10,000 € Cheaper, the Dacia Bigster Can Outshine the Renault Austral

More powerful and equally well-equipped, the Dacia Bigster gives a bit of a makeover to its cousin Renault’s SUV.

To find a rival, there often isn’t a need to look far, and the new Dacia Bigster has found one of its size within its own family.

Launched in 2022, the Austral will receive its first facelift in 2025. A redesign that will be presented at the Mondial de l’Auto in a few days. Aesthetically, the Austral will adopt design elements from the Renault Rafale, particularly at the front with revised optics and grille. The new lighting signatures will include vertical daytime running lights that descend into the bumper, a significant change to align the model with trends of other SUVs from the brand, similar to the Scenic in particular. The new diamond logo prominently displayed on the grille is now ready to return to the fray for a few more years.

But a new model might steal the spotlight at the neighboring stand. If it is essentially a stretched Duster, despite some very minor exterior modifications, the Bigster opens up a new clientele for Dacia looking for space and a modern look without breaking the bank. Its generous dimensions remain harmonious thanks to simple, geometric, taut shapes and volumes that get to the point. The imposing fenders that protect the wheels, along with the front headlights and rear lights pushed to the ends of the vehicle, help reinforce its solid stance.

Everything is a matter of numbers

Both measuring about 4.5 meters in length, these SUVs target the same clientele. In the entry-level with micro-hybridization, the Dacia actually outperforms the Renault with 140 horsepower for the Bigster compared to 130 for the Austral. The latter is expected to have its engines upgraded during its facelift, so let’s consider it a perfect tie. Both have alloy wheels, a very comprehensive equipment package, cutting-edge infotainment,… in short, it remains a beautiful equality.

But the main advantage of Dacia is certainly their pricing. The Bigster is priced around 25,000 euros while the Austral starts today at 36,100! And it is unlikely that the facelifted version will be cheaper. Without being knocked out, the Austral has seen its skies darken.

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