Renault is gearing up to unveil the highly anticipated Bigster, a three-row SUV that promises spacious comfort and robust capabilities. While still shrouded in some mystery, the Bigster emerges as an exciting addition to the brand’s lineup, poised to challenge established players in the burgeoning three-row SUV segment. Let’s delve into what we know so far about this upcoming behemoth.
Building on Duster’s Foundation:
The Bigster draws inspiration from the all-new Duster, which made its global debut earlier this year. Imagine the Duster stretched and equipped for family adventures, and you get a rough picture of the Bigster’s essence. Expect familiar design cues like the rugged stance and muscular lines, but with a larger footprint and more premium elements to differentiate its positioning. This approach echoes the Creta-Alcazar duo in India, offering buyers a familiar yet enhanced experience.
Spacious Dimensions and Creature Comforts:
Renault has revealed that the Bigster will be approximately 4.6 meters long, translating to roughly 300mm more than the Duster. This translates to ample cabin space, promising comfortable seating for seven occupants. The wheelbase might also see a bump, further enhancing ingress-egress and overall legroom. While the Duster provides a well-equipped cabin, the Bigster is expected to elevate the experience with more upmarket materials and additional creature comforts, justifying its premium price tag.
Platform and Powertrains: Bigster
Sharing the CMF-B modular platform with the Duster, the Bigster benefits from a proven and versatile foundation. However, details regarding its powertrain options remain somewhat under wraps. We can expect it to inherit the engine lineup from the latest Duster, which includes a compelling mix of electrified and conventional options.
Leading the charge is the 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol hybrid, boasting two electric motors and an automatic gearbox. This eco-friendly powertrain utilizes regenerative braking and a 1.2kWh battery, enabling impressive pure electric driving capabilities in urban environments.
The 130hp, 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo-petrol with a 48V mild-hybrid system offers another enticing option. While some markets might have access to a 1.0-liter petrol-LPG variant, the absence of a diesel engine across the lineup reflects the growing shift towards electrification.
Off-Road Prowess:
The Bigster inherits the Duster’s off-road equipment, meaning 4×2 and 4×4 options will be available depending on the market. While not a hardcore off-roader like the ladder-frame-based Jimny, the Bigster’s terrain modes, including Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, off-road, and Eco, showcase its capability to handle diverse driving conditions.
Indian Launch on the Horizon:
Powered by Renault-Nissan’s recent Rs 4,000 crore investment in India, the new Duster is slated for a comeback in the second half of 2025. The Bigster’s arrival will follow soon after, catering to the growing demand for spacious and feature-rich family SUVs in the Indian market. Additionally, Nissan plans to introduce derivatives of these two SUVs under its own brand, further expanding the potential impact of these vehicles.
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Beyond the Headlines:
The Bigster represents a significant step forward for Renault in the burgeoning three-row SUV segment. Its spacious interiors, comfortable seating, and potential for exciting powertrain options, including hybrid variants, cater to the evolving needs of modern families. While its official unveiling is still awaited, the Bigster promises to inject fresh energy into the segment, offering a compelling blend of value, practicality, and ruggedness. With its familiar Duster DNA infused with premium elements and enhanced capabilities, the Bigster is poised to make a mark on the global stage, and particularly in the Indian market.