Dacia has expanded its SUV line-up with a new ‘Hybrid 150 4×4‘ powertrain for the Duster and Bigster, which are the budget brand’s first hybrid all-wheel drive options in the UK.
Rivalling the likes of the Suzuki Vitara AllGrip and Jeep Avenger 4xe, both of which combine petrol-electric hybrid power with four-wheel drive, the Dacia models stand out by offering more overt off-road capability.
The ‘Hybrid 150 4×4’ pairs a petrol engine driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox with an electric motor on the rear axle. The rear motor powers up to deliver four-wheel drive when extra grip is needed, before disconnecting entirely during normal driving to improve efficiency.
Five selectable driving modes allow the system to adapt to changing conditions, including dedicated Snow, Mud/Sand and Lock modes for more challenging terrain. ‘Hill Descent Control’ is also fitted as standard, while steering wheel-mounted paddles allow drivers to manually switch gears when required.
The addition of an automatic transmission is particularly significant for the Duster, which until now has required buyers to choose a manual gearbox if they wanted four-wheel drive.
The new Dacia Duster ‘Hybrid 150 4×4’ is available exclusively in ‘Extreme’ trim, priced from just south of £27k. The larger Bigster ‘Hybrid 150 4×4’ starts from just over £29k in ‘Journey’ guise, with the ‘Extreme’ model priced at a couple of hundred pounds more. Both models are now available to order in the UK.
The Dacia Duster currently holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 63% in our Expert Rating index, with the Bigster holding a slightly better New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 64%.
