Dacia Jogger revealed as brand exclusive new seven-seater

With the recent displacing of the Volkswagen Golf as Europe’s best-selling new vehicle in the guise of the Sandero, Renault owned Dacia has unveiled its new seven-seat replacement for the Lodgy, the Jogger.

Joining not only the Sandero, but also the recently refreshed Duster in Dacia’s line-up, the Jogger once again provides seating for seven, with the Romanian automaker touting it as more of an SUV than a conventional compact MPV or estate.

Its name chosen in reference to it representing “positive energy” as well as a “sense of adventure”, the Jogger rides on the same CMF-B platform as the Sandero, but with dimensions of 4 547 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 2 897 mm, height of 1 632 mm, and width of 1 784 mm.

Incorporating Dacia’s latest styling language that debuted on the Sandero, a model not destined for South Africa as it will be replaced by the Indian sourced Kiger SUV, the Jogger boasts a ground clearance of 200 mm with boot space ranging from 213-litres with all seven seats up, to 1 819-litres with the second and third rows down.

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Aside from offering an assortment of interior storage bin amounting to a total of 24-litres, the Jogger’s cabin mirrors that of the Sandero in design and layout with the starring of a media display docking system known as Media Control where a user’s smartphone becomes to the touchscreen interface, all the way to a fully integrated tablet-style eight-inch Media Display system on higher end models.

Included with the latter, which features standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is a four-speaker sound system with Bluetooth and USB. The next step-up Media Nav adds embedded satellite navigation, dual USB ports, and two additional speakers.

Depending on the trim level, the Jogger can be specified with a 3.5-inch TFT instrument cluster display and a series of safety and driver assistance systems, ranging from the standard six airbags and ABS with EBD, to Hill Start Assist, Park Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Emergency Brake Assist, and Electronic Stability Control.

Up front, a choice of two 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engines will initially be offered; a conventional petrol producing 81kW/200Nm, and an LPG variant with the same power and torque figures. The only transmission option is a six-speed manual.

Confirmed for 2023 is the Jogger Hybrid that will combine the bigger normally aspirated 1.6-litre engine from the Clio and Captur with a 1.2-kWh battery powering two electric motors.

Output, although unconfirmed, is likely to be the same 103 kW as in the mentioned models, with the drive set to go to the front wheels via the clutch and syncro-less four-speed automatic gearbox developed especially for the hybrid power unit. Unlike the Lodgy, the Jogger will not be offered with a diesel engine.

Going on sale in key European markets from November, the Jogger will have a reported starting price of around €15 000, but while set to be sold in the United Kingdom, like the Lodgy, it won’t be coming to South Africa anytime soon.

For more information on Renault South Africa’s product plans for the year, click here.