Photo: SH Proshots
Revealed in January 2021, the Bigster concept measures 4.6 meters fore to aft, making it a compact utility vehicle by European standards. 4.6 meters – which is 181.1 inches – is the longest Renault is capable of taking the CMF-B vehicle architecture. Confirmed to ride on said platform, the Bigster will enter production at the Mioveni assembly plant in Romania in early 2025.
Dacia uses the lower-cost version of the CMF-B vehicle architecture, which is only natural for the automaker that made a name for itself outside of Romania through very affordable automobiles. The Logan sedan, Sandero hatch, and Jogger crossover-MPV-wagon thingy all ride on said platform, as will the next-generation Duster.
The Logan, Sandero, and Jogger took inspiration from the Bigster for their exterior styling. The design language previewed by the concept is even more obvious in the Duster's case, which is due to enter production at Mioveni in early 2024. Spied high-altitude testing in the scorching heat of Spain, the small crossover appears to feature a similar footprint to the current generation, which features the B0+ platform.
B0+ is a derivative of the Renault-Nissan B platform. Renault used said platform for the Russia-spec Arkana because it's compatible with all-wheel drive. The Arkana for Europe uses the CMF-B, which isn't compatible with all-wheel drive. In other words, the 2024 Dacia Duster may come exclusively with front-wheel drive.
Given the off-road communities built around the Duster, that's a boo-and-hiss development. Or is it? Both the 2024 model and its bigger sibling have been confirmed with hybrid assistance. If Renault allows it, Dacia might roll out a hybrid powertrain with a rear axle-mounted electric motor. Renault's all-new Rafale coupe SUV can be had with a rear drive unit, but only as long as you get the E-Tech plug-in hybrid with 300 metric ponies on deck.
The Rafale and more practical Austral rock the larger CMF-CD platform, though. What's more, a self-charging hybrid with a rear-mounted electric motor is a bit of a stretch with Renault's current hybrid know-how. Even so, never say never. With Euro 7 regulations knocking on the proverbial door, advances in hybridization are pretty much inevitable for every automaker present in the European Union and the United Kingdom. Due to said hybridization, you can also bid farewell to the 1.5 dCi four-cylinder turbo diesel from the Duster's engine lineup.
In addition to the E-Tech hybrid setup, and possibly the E-Tech plug-in hybrid powertrain of the Captur, turbocharged gassers and bi-fuel powerplants will have to make do. Gifted with C-pillar hidden rear door handles, the Duster is also equipped with a roof-mounted spoiler that appears larger than the current generation's unit. Roof bars and turn signals in the side mirrors are featured as well, plus air ducts at the sides of the front bumper, presumably for cooling the brakes.
Last but not least, check out the rear wheels. Those are ventilated discs, which should provide more stopping power than the second-gen Duster's drum brakes.
The Logan, Sandero, and Jogger took inspiration from the Bigster for their exterior styling. The design language previewed by the concept is even more obvious in the Duster's case, which is due to enter production at Mioveni in early 2024. Spied high-altitude testing in the scorching heat of Spain, the small crossover appears to feature a similar footprint to the current generation, which features the B0+ platform.
B0+ is a derivative of the Renault-Nissan B platform. Renault used said platform for the Russia-spec Arkana because it's compatible with all-wheel drive. The Arkana for Europe uses the CMF-B, which isn't compatible with all-wheel drive. In other words, the 2024 Dacia Duster may come exclusively with front-wheel drive.
Given the off-road communities built around the Duster, that's a boo-and-hiss development. Or is it? Both the 2024 model and its bigger sibling have been confirmed with hybrid assistance. If Renault allows it, Dacia might roll out a hybrid powertrain with a rear axle-mounted electric motor. Renault's all-new Rafale coupe SUV can be had with a rear drive unit, but only as long as you get the E-Tech plug-in hybrid with 300 metric ponies on deck.
The Rafale and more practical Austral rock the larger CMF-CD platform, though. What's more, a self-charging hybrid with a rear-mounted electric motor is a bit of a stretch with Renault's current hybrid know-how. Even so, never say never. With Euro 7 regulations knocking on the proverbial door, advances in hybridization are pretty much inevitable for every automaker present in the European Union and the United Kingdom. Due to said hybridization, you can also bid farewell to the 1.5 dCi four-cylinder turbo diesel from the Duster's engine lineup.
In addition to the E-Tech hybrid setup, and possibly the E-Tech plug-in hybrid powertrain of the Captur, turbocharged gassers and bi-fuel powerplants will have to make do. Gifted with C-pillar hidden rear door handles, the Duster is also equipped with a roof-mounted spoiler that appears larger than the current generation's unit. Roof bars and turn signals in the side mirrors are featured as well, plus air ducts at the sides of the front bumper, presumably for cooling the brakes.
Last but not least, check out the rear wheels. Those are ventilated discs, which should provide more stopping power than the second-gen Duster's drum brakes.
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