2023 Dacia Jogger Hybrid 140 | PH Review
Tired of overcomplicated, overweight and overpriced family cars? Time to take up Joggering
Plenty has changed over the decade Dacia has been in the UK. The £5,995 Sandero is no longer a reality, but it isn’t really what Dacia does in 2023. Much as the likes of Skoda and Hyundai have done previously, there’s been a conscious move away from the lowest cost cars to the best value for money cars, and it’s a measure of its success that those trim levels with the most standard spec that are by far the biggest sellers. Customers are flocking to Dacia - Q1 for this year was up 43 per cent on 2022 - because of what they’re getting for the asking price, not merely the asking price alone.
The Jogger Hybrid is a logical addition to an eminently sensible line-up. The C-segment continues to be a big one, SUVs are only becoming more important in that segment (bear with), and electrified powertrains are growing in prominence. With all that, it made sense for the first Dacia hybrid here to be the seven-seat Jogger, joining the three-cylinder turbo petrol in the range. There’s nothing to mark it out as any different to any other variant (showing off never did feel the Dacia way), and it’ll be offered in two specs: Expression is the one you see here, with keyless entry (useful with your hands full), a reversing camera (useful with all those seats behind you) and smartphone mirroring (useful all the time), while Extreme SE adds niceties like alloy wheels and heated seats. The Hybrid Jogger range starts at £22,595, or £267 a month with a £2,812 deposit; it’s become a bit boring to talk about Dacia and money - because there really is more to them than that - but does feel as much a selling point now as ever. If not a conventional rival, even a seven-seat Citroen Berlingo is more money. A VW Touran now starts from £35k…
Now, that SUV claim. Clearly the Jogger isn’t one of those, even with Dacia’s butched-up cladding and Extended Grip feature that allows the front axle (it’s two-wheel drive only) ‘to turn more freely and better grip loose surfaces’. (And absolutely mustn’t be used for burnouts.) In these fashion conscious times, the Jogger’s functional aesthetic might put some off; it doesn’t matter how many topographical designs and Copper Brown accents are found on the Extreme model, it looks like a big boxy estate. Because it is one. The fact that VW can sell a Taigo and a T-Roc serves as a reminder of important the look is.
But big and boxy works wonders for space, the hybrid bits having no impact on a cavernous cabin. A fully grown adult can fit in the rear row, which was a surprise, and there’s even a tiny bit (200 litres) of boot space remaining. Pushing the wheels out means a chunky 2.9m wheelbase (it’s only 4.5m long) and therefore actual space for those inside. Without travelling for long distances more than one up or with any stuff, it’s hard to imagine more being available for less. For the person behind the wheel, it’s about essential equipment rather than fripperies, which is as it should be. How much useless tech does your new car have? The Jogger will have less, perhaps none at all. Your phone runs through the eight-inch screen (and the radio can easily be played while keeping a map on CarPlay - not always possible), the wheel is simple, the splash of fabric across the dash looks good and even that old Renault volume and mode stalk off the steering column still works a treat. There’s nothing more you need.
The Hybrid will always default to EV when starting off, which is a distinctly odd sensation given none of the Dacia engines have ever been paragons of refinement. Tickle the throttle and the modest hybrid powertrain (1.2kWh and 50hp) will get you to the first proper junction without fuss. When something strange happens: the Jogger zips away from a standstill with genuine vim, the benefits of electrification clear before you reach 20mph. Where the pure ICE cars can struggle with turbo lag and long winded gear changes, the Hybrid zips along without hesitation. It’ll be a huge boon in the urban environments Dacia expects these cars to end up, the Jogger feeling sprightly and eager when so much of its spec would suggest otherwise. 0-62mph is claimed at 10 seconds, which it feels good for, but 0-30mph is probably all that’ll be needed as the convincer on a test drive.
It's strange to watch the battery level of a hybrid deplete so rapidly, but if a straight line sprint uses up a couple of bars then a coast downhill will replenish them. The Jogger can’t be plugged in, though it seems unlikely the boost will ever completely disappear given how quickly charge is added. A ‘B’ setting on the gearlever boosts the regen, albeit in a fashion that’s very subtle even against comparable hybrids. It’s certainly not at a one pedal driving level, which is somewhat of a shame given the brake pedal doesn’t feel great, but it’s simple and satisfying in its own way.
The Jogger is also in EV mode more than might be expected, its powertrain status visible on a clear and crisp (you expected anything less?) driver’s display. It becomes a target to keep the green light on and the silence maintained, though this doesn’t last too long as there simply isn’t enough performance on tap for more than a tiny bit of throttle. No bother: there’s something endearing about pootling around on electric without really thinking about it, especially with a fuel gauge that drops so little as a result. It’s nice to hear a few little whirrs and buzzes going on, too, as the hybrid shuffles power around and the clutchless auto does its thing. Perhaps it would be irritating were it not so effective, power precisely metered out whatever is asked for.
Predictably, the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine isn’t the greatest ICE in the world, getting a bit boomy at high revs, though it’s not seriously intrusive. Perhaps it’s an unreasonable complaint for a car designed with town use in mind (and with such a genuinely vast interior), but the Jogger feels like it could be more refined at cruising speed, road noise echoing around quite prominently. Presumably that’ll be far from the least annoying sound when crammed full of kids and their crap, and it’s certainly liveable, regardless.
Truthfully, though, given how much money is being asked and what the car is capable of, it’s hard to level any meaningful criticism at the Jogger Hybrid. Electrification has been very smartly integrated, requiring no adaptation and only improving the driving experience - it’s a keener Jogger as well as a more efficient one. And while heavier than the 999cc model, 1,400kg remains impressive for a fully-fledged seven-seater. It feels like an unequivocal verdict should wait until loaded up with people and stuff, but this is a very encouraging first showing. Consider the Jogger Hybrid like a four-wheeled fleece: not so long ago, something so purely functional wouldn’t have held much appeal. Now, however, in an industry full of fluff and pretence, fitness for purpose sounds ideal. Don’t expect any surprises, and don’t expect cutting-edge style either - but do expect to become quite fond of it on all sorts of adventures.
SPECIFICATION | 2022 DACIA JOGGER HYBRID EXPRESSION
Engine: 1,598cc, four-cyl, plus 1.2kWh traction battery
Transmission: Multi-mode clutchless automatic, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 140@5,600rpm
Torque (lb ft): 106@3,400rpm + 151lb ft electric
0-62mph: 10.1 secs
Top speed: 110mph
Weight: 1,404kg
MPG: 56.5 (WLTP)
CO2: 112g/km (WLTP)
Price: £22,995 (price as standard; price as tested £23,645 comprised of Urban Grey paint for £650)
When you see where the likes of JLR and BMW are going (chintzy, glitzy and overly styled) this is a refreshing take on motoring (and fits nicely in to the challenging economic times we're navigating)
FWIW PCH on a hybrid Extreme with £5k down (part ex my old car) and 48 months was £374 on 20k per annum which put it against some pretty solid alternatives.
Two biggest drawbacks I found was that the seats dont fold flat into the floor and theres no vinyl / leather(ette) option for an easier to clean interior.
I hate how it's "trendy" to like Dacia. I went in fully anticipating it to feel 'budget', but a step up from the cheap-as-chips MG (which is a class segment below).
My god, the Dacia is just a sh*t car. Stop bigging it up because it's cheap, because once you strip that away, it's sh*t. Can't we just have some honest journalism?
Popped across from Dacia to Hyundai. Even their cheapest car, the i10, is nicer to sit in, feels better built, very well equipped.
The heater knobs in the Dacia felt like something from soviet Russia. The key card felt like it would break if you squeezed it too hard. The seats felt like they had been padded with dry mix cement.
It's cheap and nasty and it fills that role for those who want a "new" car but aren't bothered about cars, they just need a tool. Can we please stop pretending that these are cool?
On the point of the post, I don't think I'd go for the Hybrid. Shame there's no Diesel available to my knowledge, as to be honest this seems like the perfect family car that you wouldn't care to much about the family trashing.
I'd have one if say a 150bhp Diesel was available, but the 110 petrol just feels a little too... gutless. Hybrid just seems wrong on what should be a basic car. Not for me.
I hate how it's "trendy" to like Dacia. I went in fully anticipating it to feel 'budget', but a step up from the cheap-as-chips MG (which is a class segment below).
My god, the Dacia is just a sh*t car. Stop bigging it up because it's cheap, because once you strip that away, it's sh*t. Can't we just have some honest journalism?
Popped across from Dacia to Hyundai. Even their cheapest car, the i10, is nicer to sit in, feels better built, very well equipped.
The heater knobs in the Dacia felt like something from soviet Russia. The key card felt like it would break if you squeezed it too hard. The seats felt like they had been padded with dry mix cement.
It's cheap and nasty and it fills that role for those who want a "new" car but aren't bothered about cars, they just need a tool. Can we please stop pretending that these are cool?
I hate how it's "trendy" to like Dacia. I went in fully anticipating it to feel 'budget', but a step up from the cheap-as-chips MG (which is a class segment below).
My god, the Dacia is just a sh*t car. Stop bigging it up because it's cheap, because once you strip that away, it's sh*t. Can't we just have some honest journalism?
Popped across from Dacia to Hyundai. Even their cheapest car, the i10, is nicer to sit in, feels better built, very well equipped.
The heater knobs in the Dacia felt like something from soviet Russia. The key card felt like it would break if you squeezed it too hard. The seats felt like they had been padded with dry mix cement.
It's cheap and nasty and it fills that role for those who want a "new" car but aren't bothered about cars, they just need a tool. Can we please stop pretending that these are cool?
I hate how it's "trendy" to like Dacia. I went in fully anticipating it to feel 'budget', but a step up from the cheap-as-chips MG (which is a class segment below).
My god, the Dacia is just a sh*t car. Stop bigging it up because it's cheap, because once you strip that away, it's sh*t. Can't we just have some honest journalism?
Popped across from Dacia to Hyundai. Even their cheapest car, the i10, is nicer to sit in, feels better built, very well equipped.
The heater knobs in the Dacia felt like something from soviet Russia. The key card felt like it would break if you squeezed it too hard. The seats felt like they had been padded with dry mix cement.
It's cheap and nasty and it fills that role for those who want a "new" car but aren't bothered about cars, they just need a tool. Can we please stop pretending that these are cool?
I really wanted to like it as I do like quirky alternatives rather than following the crowd, but no, just no.
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