Dacia Bigster review

It’s new, so there’s not really a second-hand market for the Bigster as yet, but it stands on the same pillars as the other models in Dacia’s range in that it isn’t a very complicated menu. There are three models – Expression, Journey and Extreme – with which you can combine the three engine choices (the only exception being you can't pair Journey trim with the four-wheel drive and mild hybrid).

So £25,215 is an Expression with front-wheel drive and a 1.2 three-cylinder with mild hybrid. The most expensive is the full hybrid ‘155’ with the auto in Extreme trim, and that weighs in at £29,990.

The one we drove was a mid-spec Journey, which actually costs £29,740 with the full hybrid powertrain so it's not far off the Extreme. We'd spend the extra £250 for the top trim level, not only because it adds the pano roof for free (on Journey it's an £850 option), but also because it reduces the wheel size from 19in to 18in (better for ride quality), gets rid of the electric tailgate (better for reliability), and adds the clever roof bars plus some neat rose gold exterior details (mirrors, grille etc). You do get sat nav and adaptive cruise control as standard with both of these trim levels too, the latter provided you've gone for the hybrid powertrain. 

Don’t forget, most cars of this size and capability start at £30k and run from there – so you can afford to add a couple of bits to the Bigster without breaking the bank. For example, the only free colour option is white, but £650 extra will get you a lovely indigo blue, cedar green or terracotta. 

And you can expect very attractive cost-per-month figures: a quick check shows a base model at £250 a month at 8,000 miles a year for 48 months with a five grand deposit. Though if you want the better engines and mid-to-high spec, more like £350 a month. But that’s a brand-new car with lots of ability.

Honestly? If we were in the market, we’d likely go with the nicely-specced Extreme trim with the nicer seats and roofbars/pano roof etc in the new ‘Indigo blue’ and be done with it. Dacias aren’t that expensive, so going for the most comfortable and convenient spec isn’t too much of a hardship.