.
The most significant addition is the all-wheel-drive capability, which eschews a heavy mechanical driveshaft in favor of a 31 hp electric motor dedicated to the rear wheels. This allows the vehicle to operate primarily as a front-wheel-drive car, engaging the rear axle only when traction is lost or when the driver selects specific terrain modes.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L 3-Cylinder Petrol + LPG |
| Combined Power | 140 hp / 230 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| AWD System | Rear Electric Motor (31 hp) |
| Ground Clearance | Approximately 22 cm |
This combination is nearly unique in the current market. Exceptionally few manufacturers offer a factory-integrated LPG system alongside a hybrid AWD setup. Dacia claims this dual-fuel capability can extend the total driving range to approximately 1,500 km on a full set of tanks, a figure that would be a game-changer for long-distance family travel.
The Friction of Performance
While the engineering is ambitious, the real-world driving experience is where the “Hybrid-G” nomenclature meets a harsh reality. The interaction between the internal combustion engine and the electric systems lacks the seamlessness found in more established hybrid platforms. In urban environments, the acceleration can feel jerky, characterized by a noticeable lag when the petrol engine kicks in to support the electric motor.
This lack of responsiveness is most evident during critical maneuvers, such as entering a roundabout. There is often a momentary hesitation—a void of power—followed by a sudden surge as the drivetrain catches up. This “stutter” extends to deceleration, where the car can feel as though it is braking with uneven pulses. For a vehicle marketed toward families, this lack of fluidity can be frustrating, turning a simple commute into a series of jolts.
However, the AWD system performs its specific duty with competence. When shifted into “Mud/Sand” mode, the internal combustion engine works harder to ensure the rear electric motor remains powered, providing a tangible push on loose surfaces. In testing on sandy paths and steep parking garage ramps, the rear-axle engagement is evident and effective, preventing wheel spin where a standard front-wheel-drive car might struggle.
Interior Pragmatism and Family Constraints
Inside, the Bigster maintains the Dacia ethos of “essentialism.” The cabin is dominated by hard plastics, but the design is surprisingly tasteful. The center console in the automatic version is raised, giving the interior a more premium feel and providing a more ergonomic resting place for the driver’s arm. A 10-inch multimedia display handles the infotainment, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a clean digital instrument cluster replaces the aging analog dials of previous models.
The vehicle’s greatest strength is its volume. Legroom in the second row is exemplary, surpassing that of the Duster and even the Jogger. However, this space comes with a specific design flaw: the ISOFIX mounts for child seats are positioned too close to the center of the vehicle. This often results in the child seat partially obstructing the seatbelt buckle, making it difficult for children to secure themselves—a detail that may be a significant point of contention for parents.
Fuel economy remains competitive. In mixed urban driving, the petrol consumption averages around 6.5 to 6.7 liters per 100 km, while the LPG consumption sits closer to 8.5 liters per 100 km. These figures align closely with the official Dacia specifications and WLTP cycle tests, which suggest even lower figures for highway cruising.
A Question of Choice: Hybrid-G vs. Hybrid 155
The central dilemma for a potential Bigster buyer is the choice of powertrain. While the Hybrid-G 150 offers the allure of AWD and the cost-savings of LPG, it does so at the expense of driving refinement. In contrast, the Hybrid 155—a full hybrid based on a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine—provides a vastly superior experience. The Hybrid 155 is characterized by a smooth, linear power delivery and frequent operation in pure electric mode during city driving.
Choosing the Hybrid 155 means sacrificing all-wheel drive and the LPG option, but gaining a vehicle that feels fundamentally more polished. For those who do not regularly traverse mud or deep snow, the trade-off is an simple one. The Hybrid-G 150 is for the pragmatist who needs every single tool in the box; the Hybrid 155 is for the driver who wants a car that simply works without hesitation.
the Dacia Bigster remains an honest vehicle. With a ground clearance of 22 cm and rugged plastic cladding, it is more than capable of handling gravel roads and forest tracks. It doesn’t pretend to be a luxury off-roader, but it offers a level of versatility and space that is rare at its price point, which typically hovers around €30,000.
The next phase for the Bigster will likely involve software refinements to the Hybrid-G powertrain. As the Renault Group continues to integrate these complex systems across its budget brands, the goal will be to eliminate the “jerks” and “stutters” in favor of the fluidity seen in their higher-end hybrid models. For now, the Bigster is a bold step forward—one that proves Dacia can build a sophisticated car, even if the sophistication occasionally gets in its own way.
Do you value the versatility of AWD and LPG over a smoother driving experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
