The Dacia Jogger isn’t your typical family car. It’s a bold outlier, challenging conventions with its boxy silhouette, seven-seat capacity, and shockingly affordable price tag. But is this Romanian underdog a viable contender in the crowded MPV market? Buckle up as we dissect the Jogger, exploring its design, practicality, performance, interior, technology, rivals, and prices across Europe and the UK, helping you decide if this affordable family champion deserves a spot in your driveway.
Design: Function Over Form, Embracing the Boxy Aesthetic
The Jogger doesn’t shy away from its utilitarian roots. Its tall, boxy design prioritizes practicality over style, offering ample headroom and cargo space. Some might find it ungainly, but others will appreciate its honest, no-nonsense character. The plastic cladding and raised ride height hint at its adventurous potential, ready to tackle rough roads and family outings with equal aplomb.
Practicality Reigns Supreme: Seven Seats and Spacious Comfort
The Jogger’s true strength lies in its practicality. It’s the only car in its price range to offer seven-seat capability, making it a budget hero for large families. The third-row seating, while best suited for children, folds flat when not in use, revealing a cavernous 1,807 liters of cargo space (with both rear rows folded). Even with all seats up, boot space remains respectable at 160 liters. The interior is surprisingly pleasant, featuring decent materials and thoughtful storage solutions. While not luxurious, it prioritizes comfort and functionality.
Performance: No Thrills, but Steady and Efficient
The Jogger isn’t built for speed. Its 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine offers 110 hp and 200 Nm of torque, adequate for everyday driving but not exciting. The standard six-speed manual gearbox is smooth, while a six-speed automatic is available for added convenience. Fuel economy is impressive, with a claimed WLTP combined cycle of 48.7 mpg. Don’t expect sporty handling, but the suspension soaks up bumps surprisingly well, making for a comfortable ride, even on less-than-perfect roads.
Technology: Keeping it Simple, Focusing on Essentials
The Jogger is refreshingly straightforward when it comes to tech. No digital instrument clusters or flashy infotainment systems here. Instead, you get a simple, user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with essential features like air conditioning and basic driver assistance systems. It’s not cutting-edge, but it gets the job done without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Rivals: Facing Familiar and Unexpected Contenders
The Jogger faces competition from established MPVs and surprising budget challengers:
- Citroën C4 Grand SpaceTourer: Offers more refined driving and additional tech features but comes at a steeper price.
- Volkswagen Touran: Boasts superior build quality and comfort but lacks the Jogger’s affordability and third-row seating.
- Skoda Kamiq: A stylish and practical SUV option but falls short in interior space and affordability.
- MG ZS MPV: A surprisingly spacious and affordable Chinese contender, though build quality and brand perception might raise concerns.
New Dacia Jogger Price:
- Europe: Starting at €14,990 (before government incentives).
- UK: Starting at £12,995 (after government grant).
Verdict: A Practical Powerhouse for Budget-Conscious Families
The Dacia Jogger isn’t for everyone. Its boxy design, bare-bones tech, and modest performance might deter some. However, for budget-conscious families prioritizing practicality and affordability, the Jogger is a revelation. Its seven-seat capacity, spacious interior, and impressive fuel economy make it an unbeatable value proposition. If you prioritize function over form and appreciate an honest, utilitarian approach, the Dacia Jogger deserves a serious test drive. It might just redefine your expectations of what an MPV can be.
The New Dacia Jogger offers a hybrid version (available in Europe) with improved fuel economy and lower emissions. Despite its budget price tag, the Jogger comes with a 3-year/100,000-mile warranty. Its simple design and easily accessible engine components make it relatively easy and affordable to maintain.
