Dacia has revealed its latest model, a seven-seat MPV called the Jogger, which is set to arrive in Ireland in early 2022.
Boxy but good
Dacia recently phased out its Dokker passenger model, a van-based MPV that isn't sold in Ireland, and is in the process of replacing the Logan MCV, which is. The new Jogger seems to be aiming to fill the gap in the international market left by both.
The Jogger features Dacia's familiar front end and grille as seen on the Sandero and Duster, though the rest of the body isn't the most elegant with tall, angular styling, hinting, of course, at plenty of interior space.
Framing the large rear hatch, the Jogger's taillights are stylish and not unlike those seen on certain Volvo models.
Some of that interior practicality manages to seep outwards: the roof rails have been cleverly designed to pivot to accommodate things like skis, bikes and roof boxes, as found on the Sandero Stepway.
Although alloy wheels will be available, the standard model will feature alloy-effect hubcaps indicating the Jogger's "readiness for the great outdoors". Dacia is keen to get across the idea that the Jogger is a car to perfectly suit outdoorsy, active families.
Multi Convivial Vehicle
The Jogger is based on the same CMF-B platform as the Sandero, Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, but thanks to that body design it's more spacious than all of them.
Inside are three rows of seats - two up front, three in the middle and two to the rear - which can be folded and arranged, according to Dacia, in up to 60 different combinations.
The Jogger is available with three different multi-media systems, the most basic of which involves all the car's infotainment functions being controlled through the driver's smartphone mounted in a secure slot on the dashboard.
We're not sure yet what spec-levels will be available when the Jogger comes to Ireland, but it's likely that higher-end multi-media options featuring an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation system, six speakers and two USB ports will be buyers' preferred options.
The Jogger is all about space. With the third row of seats removed and the second row folded down, there's a commodious 1,819 litres of cargo space. Without the seats folded, boot space is still 213 litres, which increases to 712 litres if you fold the rear-most row of seats down.
Dacia says that the Jogger will accommodate seven adults.
In addition to the space and the ability to configure the seats in so many ways, there are other practical touches too: elastic straps, lashing rings, hooks and ISOFIX points in the middle row. There are cubbyholes for storage throughout the cabin. Each row gets its own roof light. Each seat gets its own armrest. There are cupholders galore and, in certain models, folding tables in the middle row.
Safety-wise, the Jogger features six airbags including curtain and side airbags and a range of driver assistance systems like Emergency Brake Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Park Assist and Hill Start Assist.
Moving along
There won't be a diesel option for the Jogger, and instead we'll see the TCe 110 option, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged 110hp petrol engine, as seen in the Sandero Stepway among others.
Dacia says there's a hybrid model coming down the line in 2023 featuring a 1.6-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.2kWh 230V battery. It ought to be one of the cheapest seven-seat hybrids on the market.
There's no word yet on Irish pricing, but it's expected to be a good deal more expensive than the outgoing Logan MCV, which sold for around the €16,000 mark.