Renault Duster-based Bigster 7-seat SUV road tests begin

Renault Bigster SUV will essentially be a longer, three-row iteration of the all-new Duster.

Published On Mar 11, 2024 04:33:00 PM

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Renault Bigster, Duster 7 seat SUV spied

The Bigster will be around 300mm longer than the Duster (inset).

The Renault Duster-based Bigster seven-seater SUV has been spotted for the first time, ahead of its global debut later this year. The SUV will go on sale as the Dacia Bigster first, and a Renault version will follow later.

Renault Bigster will be around 4.6 metres long
Will get three-row seating
Will also have a Nissan derivative in the future

Renault Bigster: what’s different?

The Bigster will share a lot in common with the recently revealed Duster SUV, and both models will share the CMF-B platform that sees duty on many Renault-Nissan products globally. At around 4.6-metres long, the Bigster will be around 300mm longer than the new Duster, which measures in at 4.34 metres. The wheelbase will be slightly longer as well and the rear door will be bigger than the Duster, similar to what Hyundai did with the Alcazar.

As reported by us earlier, the Bigster will share a lot of its design cues and body panels with the Duster. The Bigster will get rugged looks and interior bits from the Duster, but there will be more upmarket materials used and additional creature comforts to justify the SUV's higher price tag.

Renault Bigster powertrain

Although powertrain options aren't confirmed, the latest-gen Duster comes with three engine options – two of which are electrified – and the Bigster is expected to carry over those powertrains.

Renault is expected to offer either a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol-hybrid or a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol. The former comes with two electric motors, a 1.2kWh battery that allows for pure electric driving for up to 80 percent of the time and comes paired to an automatic gearbox. The 1.2-litre unit makes 130hp and is coupled with a 48V starter motor.

While the Duster will also come with a 1.0-litre petrol-LPG option in some markets, there is no diesel in any market right now.

Renault Bigster off-road gear

The Bigster will get 4x2 and 4x4 options, depending on the market. Just like the new Duster, it won't get a proper 4x4 setup like the ladder-frame-based Jimny, but it does get terrain modes that include Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, off-road and Eco.

Renault Bigster: India launch timeline

The new Duster will make a comeback in the second half of 2025, and the Bigster will launch in India only after the Duster. There will also be Nissan derivatives of these two SUVs, and those are expected to go on sale after the new Duster is launched in India.

When launched, the Bigster will rival the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700 and the MG Hector Plus while the Duster will compete with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, and Toyota Hyryder.

SOURCE via Motor.ES

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