Dacia aims to make a big impression as its new Bigster SUV flagship debuts in the big-selling C-segment family car market.

Members of the Mitchells Lowestoft team had the chance to see the all-new Bigster in the metal and drive in it when Dacia brought one to the Long Road dealership for a staff training day.

Mitchells gets its Bigster demonstrator in mid-April but has been busy taking orders from customers who have not even seen it which highlights the level of anticipation for this important new model.

Matt Huke-Jenner, dealer principal, said: “Dacia’s new Bigster is the Duster’s big brother.”

The Bigster SUV sits in the mid-sized C-segment, the largest sector of the car market, which accounts for one in three sales in this country.

“It is the first Dacia in the C-segment SUV market and trying to make C-segment SUVs more affordable to the family buyer again.

“We have already sold eight Bigsters unseen which is fantastic,” said Matt.

Bigster debuts Dacia’s new electrified powertrains.

It is also the first Renault Group model with the all-new Hybrid 155 powertrain, combining a 107bhp, four-cylinder 1.8-litre petrol engine, a 50bhp electric motor, a high-voltage starter/generator, a 1.4kWh battery and an automatic electric gearbox.

Dacia says this self-charging hybrid can remain in all-electric mode up to 80% of the time in the city.

There is also a more powerful Hybrid 140 range using a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a 48v mild-hybrid system and six-speed manual gearbox. The Bigster TCe 140 has an extra 15bhp of power and 20Nm of torque.

Bigster TCe 130 4x4 has five drive modes for different terrain.

The new family SUV introduces several firsts for Dacia, depending on trim.

Hands-free key and electric-powered tailgate.

Panoramic opening sunroof.

A black roof for a two-tone finish.

High centre console with an armrest, cooler compartment, induction charger and generous storage.

Generous interior space sees class-leading front and rear headroom and legroom in the back and a best-in-class 667-litre boot under the parcel shelf.

The easy-fold 40/20/40 rear seat backrests fold flat, via levers each side of the boot, to create a maximum 2.7m long load bay.

To meet C-segment expectations, Bigster includes acoustic windscreen, thicker glazing and engine acoustics to reduce noise and dual-zone air conditioning at the front and rear air vents.

There are three trim levels:

Expression – dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, electric parking brake, rain sensors, 17in alloy wheels, fixed roof bars, Media Display with 10.1in central touchscreen, 7in digital instrument panel, rear parking sensors and camera, electric front and rear windows, power folding mirrors and 40/20/40 rear modular bench seat.

Extreme, built for outdoor enthusiasts, adds over Expression 18in alloys, modular roof bars, panoramic opening sunroof, hands-free key, washable Microcloud synthetic TEP upholstery, rubber floor and boot mats, 10in digital instrument panel, Media Nav Live system with 10.1in central touchscreen and connected navigation, six-speaker Arkamys 3D Sound audio system and hill descent control.

Journey, for customers who want to travel in style, adds over Expression 18in alloys, two-tone paintwork, electric powered tailgate, hands-free key, high centre console with armrest, powered driver’s seat, 10in digital instrument panel, Media Nav Live system with 10.1in central touchscreen and connected navigation, six-speaker Arkamys 3D Sound audio system, wireless phone charger and adaptive cruise control.

Matt added: “The Dacia Bigster is great value, at under £30,000 for the range-topping model, offering extra space and luxury at affordable prices.

“It will be a big seller for us.”

Prices start at £25,215, rising to £29,690.

Dacia’s standard three-year warranty can be extended to a maximum seven years by having an annual service at a Dacia dealer

Our team was able to check out the Dacia Bigster, a spacious, big-value family SUV, at our dealer training day.