Dacia's New Engine: A Game-Changer for Bigster and Duster
Are you ready to revolutionize your driving experience? Dacia's latest innovation is a game-changer, offering a rare blend of efficiency, capability, and value. The new Hybrid-G 150 4x4 powertrain is a masterclass in smart engineering, designed to cater to everyday drivers and long-range roamers alike. But here's where it gets controversial... Is this the future of driving?
A Versatile Drivetrain
At the heart of this powertrain is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder micro-hybrid engine, rated at 140 hp, linked to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. But that's not all - a 31 hp electric motor provides silent shove and on-demand traction, drawing energy from a compact 0.84 kWh battery. This setup was built to make efficiency feel effortless while keeping adventure within reach.
Numbers that Change Habits
Dacia claims up to 60% of everyday driving can occur in pure-electric mode, trimming urban noise and tailpipe emissions. The calibrated handoff between petrol and electric power keeps the cabin calm while optimizing consumption. Official figures quote 5.5 L/100 km on petrol and 7.1 L/100 km on LPG, numbers that favor real-world savings across varied routes.
Range Without Compromise
Dacia pairs the system with twin 50-liter tanks - one for petrol, one for LPG - to unlock serious touring range. With both brimmed, the brand targets nearly 1,500 km, a number that rivals diesel cruisers of old. That breadth means fewer stops on cross-country runs and more freedom to pick the cheapest fuel.
The Duster Gets Stronger, Too
Beyond the flagship hybrid-LPG-AWD combo, the Duster receives a comprehensive refresh. The previous full hybrid with 140 hp gives way to a punchier 155 hp setup derived from the Bigster, bringing sharper response and extra headroom. The 1.2-liter micro-hybrid rises from 130 hp to 140 hp, improving mid-range flexibility without torching economy.
Comfort Meets Capability
AWD and an automatic gearbox often live behind high price tags or heavy complexity, but Dacia's integration feels refreshingly intuitive. The electric rear motor delivers instant low-speed traction, and the DCT keeps the petrol side smooth under load. Light off-road tracks, muddy lanes, or snowy driveways become less of a hassle thanks to the hybrid-assisted four-wheel drive.
Value, Timing, and Expectations
Dacia says orders will open by year's end, with the new hybrid-LPG-AWD sitting at the top of the range. Prices will naturally climb, but the brand's reputation for value suggests a sharp sticker relative to the hardware on offer. Few rivals combine full hybrid capability with bi-fuel LPG, an automatic transmission, and proper AWD. That scarcity leaves Dacia with a distinct proposition for families, commuters, and budget-minded explorers who want breadth without bloat.
Big Picture: A Smarter SUV Gamble
The Bigster stands to benefit from greater touring range and sophisticated traction without losing its pragmatic edge. The Duster, for its part, becomes more potent and more diversified, widening its net of buyers. If Dacia holds the line on pricing and keeps ownership costs tame, this could be the brand's most convincing pivot since the original Logan's value breakthrough. A single powertrain rarely changes shopping lists - but this one might just reorder the deck.