Key highlights
- Renault Duster 7-seater revealed as Dacia Bigster
- India launch is expected in early 2027
- Powered by the 1.8-litre hybrid engine
The Paris Motor Show 2026 has flagged off with various upcoming models, some of them including India-bound cars. One such car is the Dacia Bigster, which is essentially the Renault Duster’s 7-seater version. The latter is already under testing in India, and it is expected to look more or less like the Dacia’s Bigster.
Renault Duster 7-seater: What do we know so far?
The car displayed at the motor show in Paris is based on the Dacia Duster, a rebadged Renault Duster. In fact, the Dacia Duster is the original model that has shared its underpinnings with Renault, which is sold as the Renault Duster in international markets, including India.
Speaking of the displayed model, the Bigster, as Dacia has named it, looks more or less like the Duster, but has an elongated chassis to accommodate seven passengers. While the interior of the SUV is yet to be revealed, the big change that differs it from the 5-seater Duster are the new 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, redesigned bumpers, and the redesigned rear quarter with wide rear haunches.
The rear profile looks identical, with the only change coming in the form of the new rear bumper. The Bigster badging is also evident on the boot, which signifies that it is a 7-seater SUV.
Hybrid power for the global market, turbo for India?
Since the same model will also be launched in India, the Dacia Bigster displayed at the motor show comes powered by the 1.8-litre hybrid engine. The latter recently made its debut in India on the 5-seater Renault Duster, and it will also be offered on the Duster 7-seater in India. However, to keep the competition in check, Renault is likely to offer the 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine on the Duster 7-seater in India.
The hybrid Bigster is powered by the 1.8-litre engine that is paired with a 1.4 kWh battery and two electric motors, offering an all-wheel-drive configuration. The combined power output of this powertrain is 160 bhp and 172 Nm. Renault recently introduced this engine in India, and it offers a claimed fuel economy of 29 km/l. However, the Duster 7-seater will offer 10-15 percent less fuel economy due to the increase in weight and bigger size. The best part is that Renault claims that this engine can run up to 80 percent of the time on pure electric power in the city.
Comfortable interior
While the displayed car did not reveal the interior design, we can safely say that it will be inspired by the 5-seater Duster. The only changes will be in the form of a new interior theme, soft-touch leather upholstery, and new second-row and third-row seats. The new Duster 7-seater is also likely to be offered with captain seats, offering a six-seater layout option.
Also read: Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG official teaser released, launch on October 15
