Dacia has done it again. After last year’s all-electric Spring claimed the title of ‘Best Bargain Car,’ the Romanian brand’s latest SUV, the Bigster, has now been named ‘Best Value Car’ at the prestigious 2025/26 New Car World Championships. The back-to-back recognition underscores what savvy drivers have long known: Dacia delivers exceptional value without compromise.
The awards, run by the independent, not-for-profit Best Cars of the Year initiative, bring together an international panel of automotive experts – including Mike Rutherford, Dr Andy Palmer, Ray Massey, and Shiro Nakamura – to recognise vehicles that truly stand out in their segment. This year, the judges praised the Bigster for its rare combination of practicality, capability, and affordability, all wrapped in the rugged, distinctive styling that has become synonymous with Dacia.
“Unbeatable Value in a Real-World SUV”
Mike Rutherford, Founder of Best Cars of the Year, explained why the Bigster earned its accolade:
“Bigster is by no means the cheapest new car in the showrooms. But its no-nonsense, value-for-money traits are unquestionable and, in our view, unbeatable. It sits in the same price league as many small, instantly forgettable hatchbacks. Yet it’s a large, honest, well-equipped, comfortable SUV capable of doing a superb all-round job – whether serving as a spacious family car, load-lugging workhorse, or even a mini motorhome.”
Rutherford also highlighted the SUV’s real-world efficiency: the hybrid Bigster achieved over 50 MPG during test drives across Europe – remarkable for a vehicle of this size.
“Bigster is a usable, durable, affordable SUV for real-world drivers and their passengers. It confirms that Dacia is now as good at – or better than – most of its obvious and not-so-obvious rivals when it comes to designing credible, quality, durable motor cars.”
Dacia’s Smart, Honest Approach
Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, echoed the sentiment:
“Bigster embodies exactly what Dacia stands for – smart, honest value without compromise. It gives customers a genuinely capable SUV with the space, comfort and quality they need, at a price that still makes sense. To see those qualities recognised on an international stage is a great endorsement of the approach we’ve always taken.”
Affordable, Versatile, and Ready for Adventure
Starting from £25,215 on-the-road, the Bigster redefines what drivers can expect from an affordable SUV. Its three trims – Expression, Journey, and Extreme – and multiple powertrains, including mild-hybrid, hybrid, and 4×4 options, offer something for every lifestyle.
Across the range, Dacia has equipped the Bigster with features often reserved for pricier rivals: keyless entry, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, alloy wheels, multiview parking camera, and adaptive cruise control with speed limiter. Everyday practicality is enhanced by Dacia’s YouClip® system and easy-fold rear seats, while the Extreme trim amps up adventure with modular roof bars and washable MicroCloud TEP upholstery – perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
A True Value Champion
The Bigster is more than just an SUV; it’s a statement. It proves that affordability does not require compromise and that real-world versatility, style, and comfort can coexist with sensible pricing. With consecutive international accolades for value, Dacia is not just delivering cars – it’s delivering peace of mind, practicality, and a new benchmark in accessible motoring.
In a market often dominated by costly, over-engineered alternatives, the Bigster stands out as a refreshingly honest choice: an SUV that’s designed for life, priced for everyone, and engineered to last.
