KILDARE CAR REVIEW: New Dacia Jogger - designed for adventure

The all-new 7-seater Dacia Jogger combines the length and practicality of an estate car, the spaciousness of an MPV, and the styling and reassurance of an SUV, along with Dacia’s famed value-for-money pricing.

The result is a family car that exists in a class of its own, delivering a price-to-spaciousness ratio that is unique to Dacia. Smart thinking, and clever touches, feature heavily in the new Jogger, from the ingenious modular roof rails to the innovative Media Control system that places the smartphone at the centre of the car’s multimedia system.

Range-Topping

My Jogger Extreme SE test car looked fantastic in its distinctive Terracotta Brown metallic paintwork. The 1.0-litre , three-cylinder engine boasts 110bhp and 200Nm of torque at 2,900rpm.

It uses several technical innovations to increase output, improve fuel economy, and reduce emissions.

Its aluminium block construction reduces overall weight, while variable valve timing and a variable displacement oil pump help boost performance, while reducing fuel consumption. A smooth-shifting, low friction six-speed manual transmission helps deliver the best possible performance.

Building on the standard specification of the Essential and Expression trim levels, the Extreme SE version benefits exclusively from specific Extreme upholstery with red stitching, front and rear floor mats and boot tray, Steel Grey door opener, white decoration strips on door panels, and flight trays for 2nrd row passengers. Additionally, other standard features include automatic air-con, keyless entry card, MediaNav navigation, DAB Radio, smartphone mirroring via USB, Bluetooth connection, six speakers and an 8-inch touchscreen.

Capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 11.2-seconds, the car can achieve a top speed of183km/h (where permitted), and is capable of fuel consumption as low as 5.7l/100km on a WLTP combined driving cycle.

The steering has an accurate and well-weighted feel that allows drivers to approach bends and twists in the road with absolute confidence.

The Jogger corners flat and rides out every bump in the road in a well-controlled and composed manner, and this adds greatly to the overall driving experience on offer. The Jogger’s maximum kerb weight of 1,261kg is impressively low for a full 7-seat family car, and this in turn makes the car nimble and agile on the road.

The manual gear shift is smooth and precise in its operation, there is good outward visibility for all occupants, and the car is very easy to drive in every way.

Whether driving on urban roads, or keeping up with faster moving traffic on a motorway, the Jogger performs every task asked of it in a refined and fuss-free manner.

Verdict and pricing

The all-new Dacia Jogger is a truly likable and affordable family car that has versatility and practicality in abundance. Pricing starts at just €24,590 for the Jogger Essential, with the Expression version priced at €26,490, and the range-topping Extreme SE costing just €27,990 — all prices are exclusive of dealer-related charges.