automotive

Ebro s700 vs. dacia bigster: a head-to-head comparison of affordable spanish suvs

The rise of compact suvs in the spanish market

Compact SUVs are reigning supreme in the Spanish Automotivemarket. Manufacturers are recognizing the potential for strong sales by offering budget-friendly “concept” SUVs. The Ebro S700 has already led its brand in 2025, but the Dacia Bigster poses a significant challenge. Both vehicles aim for a competitive edge with gasoline engines and attractive pricing, though finding non-hybrid gasoline options is becoming increasingly difficult. Interestingly, the Ebro-Spanish collaboration offers a “pure” gasoline engine, but even then, their most desirable versions boast the ECO or CERO badges from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT).

Size and dimensions: a slight advantage for the bigster

Size and dimensions: a slight advantage for the bigster

Both SUVs comfortably fall within the C-SUV segment, but the Dacia Bigster lives up to its name, offering slightly more space. The Bigster measures 4.570 mm in length, 1.812 mm in width, and 1.662 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2.702 mm. The Ebro S700 comes in at 4.55 meters long, 1.86 meters wide, and 1.69 meters tall, with a 2.67-meter wheelbase. While the difference isn’t drastic, the Bigster’s slightly larger dimensions could appeal to those prioritizing passenger room or cargo capacity.

Cargo space: the ebro s700 takes the lead

Cargo space: the ebro s700 takes the lead

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Ebro S700 clearly wins. It offers a generous 667 liters of space, significantly surpassing the Dacia Bigster’s 500 liters. With the rear seats folded down, the Ebro’s capacity expands to 1,937 liters compared to the Bigster’s 1,305 liters. This substantial difference makes the S700 a better choice for families or those frequently hauling larger items. These figures refer to the base versions of each model, which offer the most space.

Engine options: hybrid vs. mild hybrid and bifuel

Engine options: hybrid vs. mild hybrid and bifuel

The engine lineups differ considerably. The Ebro S700 starts with a 1.6 TGDI gasoline engine producing 147 CV and 275 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It also boasts a plug-in hybrid option with a combined output of 340 CV. The Dacia Bigster, on the other hand, offers a range of ECO-labeled options. The entry-level is a 140 CV mild hybrid 1.2 turbo three-cylinder engine with a manual transmission and 4x2 drive, achieving a fuel consumption of 5.4 l/100 km and emissions of 122 g/km. Notably, the Bigster also offers a bifuel (gasoline/GLP) variant, providing impressive range.

Detailed engine specifications

Detailed engine specifications

VehicleEnginePower (CV)Fuel TypeTransmissionDriveCO2 Emissions (g/km)
Ebro S700 (Base)1.6 TGDI147Gasoline7-speed Dual-ClutchFWDN/A (Hybrid option available)
Ebro S700 PHEV1.5 TGDI + Electric Motor340Gasoline/ElectricAutomaticFWDN/A
Dacia Bigster (Mild Hybrid)1.2 Turbo140GasolineManual4x2122
Dacia Bigster (Bifuel)1.2 Turbo140Gasoline/GLPManual4x2114 (GLP) / 130 (Gasoline)
Dacia Bigster (Hybrid)1.0 + Electric Motors155Gasoline/ElectricAutomatic4x4105

Pricing and equipment: a competitive tie

Pricing and equipment: a competitive tie

Surprisingly, both the Ebro S700 and the Dacia Bigster start at the same price point: €24,990. This makes price a non-factor in the decision-making process. The Bigster’s “Essential” trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, roof bars, a 10.1-inch Media Display, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, electric front and rear windows, rear parking sensors with a camera, etc. The S700 boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central display, keyless entry and start, heated bucket seats, dual-zone climate control, a rear camera, and a comprehensive ADAS suite.

The verdict: which suv is the better buy?

Given the identical starting price, the best choice hinges on individual needs and preferences. The Dacia Bigster edges ahead in the engine department, offering a double hybrid setup and the valuable ECO badge. While the Ebro S700 might have slightly less power (147 CV vs. 140 CV), the environmental benefits of the Bigster are noteworthy. However, the Ebro S700 takes the lead in terms of equipment, as the brand emphasizes comprehensive standard features, offering a more fully-loaded experience right from the base model.