Dacia has come a long way from the late '60s when Romania’s former President Nicolae Ceaușescu demanded that the country starts manufacturing automobiles for the public and the Communist Party nomenklatura.

Not long after, the original Dacia 1100 was introduced to the public, but the model looked rather dull and didn’t impress with its performance or looks. Fast-forward to 1999 when French car manufacturer Renault enters the picture and takes over “Automobile Dacia.” Since then, the Romanian brand has been resurrected, winning legions of fans who were on the lookout for a reliable, unostentatious and affordable car. Not only that, but it also broke sales records and won several awards for its competitive pricing.

There’s no doubt that with Dacia’s new model, the Bigster, the Romanian car manufacturer, will win over the upscale consumer electric SUV segment.

If, until now, consumers associated Dacia with affordable and reliable cars, Bigster is forecasted to change the narrative. To that end, Renault has announced a new 5-year business plan in January 2021 that puts the focus on the Dacia brand. As such, the Bigster will become the link between Renault/ Dacia and new demographics that usually prefer premium and luxury cars instead of affordable but less flashy vehicles.

Related: Here's Everything We Know About The Dacia Bigster

Why The Bigster And Why Now?

The fact that the Bigster is a hybrid will attract the eco-warrior class that cares about saving the planet and building a sustainable future.

A 2019 Kroll survey showed that 26 percent of American respondents and 61 percent of Chinese respondents prefer a hybrid electric powertrain. Considering the surge in gas prices, it is safe to say that more consumers will turn to hybrid and electric cars in the near future.

Equally important, in 2020, Renault Group announced a renewed focus on China. The new strategy will prioritize Electric Vehicles (EV) and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) for the Chinese market. While the Bigster is not an EV, it is still pretty close to it. Furthermore, its “robust” look and affordable price could transform the Bigster into a smashing success in the Chinese market.

Lastly, full-size SUVs are “popular” among Chinese consumers. As such, it is not too far-fetched to believe that Chinese consumers will love the 181.1 inch giant that will come at an economical price.

Why We Believe The Dacia Bigster Will Be A Smashing Success

Dacia Bigster Concept front
via: Dacia

Everything is getting pricier these days. Car and Driver reports that in the summer of 2021, the average price for a new car was above $40,000. Fast-forward to December 2021, and the average price for a new car in the U.S. has climbed to a staggering $47,077!

Kelley Blue Book puts things into perspective by saying that in 2019, the price Americans paid for the average new car increased by $1,799. One year later, it climbed to $3,301. Even worse, in 2021, the price Americans paid for the average new car increased by $6,220.

If prices keep climbing, the Bigster could win the American market even without a smashing marketing campaign behind it. Various sources report that Renault is targeting a £20,000 entry price ($25,000) in the UK.

However, there’s a “minor” issue with the American market-the Dacia brand is still not sold here. For the time being, we can only cheer on the Europeans for having magnificent cars at affordable prices, while we’ll consider electric golf carts if prices keep climbing like this.

Related: Everything To Know About The 2022 Dacia Duster

The Dacia Bigster's Unique Selling Points

Dacia Bigster Concept
Via: Dacia

Bigster’s unique selling preposition is its pricing. Budget-conscious drivers will love Renault Group’s commitment to affordable prices and low costs. But that’s not the only selling point. In fact, the Bigster also has a contemporary look. And although the interior still hasn’t been revealed, industry experts predict it will be quite spacious as the Bigster comes in five- and seven-seat versions.

As for the design, Dacia aficionados were delighted to discover that the Renault Group has appointed in September 2021, Aston Martin design director Miles Nurnberger as design head for the Romanian brand.

The Dacia Bigster's Competitors And Rivals

It is difficult to find an SUV of this size at such an affordable price, but the Bigster still has several strong competitors. In Europe, this affordable and reliable automobile will probably compete against the Kia Sorento, Škoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan. Also, the third generation Dacia Duster is expected to hit the market in 2024, so the Bigster will have an in-house competitor.

Renault Group has already announced that there will be differences between the Duster and the Bigster. According to Denis le Vot, CEO, Dacia & Lada Brands, the Duster is a “rough and tough” SUV that will also have 4x4 version, while the Bigster will be longer; thus, more comfortable and better adapted for longer trips.