DACIA

TEST: Duster Hybrid-G 150 4x4

The Dacia Duster has always been known as an affordable, robust, and reliable SUV. Now, it arrives in 2026 with an even more exciting offering: a hybrid gas-petrol engine, 4x4 traction, and an updated look. Alongside it, the Bigster debuts to occupy a higher position, offering more size and comfort.

The big news is the combination of a combustion engine with electric rear-axle backup, ensuring greater efficiency and a long range. This duo promises to compete head-to-head with models already known in Europe, while maintaining a much lower cost per kilometer.

Dacia is upgrading the Duster and Bigster powertrain ranges, with the hybrid-G 150 4x4, available on both models. The combination of hybrid technology, LPG bi-fuel, and all-wheel drive is a world premiere. This bi-fuel 4x4 LPG hybrid is efficient, versatile, frugal and easy to drive. Combining a 103 kW (140 hp) 1.2-litre 48V mild-hybrid engine on the front axle with a 23 kW peak (31 hp) electric motor on the rear axle. It delivers maximum output of 113 kW (154 hp), with torque of 230 Nm for the combustion engine and up to 87 Nm for the electric motor.

The internal combustion engine is coupled to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with steering-wheel paddles, and the electric motor to a twin-speed gearbox with a disengageable rear axle.

The twin-speed gearbox with the 48V rear electric motor is a world premiere. Delivering high torque to the wheels at low speeds in first gear to maximize off-road capabilities, this innovative technology can be also used up to 140 kph to offer power, electric driving, motor brake and off-road performance when using the second gear. The neutral position (clutch disengaged) eliminates friction loss on the road, for lower fuel consumption in 2WD mode, for example at constant vehicule speed on highway.

Gears on the dual-clutch gearbox can be changed using paddle shifters – a first for Dacia. This feature is particularly useful in off-roading, towing and mountain driving.

With the electric motor connected to the rear wheels and the 48V 0.84 kWh Li-Ion battery self-charging during deceleration and braking, the powertrain is frequently able to operate in electric mode. Over an urban cycle, Duster and Bigster hybrid-G 150 4x4 can remain in electric mode for up to 60% of driving time.

Unique on the market, this 4x4 bi-fuel hybrid takes full advantage of the historically low price of LPG (0.97€/l in France at 01/09/25) to deliver substantial savings. This technology cuts running costs by 30% and CO2 emissions by 20g compared with the current mild hybrid 130 4x4 offer.

Hill Descent Control to control steering and stabilize vehicle speed when driving downhill at a speed of between 3 and 30 kph. The hybrid-G 150 4x4 maintains the off-road capabilities of Duster and Bigster, while delivering increased driveability with the automatic gearbox and rear-mounted electric motor.      

The new powertrain will be available on Duster and Bigster by the end of the year.

Autonews