Dacia is pushing deeper into electrified drivetrains with the debut of its new Hybrid-G 150 4×4 system, an LPG-compatible, all-wheel-drive hybrid setup. It will be available on both the Duster and the Bigster by the end of the year.
At the heart of the new system is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, producing 140 hp, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Power to the rear wheels comes from a separate 31-hp electric motor mounted on the rear axle, linked to a two-speed transmission. Together, the system generates a combined 154 hp and 230 Nm of torque from the combustion engine, plus an additional 87 Nm from the rear motor.
1,500 km range
This setup allows for up to 60 percent electric-only driving in city conditions, with a top speed of 140 km/h available even in electric-assisted mode. Thanks to a dual-fuel system with two 50-liter tanks—one for LPG and one for gasoline—the driving range stretches to 1,500 km (WLTP). Dacia claims fuel costs can be reduced by as much as 30 percent compared with a conventional gasoline-only 4×4.
The rear motor’s two-speed gearbox is an interesting solution. In the low range, it delivers strong torque for traction at low speeds, ideal for off-road driving. Meanwhile, the higher gear reduces RPM at highway speeds, minimizing drag.
The system also features a decoupling function, allowing the rear axle to disengage entirely for better fuel efficiency in 2WD mode. Meanwhile, drivers can operate the six-speed dual-clutch via steering-wheel paddles—a first for Dacia.
Suite of driving modes
The drivetrain brings with it a suite of six driving modes, including Auto, Eco, Snow, Mud/Sand, Lock, and Hill Descent Control. They also improve the Duster’s and Bigster’s capabilities off the beaten track. CO2 emissions are rated at 116 g/km for the Duster and 118 g/km for the Bigster.
For the Duster, Dacia is rolling out a broader powertrain overhaul. The Hybrid 140 makes way for a more efficient Hybrid 155, which combines a 109-hp four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery. Fuel consumption drops to 4.6 l/100 km, an 8 percent improvement, while CO2 output falls by 7 g/km to 105 g/km.
Upmarket strategy
The Mild Hybrid 130 is also replaced by a new Mild Hybrid 140, still based on a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder but optimized through Miller cycle operation. Rounding out the updates, the Eco-G 120 replaces the Eco-G 100, offering 120 hp and an LPG/gasoline setup with a range of up to 1,380 km.
Dacia has not yet announced pricing for the new models, but given the added technology, an uptick can be expected from today’s hybrid starting price of €27,890 in Belgium. The brand’s decision to add the technology aligns with its upmarket strategy. The days when the brand was a no-frills, low-budget option are fading.
