Dacia Bigster G-140: the mild hybrid that has no desire to be fancy but every intention to go far
If you've ever dreamed of owning an economical vehicle that looks like an SUV but behaves like a practical family car, Dacia has been tinkering in its shed just for you. What they've rolled out is called the Bigster, a no-nonsense box on wheels that sips from not one but two fuel sources and does so with surprising competence. This new G-140 mild hybrid is now open for orders and priced from just €24,590 in Estonia.
The Bigster is essentially the Duster’s taller, slightly more ambitious cousin. It's grown a bit in every direction and stumbled into the curious world of LPG and 48V electrification. Under the hood, there’s a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engine being politely nudged along by a small electric motor, which kicks in during start-up and acceleration to boost both efficiency and driveability.
Now here’s the clever bit. The Bigster does not rely solely on petrol. It comes equipped with two separate tanks, one for petrol and one for LPG. Combined, these give you a total fuel capacity of 100 litres and a maximum range of up to 1,450 kilometres. That’s enough to tour the country twice over before even thinking about visiting a petrol station.
As for emissions, the Bigster emits around ten percent less CO2 when running on LPG compared to an equivalent non-hybrid petrol engine. It’s just enough to feel virtuous but not so much that your neighbours will start sending you climate activist merchandise.
Trim levels vary, of course. But let’s be honest, no one buys a Dacia for seat massage or air-conditioned cupholders. You buy it because it gets the job done, runs on the smell of two fuels, and if someone scrapes the side in a parking lot, you’re annoyed but not heartbroken.
In essence, the Bigster G-140 is like a trusty old can of beans. Affordable, practical, and built to last. Only now it comes with a dash of electrification and a second fuel tank, giving you the freedom to go just about as far as your imagination and local LPG pricing will allow.
