Dacia is introducing a new 4x4 powertrain to its Duster and Bigster SUVs

Good news! Dacia has announced it is introducing a new hybrid 4x4 powertrain to its Duster and Bigster SUVs, fresh off the back of its Dakar Rally success. If it’s good enough to win in the desert, then it should handle a spot of green laning no bother.

Mind, it’s not quite the same setup as that of its rallyfied Sandrider. Called the hybrid 150 4x4, it combines a 1.2-litre engine sending 148bhp and 170lb ft to the front wheels with a 31bhp/64lb ft electric motor powering the rears.

Power is delivered through a six-speed dual clutch gearbox, though paddles behind the steering wheel will allow for manual override when traversing the Alps – other mountain ranges are also available – or towing a caravan to, er, wherever people tow caravans.

Information is otherwise limited, though Dacia has recently announced a new hybrid-G 150 4x4 for our European friends which sounds like a similar setup. That gets dual fuel tanks and a clever twin-speed gearbox coupled to the electric motor and 0.84kWh battery.

It’s not the first 4x4 setup Dacia offers – both the Duster and Bigster are already available in mild hybrid 130 4x4 guise, which combines a 1.2-litre engine with 48V mild hybrid tech. Alternatively you’ve the choice of the mild hybrid 140, or the full hybrid 155.

But like we said, if it’s good enough to win the Dakar Rally…