The Dacia Jogger most definitely caught the attention of Irish motorists when it launched back in 2022, with the seven-seater offering a blend of sports tourer versatility with the comfort and rugged style of an SUV. The Jogger was an attractive proposition from the off, and the sales figures in Ireland speak for themselves, with over 1,500 sold in Ireland since the start of last year.
Forming the basis of Dacia’s first-ever hybrid model, the Jogger Extreme HEV 145 boasts such features as an exclusive Cedar Green paintwork and contrasting Copper Brown details, highly durable MicroCloud upholstery, and the Extended Grip function that adjusts the electronic stability control settings to optimise traction on loose surfaces.
According to Dacia, the Jogger Hybrid can drive in urban areas in electric mode for up to 80 per cent of the time and achieve fuel savings of up to 30 per cent. The Hybrid 145 engine is a common theme with new Renault models, with the Jogger the first in the Dacia lineup to be given the powertrain. It is a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission and a 1.2kWh battery. Its quoted fuel consumption is 5.0l/100km combined, which is exactly what I achieved during my week with the Jogger Hybrid.
Standard specification in the Jogger range is impressive. This includes automatic air conditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors and rear parking camera, automatic headlights and wipers, blind spot warning, keyless entry, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, Media Display with eight-inch touchscreen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Jogger is a very spacious car throughout. The boot can be configured in several ways, including seating two passengers, to removing the third-row seats altogether to create over 2,000-litres of space. The second-row bench is fixed in place so can’t slide back to provide extra legroom. These seats do fold completely flat, however. Boot space is 212-litres with all seven seats up. There is no spare wheel due to the placement of the hybrid battery, but Dacia does provide a tyre inflation kit.
Ride height feels somewhere between a small hatchback and a compact SUV, which combined with the hybrid powertrain creates an all-round pleasant drive. This seven-seater is a well-priced and practical option, particularly for those looking for something for the school run.
The Dacia Jogger range starts from €25,040 for the ‘Essential’ trim, rising to €33,285 for the ‘Extreme’ trim with metallic paint (tested), or €32,640 without.
