Dacia has long promised affordable cars, and now they’re stepping up with their biggest SUV yet, the Bigster. But how does this new contender stack up against a popular, albeit four-year-old, Skoda Kodiaq? We’re comparing a brand-new Dacia Bigster Extreme 4×4 with a used Skoda Kodiaq Ambition 2.0 TDI DSG, both priced under €40,000, to see which offers the best value.
Key Takeaways
- Value Proposition: The Dacia Bigster offers new-car benefits and modern features at a competitive price point, while the Skoda Kodiaq provides proven practicality and a more premium feel for its age.
- Interior & Space: The Kodiaq feels surprisingly fresh for its age, with good quality plastics and ample space. The Bigster counters with clever storage solutions like "Y clip" holders and a practical boot layout, though its materials feel a bit more basic.
- Powertrain & Practicality: The Bigster offers hybrid and LPG options but no diesel, and it’s not available as a seven-seater. The Kodiaq boasts a strong diesel engine, an automatic gearbox, and the flexibility of seven seats.
- Safety: The Kodiaq has a five-star Euro NCAP rating from its time, while the Bigster has recently achieved a three-star rating, with Dacia prioritizing affordability over top safety scores.
- Ownership Costs: The Bigster comes with a longer warranty and is cheaper to buy new, while the Kodiaq, despite being used, holds its value well and offers a familiar, solid driving experience.
New Dacia Bigster Extreme 4×4
This Dacia Bigster Extreme is a 4×4 manual model, priced almost identically to the Kodiaq. A notable feature is its modular roof bars, which can be configured for different uses. It also boasts keyless entry, a feature not found on this specific Kodiaq model. The 18-inch alloy wheels have chunky tires, and the "starkle effect" paint is designed to hide minor scratches. Recycled materials are used throughout the interior, and it includes a boot spoiler, much like the Kodiaq.
Inside, the Bigster features dual-zone climate control and a decent-sized screen, though it might not be as flashy as the Kodiaq’s. Dacia has included clever "Y clip" holders, similar to Skoda’s own solutions, which are great for attaching accessories like phone holders or bag hooks. Cruise control is also present, managed by the steering wheel. For the 4×4 version, there are selectable driving modes like snow and off-road. This new car comes with a 4×4 option for under €40,000, which is quite remarkable. However, the interior materials do feel a bit more basic compared to the Kodiaq. A neat feature is a single button to save ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) preferences. This Bigster also has the first-ever opening glass roof in a Dacia, though some interior trim pieces feel less solid.
The Bigster offers a 130hp engine, with a 155hp hybrid automatic being the recommended option for smoother performance. You can get LPG versions, but there’s no diesel option, unlike the Kodiaq. Importantly, the Bigster is not available as a seven-seater.
Used Skoda Kodiaq Ambition
This four-year-old Skoda Kodiaq has only 35,000 km on the clock and is in excellent condition. It’s an Ambition model with a 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine, 150 horsepower, and an automatic DSG gearbox. Despite its age, the interior feels remarkably fresh, with no signs of wear on the steering wheel or plastics. The plastics are of good quality, though some lower sections might feel a bit cheaper. The equipment levels are good, even on this Ambition trim, including dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and steering wheel-mounted controls with cruise control.
The Kodiaq’s 2.0 TDI engine is strong, offering 340 Nm of torque and good fuel economy, paired with a smooth DSG gearbox. It feels solid and reliable, a testament to its build quality and the care it has received.
Space and Practicality Compared
Boot Capacity
The Dacia Bigster boasts a substantial boot capacity of 702 liters. It includes practical features like a wipeable boot cover and underfloor storage with partitions. The rear seats can be folded down using convenient handles. The flexible parcel shelf can be split, allowing for partial coverage.
The Skoda Kodiaq, in its seven-seat configuration with the third row folded flat, offers an enormous 852 liters of space. Folding the seats is straightforward with a single handle pull, transforming the rear into a van-like cargo area. It also includes power points, hooks, and the typical "Simply Clever" features found in Skoda vehicles.
Seating Flexibility
While the Bigster is strictly a five-seater, the Kodiaq offers the option of seven seats. These rear seats fold away easily and offer good space. Even for a taller person, there’s ample knee and head room in the second row. The Kodiaq also features USB-C charging ports in the rear, a 12v socket, and device holders. The Bigster, in its rear, offers USB-C ports and a 12v socket, along with its unique "Y clip" system for accessories. It also has an access hatch/armrest with device holders, a feature also seen in some Skoda models.
Safety and Ownership
In terms of safety, the Skoda Kodiaq achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, indicating strong adult occupant protection and overall structural integrity. It feels very solid and safe for family use.
The Dacia Bigster, however, has recently been tested and received a three-star Euro NCAP rating. Dacia’s CEO has stated that the brand prioritizes affordability over chasing top safety scores, as achieving five stars can be costly. While driving the Bigster, it doesn’t feel quite as solid as the Kodiaq, particularly in areas like the door jams.
Financially, the Bigster comes with 4.9% APR financing, identical to the Kodiaq’s used car financing. However, the Bigster is cheaper to buy new and includes a longer warranty. Used Kodiaqs can be financed with up to four-year PCP deals.
Which Would You Choose?
So, the choice comes down to priorities. Do you want a brand-new car with modern features and a longer warranty, even with a lower safety rating, like the Dacia Bigster? Or would you prefer a used, but well-built, practical, and potentially seven-seater SUV like the Skoda Kodiaq, which offers a more premium feel and a proven safety record? Let us know in the comments what matters more to you: build quality or affordability?