Dacia Adds Hybrid AWD to Duster and Bigster Lineup

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Dacia opens UK orders for Hybrid 150 4x4 Duster and Bigster

Romanian brand Dacia has started taking orders in the UK for hybrid all-wheel-drive versions of its Duster and the new Bigster crossover. The Hybrid 150 4x4 package strikes a balance between electrified efficiency and genuine all-weather capability, with on-the-road prices beginning at £26,845 for the Duster and £29,265 for the Bigster. At current exchange rates those translate roughly to $36,000 and $39,400 respectively.

What the Hybrid 150 4x4 powertrain brings

Under the bonnet sits the familiar turbocharged petrol engine paired to a dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels. The clever part is the addition of a rear-mounted electric drive unit that converts the setup into a full hybrid AWD solution without the packaging compromises of a conventional mechanical driveshaft.

Combined output: 113 kW (around 152 hp)
Rear electric motor torque: up to 87 Nm (64 lb-ft)
Rear motor uses a two-speed gearbox for low-speed traction and higher-speed efficiency

Because the rear unit can completely disengage when its help is not needed, mechanical drag is avoided and fuel economy benefits. If forward grip deteriorates, sensors and control software instantly send torque to the rear axle. Dacia says upgrading from the equivalent front-wheel-drive hybrid costs only about £1,000, positioning this as one of the most affordable AWD hybrid offerings in the UK market.

Driving modes and on- and off-road capability

Five selectable modes

The Hybrid 150 4x4 comes with five driving modes selectable from a central control. Each mode adapts torque distribution, throttle mapping and traction control logic to suit conditions:

Auto: automatic torque split based on grip for everyday driving
Eco: prioritises front-wheel operation and fuel economy
Snow: softens throttle response and tightens stability control for slippery surfaces
Mud/Sand: allows controlled wheelspin to maintain momentum on loose ground
Lock: locks low-speed torque delivery to all four wheels for tougher off-road sections

For downhill work there is an integrated Hill Descent Control system that maintains a steady pace between about 2 and 18 mph without driver pedal input, a useful feature on steep or slippery descents.

Trim levels, equipment and pricing

Dacia has kept trim choices straightforward. The Duster Hybrid 150 4x4 is offered exclusively in the outdoor-oriented Extreme specification. The larger Bigster can be specified with the Hybrid 150 4x4 in Journey and Extreme trims. The most expensive option in the line-up is the Bigster Extreme, which is listed at approximately £29,515 in Dacia's UK pricing at launch.

Journey and Extreme are pitched at different buyers: Journey leans toward on-road comfort and technology, with navigation-equipped infotainment, a beefed-up digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control and wireless phone charging. Extreme targets buyers who want robust, adventure-ready details such as copper trim accents, washable upholstery, rubber floor mats and modular roof bars for roof-box or cycle racks.

Why this matters

Adding an affordable hybrid AWD option expands Dacia's appeal to buyers in regions with inclement weather or those who like light off-roading without the complexity and cost of a heavy mechanical AWD system. The electric rear axle is a tidy engineering solution: it frees up interior packaging, limits parasitic losses when AWD is unnecessary and gives instant torque when grip is limited.

For shoppers seeking a budget-friendly hybrid crossover with genuine traction capability, the Duster and Bigster Hybrid 150 4x4 models look to be smart, pragmatic choices. They offer useful tech, sensible off-road aids and competitive UK pricing that should make AWD hybrids more accessible to everyday drivers.

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