Dacia Jogger Test: Combustion Engine Serves Purchasing Power

To spend less money and save a lot of space, the new Dacia Jogger crossover seems relevant, even without hybrid or electric versions…

Dacia Jogger goes against the automotive trend. New electric models are appearing one after another, but for now, these models only target the mid to high-end market. Indeed, even Dacia now offers a vehicle you can plug in at the most affordable price, with its small Spring starting at €17,390, or just €12,300 after applying the ecological bonus. However, given the vehicle’s spaciousness and features, it’s best suited for occasional drivers who have at least one other vehicle in the household.

More comfortable, more spacious, and better finished, a gasoline-powered Sandero maintains a better price-performance ratio with its price of €11,990 in the Confort trim (with the small 65-horsepower petrol engine). But when you truly need a family vehicle, it’s hard to settle for a city car.

Dacia Jogger, the family Sandero

This is where the new seven-seater Dacia Jogger makes a strong impression. Built on the same platform as the Sandero (which itself shares a platform with the recent fifth-generation Renault Clio), this new crossover, caught between a station wagon and an SUV, replaces the Lodgy MPV with a sleeker silhouette. Featuring an extended architecture to the maximum, the Jogger becomes Dacia’s largest vehicle ever, at 4.55 meters long, compared to the Duster’s 4.34 meters. It simply takes the front end and dashboard of the small Sandero to optimize economies of scale.

If you’ve already tried the recent third-generation Sandero, you won’t feel out of place stepping into the Jogger. But it’s no longer really a flaw, as this model has improved significantly in terms of finish and interior equipment: it features a dashboard made of only hard, rough plastics, but its style and build quality are light years ahead of the older Dacia models.

A surprisingly high level of equipment

Beyond this eye-pleasing interior, the Jogger also offers a remarkably complete level of equipment. Forget about the basic trim, which lacks air conditioning and a true onboard computer. But from the second level upward, it includes manual air conditioning and a touchscreen infotainment system of eight inches on top of the center console. Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wired or wireless, this system makes dedicated navigation unnecessary and matches the comfort of a typical family SUV.

Notably, the clever smartphone holder placed to the left of the touchscreen is very useful when you want to use your phone in addition to its connectivity features. For example, to activate the Coyote app alongside another app already used via CarPlay or Android Auto on the dashboard. Regarding the responsiveness of the infotainment system itself, it seemed very sufficient for the few commands tested (radio, consumption data…).

Remarkable driving comfort

And the good surprises don’t stop there. Once the ignition key is turned (or the start button, if you choose the top trim), the petrol engine displays good sound insulation while effectively controlling vibrations. The Jogger features a six-speed manual transmission, but with such pleasant handling and well-adjusted mechanical controls, even automatic transmission enthusiasts will find it easy to adapt.

Regarding performance, they seem sufficient regardless of the engine chosen: the entry-level Eco-G 100 horsepower LPG-compatible engine is enough to move this large vehicle, which surprisingly weighs less than 1200 kilograms and stays under 10 liters per 100 km even when pushed a bit. With a dynamic behavior that is reassuring and healthy, the Jogger can also be equipped with a slightly more powerful 110-horsepower TCe engine. Fuel consumption can then drop below 6 liters per 100 km with relaxed driving.

Passenger comfort in the rear is also satisfactory, thanks to a spacious rear bench despite a somewhat firm seat. Passengers in the third row will also travel in decent conditions, though don’t expect miracles. Be aware that the Jogger’s very large trunk (708 liters) shrinks to the minimum with the additional seats in use.

A price with no competition for the Dacia Jogger

All of this for only €14,990 starting price, which commands respect. Dacia continues to strike hard on prices. As mentioned above, it will be difficult to settle for the basic version that lacks air conditioning. But at €16,700 in Confort trim with the 100-horsepower engine and a very sufficient level of equipment (+€750 for the 7-seater version), the Jogger offers an unbeatable price considering its spaciousness and driving features. It costs only €3,000 more than a similarly equipped Sandero.

Even the Duster star, less spacious and with lower finish quality and road efficiency, requires a small budget increase for similar equipment. No other competitor offers such space for less than €30,000. The 7-seat version of a Peugeot 5008 starts at over €34,000. A Skoda Kodiaq, also available in 7 seats, starts above €31,000. Almost double the price of the Romanian crossover!

Finally, it’s worth noting that the Jogger will receive a hybrid version starting in 2023, with technology still very close to that of the Renault Clio E-Tech or Arkana (developing 140 and 145 horsepower respectively). This version will appeal to automatic transmission fans but will probably push the price above €20,000.

Our opinion on the Dacia Jogger

We find it very difficult to criticize the new Dacia Jogger given its price range. If you see automobiles as a simple means of transportation that should remain affordable, comfortable, and spacious, it’s the perfect car. Even its style will no longer deter those who refused to drive a Lodgy or Logan MCV! The Jogger also proves that internal combustion engines can still be relevant in this era of massive electrification.

Also read: Test Renault Megane E-Tech: behind the wheel of the 100% electric compact