BIG DECISION

The Bigster is Dacia's largest model yet. How does it compare with the ever-popular Nissan Qashqai?

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ESSENTIALS

Dacia Bigster Journey Hybrid

Price: £29,440

Powertrain: 1.8-litre 4cyl petrol hybrid, 153bhp, six-speed auto/fwd

0-62mph: 9.7 seconds

Test efficiency: 53.7mpg

Annual VED: £195

Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium MHEV

Price: £31,335

Powertrain: 1.3-litre 4cyl petrol MHEV, 156bhp, six-speed manual/fwd

0-62mph: 9.5 seconds

Test efficiency: 37.4mpg

Annual VED: £195

DACIA BIGSTER vs NISSAN QASHQAI

Romanian manufacturer is thinking big as it enters a new market

WITH the lower end of the market covered by the likes of the Sandero supermini, Jogger seven-seater and Spring electric city car, the only way was up for the expansion of Dacia’s range. Enter the Bigster compact SUV, a model with a name that neatly describes its position: it’s like a Duster, but bigger.

But there’s a bit more to it than simply larger dimensions and more space, because this is also the first model from the Renault Group to use its new 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain. It’s the most expensive Dacia yet, too, although a maximum price tag of £30,000 means the Bigster offers more space and kit than many other cars in the same bracket.

To see exactly how the Bigster fits into the market, for this test we’re pitching it against one of the UK’s best-selling compact SUVs, the Nissan Qashqai. As it stands, Qashqai prices start pretty much where the Bigster’s stop, so we want to see if you get what you pay for.

Does the Romanian newcomer offer the complete package of family-friendly practicality, low running costs and head-turning style? Or does paying a little extra reap the benefits of a more rounded and upmarket ownership experience?

CONTENDERS

Dacia Bigster