Latest news with #Bigster
Auto Car
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Exclusive: Dacia CEO joins our podcast to preview brand's next steps
"We could take a Renault Australe and try and make it simpler to make a Dacia Bigster, but you would have all the spec still. We don't have an 'A' brand, and try and then make that car into a 'B' brand. "If you look at the Jogger against its rivals, they are all 250kg heavier as they are carrying that higher spec. This has a cost. "We're not rooted by a minimum spec. We come from the bottom up, and add the minimum technology we need. Rivals come from the top down as they have to platform share." Bigster market research The Bigster breaks new ground for Dacia in going into the C-segment for the first time. As part of its development, Dacia researchers went to Germany to speak to 400 owners of German SUVs to find out what they considered to be 'essential' technology for a model in the family SUV segment. That's what has led to the likes of a powered tailgate, a powered driver's seat and dual-zone air conditioning being offered on a Dacia for the first time. "We wanted to make sure that buyers here didn't feel like they had downgraded, to get the right level of essential kit. We really talked to people, and played a game of to buy or not to buy based on different kit. It was hard to guess! "We did a bit in the UK too but the 'codes' between German and British buyers are very similar. The proportion of buyers from Germany versus France is much higher than with our other models." The Bigster has had the most successful pre-sales period in Dacia history and more than four in five had never had a Dacia before. More than 90% of buyers have gone for the top trim level, too. "We need to make sure people 'cross the road' to come and check out Dacia. We have offered a €25,000 Bigster but most have bought a €30,000 one. They're happy and we're happy." Market positioning Dacia has more than doubled its sales over the last seven years from around 300,000 to almost 700,000 in 2024, and the brand enjoys strong loyalty with more than two thirds of buyers staying with the brand.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
India-bound Dacia Bigster scores three stars in Euro NCAP crash tests
The Dacia Bigster was equipped with several safety features, including airbags, ISOFIX mounts, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, driver attention warnings, and more. Notify me The Euro NCAP has recently published the crash test results for the Dacia Bigster. The India-bound SUV has scored a three-star safety rating, with an adult occupant safety score of 69 per cent and a child occupant safety score of 85 per cent. In vulnerable road uses, the Bigster scored 60 per cent, while in safety assist, its score was 57 per cent. The model that was tested was equipped with a HEV powertrain and was a left-hand drive model. The safety rating is applicable to all Dacia Bigster models that are available on sale. The safety features available on the Bigster model include airbags, ISOFIX mounts, seatbelt reminders, autonomous emergency braking, speed assistance, lane assist system, driver attention warnings, and more. Also Read : India-bound Volkswagen Tayron scores 5 stars in Euro NCAP crash test During the frontal offset test, the passenger compartment was observed to remain stable. Dummy measurements indicated effective protection for the knees and femurs of both the driver and front seat passenger. A similar level of protection is expected for occupants of different sizes and sitting in different positions. An analysis of the deceleration of the impact trolley during the test, alongside an examination of the deformable barrier after the test, indicates that the Bigster is relatively non-aggressive to other vehicles during a frontal collision. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 23 May 2025, 12:11 PM IST
Irish Independent
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Dacia Bigster review: New flagship SUV offers style, comfort and agility for under €30,000
In fact, the Renault-owned Romanian marque is larging it up on style, comfort, tech and, above all, price, with the new Bigster starting at just €29,990. Yes, you read right – a hulking five-seat proper off-roader for under €30,000. So, just how big are we talking? Think Duster, with an added sprinkling of pizazz and an extra dollop of ruggedness and you'll begin to get the picture. Sitting at a length of 4.57 metres, with a wheelbase of 2.7 metres and a boot volume of 667 litres, this offering lives up to its quirky name and has generous space for all on board, with ample legroom and oceans of luggage. It's versatile too – the rear seats fold 40:20:40 using a release lever in the boot, while a centre armrest in the back features cupholders and there are clever slots for passengers' devices. The cockpit is pretty much identical to the new Duster, but the entry-level models get a lot more standard kit. Build quality on the interior is excellent and feels solid and durable, but the over-use of hard, scratchy plastics, especially in the upper dash, is a bit disappointing. That said, the tech in all four trim levels is top notch and even the entry-level Essential features a 10.1-inch central touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; air conditioning; 17-inch alloys; and a parking camera, as well as rear parking sensors. Expression, Journey and Extreme also come with keyless entry; multi-view camera; front and rear parking sensors; dual-zone climate control – available on a Dacia for the first time; alloy wheels (17, 18 or 19-inch depending on trim); automatic wipers; and hill start assist. The top two trims also gain a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, rear-window privacy glass and wireless phone charging. Power tailgate is available on Journey trim and, in another first for Dacia, the electric sliding panoramic roof is available on Extreme trim, plus the option of a two-tone black-painted roof. The Bigster comes with a range of driving aids as standard, including advanced emergency braking system (with pedestrian detection); traffic-sign recognition; rear park assist; emergency stop signal; lane-change alert; lane-keeping assist; driver attention warning; and the emergency call system, eCall. The new model is powered by a new range of engines. The TCe 140 is an upgrade of the TCe 130 available on Dusters and features 48V mild hybrid technology twinned to a six-speed manual gearbox and returning 5.6 litres/100km. Customers choosing a full hybrid powertrain (with auto gearbox) will be the first to benefit from Renault Group's new hybrid 155 engine. Compared with the 145 engine offered on the Duster and Jogger, this new plant offers more power, more torque, less consumption (as low as 4.6 litres/100km) and greater towing capacity (up to one tonne depending on version). According to Dacia, the Bigster can remain in all-electric mode up to 80pc of the time in the city. Further, the car always starts up in all-electric mode. For the more adventurous, there is an all-singing, all-dancing 4x4 with five drive modes: Auto; Eco; Off-Road; Mud/Sand; and Snow. Drive-wise, we had a brief spin around the gorgeous settings of Druids Glen in Co Wicklow and left more than impressed. Both the manual and auto versions were refined and responsive. The steering around town was light and the car felt quite agile despite its extra bulk and length, and even on more challenging roads it did not suffer overly from body roll. Its biggest plus, though, is the price, which is impossible to ignore.
The Citizen
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Renault starts teasing new SUV confirmed to be called Boreal
The alleged Renault badged of the Dacia Bigster is known to have received interest for South Africa once production in India officially starts. Boreal has reportedly been hinted as becoming Renault's version of the Dacia Bigster. Image: Renault Set to only go on-sale in 2027, but confirmed to debut before the end of this year, Renault has released the first teaser image confirming the name of a new C-segment SUV. Part of what it terms its International Game Plan 2027, the newcomer will adopt the Boreal nameplate Renault says 'encapsulates the values that the SUV stands for: technology, status and comfort'. Renault's Bigster? While the brief statement released on Monday (28 April) doesn't provide any further details, apart from the Boreal bowing in Brazil 'in the coming months' and then being distributed in 70 markets, speculation has alleged it will be Renault's version of the Dacia Bigster known to be in the pipeline for South Africa. ALSO READ: Dacia Bigster makes long awaited debut as 'extra long' Duster This, according to who claims the choice of name comes from the Latin word for north wind, while also referring to the god of wind in Greek mythology, boreas. Same engines If indeed the rebadged Bigster, itself the extended version of the new Duster, the Boreal will have the same dimensions as its Dacia sibling, and choice of engines; the mild-hybrid 1.2 TCe 130 that produces 96 kW, the mild-hybrid 1.2-litre Eco-G that makes 103 kW, and the 1.2 TCe 140 that develops 140 pferdestarke (PS) or 103 kW. Completing the range of engines is the Hybrid 155 that combines the normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 1.4-kWh battery pack and a pair of electric motors for a total output of 155 PS or 114 kW. Boreal will seemingly become the rebadged Renault take on the Dacia Bigster. Image: Dacia The arrival of the Boreal will have a further knock-off effect as it will additionally become a third model under Renault alliance partner Nissan, which will be assembled at the Chennai Plant in India from 2026. A move also involving the Duster, which could revive the Terrano name for a second time, the Indian-market Boreal will, reportedly, have seven-seats so as not to overlap with the five-seat Duster. South Africa has expressed interest Given Renault South Africa's hinting last year about its take on the Bigster possibly debuting in 2026 or 2027 on local soil, expect clearer details about the Boreal to be significant over the next few months. As a reminder, the South African-spec Duster offers a choice of two powerunits: the mild-hybrid 1.2 TCe 130 that replaces the much loved 1.5 dCi turbodiesel, and the market unique, Daimler co-developed 1.3 TCe lifted from the Captur that cranks out 113 kW. NOW READ: New Patrol coming as Nissan releases fresh details for South Africa
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Renault aims for more agility in India, reaffirms Nissan's role
HighlightsRenault takes full control of Chennai plant by acquiring Nissan's 51% stake, aiming for faster decisions and 50% capacity increase by 2030. Nissan remains a product partner despite the ownership change; operations, workforce, and alliance activities continue unchanged. Five new models coming in 2 years, including B+ and C-segment SUVs like Duster and Bigster, with a target to regain 3% market share by 2028. Focus on boosting domestic demand, with Renault pushing for higher disposable incomes, echoing Suzuki's view on affordability challenges for over 1 billion Indians. Renault India is confident that there will be greater agility in its India plant operations following the decision to buy out Nissan Motor 's 51% stake in the manufacturing alliance. 'This acquisition is basically about having one chef in the kitchen and making sure we bring more efficiency into the whole ecosystem. When you have one master, you can decide to bring what products you want and when,' Venkatram Mamillapalle , Country CEO & MD, Renault India, told ET Auto. This acquisition is basically about having one chef in the kitchen and making sure we bring more efficiency into the whole ecosystem. When you have one master, you can decide to bring what products you want and Mamillapalle At present, capacity utilisation in the Chennai plant is 48% and with Renault now in the driver's seat, this situation will 'improve faster'. As he put it, a solo player was better than having two partners making decisions and then awaiting approvals from finance, legal, HR etc while the clock ticked away merrily . 'It is akin to a whirlpool where things are constantly spinning but with one chef now in the kitchen, there will be faster decision making,' said Mamillapalle. Renault India is now keen on a 'quick increase' in plant capacity by 50% before getting into complete utilisation by 2030. Nissan role vital The MD was quick to clarify that all this would be done with both Renault and Nissan products even though there was a change in the equity alliance structure. Nissan had originally started off with 70% in the manufacturing JV before reducing it to 51% and has now sold this stake to Renault which will hold 100% in the plant operations. 'We will continue to make Nissan and Renault vehicles. Hopefully, we are in the right direction and I have no doubts that the alliance partner will remain. Renault Nissan Technology and Business Centre India will also continue the way it is without any disturbance. Likewise, the people who are in the factory will continue to work for us,' said Mamillapalle. We will continue to make Nissan and Renault vehicles. Hopefully, we are in the right direction and I have no doubts that the alliance partner will remain. Renault Nissan Technology and Business Centre India will also continue the way it is without any disturbance. Likewise, the people who are in the factory will continue to work for Mamillapalle By the end of the day, it is just a 'change of master' at the helm with Renault now taking charge. Otherwise, it is business as usual at the plant operations in Oragadam near Chennai with the manpower remaining intact. 'There is good faith between the partners and no change in hierarchy just because of the 100% stake now being held by Renault,' he added. The French carmaker has already made known that its next course of action will see five vehicles roll out within in the next two years which will include SUVs in the B plus and C segments. There are no delays or hiccups which means the Duster and Bigster models are on schedule. Higher market share 'Currently we have a product portfolio that is decided till 2027 and the rest is in the pipeline. We working in that direction and from now till 2027-28, we should bring back our market share to at least 2.5 to 3%. Then you add a few more products with new energy vehicles and the share will be up further to over 3%,' elaborated Mamillapalle. Read more: Renault launches new design centre in Chennai, its largest outside France Asked if he was concerned about the current levels of global volatility following Donald Trump's new tariff era, the Renault India chief said such hurdles were part of business while driving home the point that manufacturing 'is not artificial intelligence' where problems can be solved in a jiffy. On the contrary, all these issues remain imminent threats but will eventually be resolved with time and perseverance. 'When COVID emerged first followed by the chip crisis, it was a big challenge. Then came the Russian war on Ukraine with no end in sight. These things happen all the time and we managers should handle it. This is a business that we are responsible for, else you do not need CEOs or presidents,' he said. When COVID emerged first followed by the chip crisis, it was a big challenge. Then came the Russian war on Ukraine with no end in sight. These things happen all the time and we managers should handle it. This is a business that we are responsible for, else you do not need CEOs or Mamillapalle Whilst on this subject, Mamillapalle also made it clear that there was no point opting for protectionism in a dynamic world environment. The US, for instance, is sending out a clear message that in the quest for MAGA (Make America Great Again), global trade will need to be accompanied by reciprocity in tariffs. Likewise, countries like India have also been pushing for greater levels of self-reliance when pushed to the wall by China. Planning for contingencies 'In a business where you are exposed to the rest of the world, you cannot remain in solitude. Neither can you de-risk everything. Sure, you need to plan for contingencies and every action/activity should have a Plan B or contingency risk aversion options,' said Mamillapalle. In his view, the top priority was to focus on stabilising internal market growth which would help from the viewpoint of keeping a country insulated from unpredictable scenarios like the present round of tariffs imposed by the US. Being a potentially 'massive consumer economy', there was no reason why car production would not reach 10 million units in India going forward. Read more: Nissan may be down now but is not out yet Mamillapalle then cited recent moves like the Budget exemption on Income Tax which were welcome initiatives and 'short-term injections'. However, this was clearly not enough. 'We need something on a long shot to increase consumption in the country. When this happens, issues of threats coming in from outside like logistics,tariffs etc have no meaning and that is the most important thing that we need to focus on,' he explained. Mamillapalle then cited the example of the Indian two-wheeler industry which was clocking production of around 20 million units annually. 'This segment is a consuming economy and the day is not too far away when this trend will be happening in cars too,' he said. For this to happen, there needs to be higher levels of disposable incomes across the country and not concentrated to a few regions in the south, west and parts of the north. Suzuki observations Interestingly, Suzuki Motor Corporation has referred to this reality in its Integrated Report 2024 which was published early this year. The company said it was aware that in India's total population of 1.4 billion, the primary customer base it serves is about 400 million people who can afford a car. 'Recently, internal discussions at Suzuki have increasingly been focused on how we will monitor, understand, and build relationships with the income segment of roughly one billion people, primarily agricultural workers, who do not yet earn enough to afford a car or motorcycle,' stated the report. Recently, internal discussions at Suzuki have increasingly been focused on how we will monitor, understand, and build relationships with the income segment of roughly one billion people, primarily agricultural workers, who do not yet earn enough to afford a car or Motor Corporation Integrated Report 2024 With India being a vast country comprising diverse ethnicities, the company said it was crucial to penetrate into the hinterland thoroughly, closely observe people's daily lives and think more deeply about their needs. 'We are exploring how Suzuki can help solve people's everyday problems and raise the standard of living for individuals. To do so, we believe the answers lie in the genba, genbutsu, genjitsu (actual place, actual thing, actual situation),' the report added. Two points of view with the same objective: how does one increase the penetration of cars in India? Renault believes that India's time will come so long as the right moves are made in putting more money into people's hands while Suzuki's outlook is more profound and even philosophical on the reality of affordability among the masses when it comes to buying a car. Read more: Renault's new launches lift first quarter sales
