This is the chonky new Dacia Bigster, a sub-£30k rugged SUV

The concept that previewed this BigBoy apparently illustrated Dacia’s “ambition to scale greater heights”. Might have taken that brief rather literally, because this new Dacia Bigster looks fit to scale a mountain.

As it should do. Though intended to combat the “spiralling costs” facing customers, this new small SUV has been designed for proper outdoor walkies. And already you’re thinking ‘which mountain shall I use it to climb’.

Because it looks really very good indeed. Dacia’s new design language fits rather nicely on this kind of motor: that new headlight and grille identity, the boxy outline, roof rails, ‘Starkle’ body protection and a choice of funky wheels ranging from 17in to 19in. If you're struggling for size, it's a 'C-segment SUV', and C-segment cars include yer Golfs and Astras and Meganes and Corollas and A3s and C4s and... well, you get it.

It’s spun off the same set of underbits that form the bones of stuff like the Renault Clio and kid brother Sandero – what platform enthusiasts would know as ‘CMF-B’ – which Dacia reckons allows for “generous interior space” and the fitment of five adult humans.

It’s an interior that also incorporates an acoustic windscreen, thicker window glazing, and better soundproofing for the engine, too. Plus, a whopping 667-litres of boot space.

Speaking of which, there are three powertrain options available. The entry-level Bigster is the ‘Hybrid 155’, which makes it – surprise! – a 155mph hybrid! Only kidding. It marries a 1.6-litre, 107bhp petrol engine to a pair of electric motors (one with 50bhp, the other acting as a starter/generator), and a 1.4kWh battery. It’s the first Renault Group car to get this version – lesser variants exist in the Jogger and Duster already.

Next up is the Bigster TCe 140, which makes it a – even bigger surprise! – a 140mph… OK, we’ll stop now. This little Bigster gets a tiny 1.2-litre turbo three-pot, a 48V mild-hybrid system and a six-speed manual gearbox.

Finally there’s the Bigster TCe 130 4x4, which makes it a – unsurprise! – four-wheel-drive SUV. Same setup as the 140 (1.2-litre turbo 3cyl, 48V, six-speeder), but here able to go a little off the beaten path - like a massive mountain - via five driving modes that go from auto, snow, mud/sand, off-road and eco.

Which makes stuff like the modular roof bars, panoramic sunroof and various off-road options (like a Sleep Pack, tent, cargo box and so on) very handy indeed. Dacia assures us “you do not have to be afraid of scratches and minor knocks that are an inevitable part of outdoor adventures”. Basically, get in, and have at it, is what they’re saying.

So, three powertrains, and three trim options – Expression, which is the base trim, Extreme (fitted as standard with hill descent control and washable interior fabric), and then Journey, which gets everything bundled in like 18s, a 10.1in central touchscreen, powered boot, sat nav, 3D audio system and cruise control.

“With All-New Bigster, we have stayed true to the intentions expressed in Bigster Concept,” said David Durand, Dacia’s design boss. “Bigster is the ultimate expression of Dacia's values and is now our brand’s flagship vehicle.”

Prices haven’t been confirmed but you can expect the base car to start from under £30k. Now, which mountain you lot aiming for?