Keen to improve the performance of its four-wheel-drive Duster and Bigster SUVs, Dacia has treated them to a peppier petrol-electric drivetrain.

This “hybrid 150 4×4” setup delivers 20hp more than the current TCe130, while putting the option of electric only driving on the table.

See also: On test: Low-cost Dacia Duster 4×4 finally gets its polish

Most of the heavy lifting is carried out by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that develops 150hp and 230Nm, with an electric motor and battery pack performing wingman duties.

There’s a change of transmission, too. Rather than a regular six-speed manual, the hybrid 150s get a fancy dual-clutch setup that shifts on the fly.

That said, drivers are still able to change cogs manually using paddles mounted on the steering wheel, should they feel the need.

Dacia is keeping further details under wraps until the official launch later this year. However, it’s likely that the fundamentals of the chassis will be similar to the current models.

In the case of the Duster, expect 217mm of ground clearance, approach and departure angles of 31deg and 35deg respectively and a braked towing capacity of 1.5t.

Under-belly clearance is similar on the current Bigster 4×4, as is towing capacity, though bigger overhangs slightly curb its slope tackling abilities.