The Dacia brand is in a good place at the moment. It has a new Duster SUV on the way later this year, and it has just started sales of possibly the UK’s lowest priced new electric car, Dacia Spring.
The Sandero offers buyers a brand new hatchback for the price of a three-year old Kia Ceed. And there’s the Jogger seven-seater for families whose children have active social lives.
A week spent with the Jogger recently got me more excited than I could have ever imagined. In today’s expensive new (and used) car market, this family-focused runabout seems incredible value.
The excitement was helped by my test car being a best-selling mid-grade Expression trim version in the delightful Dusty Khaki paintwork that appealed to the unaccomplished military ambitions of my teens. With the efficiency-focused 1.6-litre hybrid engine beneath the bonnet, the entire package came to under £24,000.
For seven-seater shoppers Dacia dealers can offer a considerable alternative to rivals such as the Kia Sorento or Skoda Kodiaq, because it has no pretences – Dacia Jogger is all about practical value without pretending to be a more premium vehicle.
The Jogger features a no-frills interior with plenty of hard plastics and exposed metal, designed to withstand daily wear and tear. It uses Renault’s modern CMF-B platform, making it feel contemporary despite its simplicity.
Its main attraction is its seating capacity, accommodating adults up to 1.9m tall in all rows. The third row can be folded or removed, providing flexibility in cargo space. With all seats up, the boot offers 160 litres, expanding to 565 litres with the third row folded, and 1,807 litres with both the second and third rows down.
8
Two engine options are on offer to UK buyers – a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol with 109bhp and a 1.6-litre hybrid producing 138bhp. The petrol engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the hybrid uses a six-speed automatic.
The 1.0-litre engine achieves 48.7mpg, while the hybrid offers 56.5mpg. The hybrid also provides a lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rate, dropping from 31% to 27%.
The Jogger offers an engaging drive, thanks to its lightweight design. The car is light for its class, weighing 1,200kg, which contributes to its nimble handling. The hybrid model adds 180kg but remains agile.
Customers can select from three trims. Essential, priced at £18,295, includes cruise control, manual air conditioning, LED lights, and rear parking sensors, but lacks a touchscreen and is only offered with the 1.0-litre petrol engine.
For an additional £1,300, Expression adds auto air conditioning, keyless entry, an electric handbrake, auto wipers, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and steel wheels styled like alloys.
Starting at £20,595, the Extreme SE top-spec trim offers heated front seats, satnav, extra USB ports, and enhanced exterior styling.
The Dacia Jogger stands out for its practicality, engaging drive, and remarkable affordability. It’s designed to be a dependable family vehicle that doesn’t skimp on essential features, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking versatility and value.