Dacia Jogger 7-seater test: a good deal for the family

Did you dream of a Sandero Stepway Break? Dacia made it. Behind its adventurous style, the Dacia Jogger seeks to appeal to both Logan MCV and Lodgy customers (whose shutdown is scheduled for mid-2022), even Dokker. By cleverly stretching the CMF-B platform of the Sandero by 45 cm (including 30 cm of wheelbase), the most accessible brand of the Renault group includes in its range a model attached to the family segment with its 4.55 m length.

The front part of this new Jogger is identical to that of the Sandero up to the B pillar, then a dropout on the roof line allows a 4 cm rise, while the verticalization of the rear sides optimizes the habitability and the volume of loading. Many design tricks make it possible to play an all-road station wagon score that is strongly reminiscent of the Volvo XC 70, one of the pioneers of the genre. The ground clearance, for its part, reaches 200 mm (26 mm more than on the Sandero Stepway). Under the hood, two small three-cylinder petrol engines with a six-speed gearbox are offered: the 100 hp 1.0 ECO-G petrol-LPG and the 110 hp 1.0 TCe, a newcomer to Dacia. It is this engine that we we tried.

Dacia Jogger price

The Jogger is incredibly affordable with its price starting at €14,990. The equipment of the basic Essentiel finish reflects its name well, including automatic lighting, a 1/3-2/3 bench seat, painted bumpers and roof bars. No more. It takes an additional €750 to qualify for the seven-seater version. A choice to be made to order because five-seater models cannot be converted a posteriori. The 110 hp TCe engine is charged around €500 more than the small 100 hp LPG engine and, depending on the finish, it must reckon with a slight penalty of a maximum of €100. (see all prices on next page).

Our test Jogger in the TCe 110 Extreme seven-seater version costs €18,950. At this price, it includes all the equipment that Dacia has thought of, and generosity is in order (see all the equipment on the next page). There is even an electric parking brake or a key with hands-free entry, closing and starting, which some premium models charge as an option!

An Extreme + version is also available (€19,650) with an Up&Go offer, fully equipped and with expedited delivery. But it still lacks a few small details of equipment such as lumbar adjustment or an adaptive regulator to complete its panoply during travel. Finally, no miracle to be expected on the side of the future Euro NCAP rating, which has no reason to exceed the two stars obtained by the Sandero. Resistance to crash testing is not so much in question as the absence of certain technological equipment, knowingly sacrificed for economic reasons.

At the wheel of the Jogger TCe 110

By taking place on board the Jogger, we find the very correct driving position of the Sandero, easily configurable thanks to the height- and depth-adjustable steering wheel and the height-adjustable seat. We quickly realize that visibility is limited at the level of the thick windscreen pillars but, especially here, towards the rear. The small tailgate window seems indeed very distant and cramped. A radar (standard from the mid-range), or even a rear view camera is not a luxury here. Too bad the image of the latter is of poor quality.

Ignition on, the new version of the three-cylinder turbo engine snorts and quickly brings us back to another era, but without summoning nostalgia. Noisy when requested and sometimes rough, it is not the most successful aspect of the Jogger, especially since the six-speed gearbox with long travels is also very “old school” in its handling. Once integrated into this state of affairs, you get used to driving the vehicle smoothly, at most on a light throttle, 90% of the torque being delivered from 1,750 rpm. Approval then improves. But as it is sometimes necessary to whip to obtain from the engine satisfactory performances in spite of the light weight of the car (1,233 kg), consumption is rising rapidly. Result: without sparing our mount, of course, we sometimes exceeded 9 l/100 km. It’s too much. With a smoother ride, the flow fortunately drops to 7 l/100 km.

The modern CMF-B platform, well known for supporting the Clio and Captur, ensures serene behavior here while providing good suspension comfort. But do not expect great precision in his direction or a rigor of behavior inviting to increase the pace for fun. An altogether logical compromise for this family-oriented model, easy and safe, without any other dynamic claims. It should also be noted that the manufacturer does not rule out the development of a version with reinforced traction, in the absence of any 4 x 4 derivative.

On board the 7-seater Jogger

The Jogger takes up the dashboard of the Sandero and all the qualities that go hand in hand. Its modern design is also pleasing to the eye in our Extreme version with fabric upholstery. But above all, its ergonomics is very accomplished, with simplicity of use as its key word. Here, no need for instructions. The functions are organized according to an obvious logic, whether it’s the steering wheel controls and the classic satellite radio or even the Media Display infotainment system, here with wireless replication of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The latter is ultra-responsive and clear, proof that a simple and well thought-out device does the job perfectly. Finally, next to its 8-inch screen sits the clever smartphone holder integrated by Dacia.

The Jogger is strong in terms of space on board, managing to quite adequately accommodate seven adults in just 4.55m. At the level of the second row bench seat, the wheelbase of 2.90 m spares a generous welcome. Passengers are seated 55 mm higher than those in the front seats, which offers very pleasant forward visibility. The ultra-flexible bench seat is comfortable, including in the central seat, which is really rare. The large gap available under the front seats allows you to stretch your legs, and aviation-type shelves will delight children.

Access to second and third row seats is facilitated through the 110 cm wide rear doors. The tilting of the 1/3 part of the right-hand side bench seat is easy, and no contortion is required to get to the bottom of the vehicle. There, surprise, an adult will feel comfortable enough to consider hitting the road. It will in fact benefit from generous roof guard, small foot cellars under the bench seat allowing the legs to be unfolded, a panoramic view forward thanks, here too, to raised seats (+ 25 mm) and finally quarter windows with compass opening.

The Dacia Jogger has a tailgate that is light to handle and has a wide opening with a low threshold. The volume is naturally limited with seven people (160 l), but it increases to 565 l once the two individual seats in row 3 are folded up, or even to 696 l once they are removed; an operation that is easy to carry out thanks to their contained weight of less than 10 kg. A retractable luggage cover is provided. In row 2, the modularity is basic but effective, following a 1/3-2/3 functionality with folding backrest and seat into a wraparound. In two-seater configuration, the total volume amounts to 1,807 l, offering an available surface area of ​​1 m wide by 2 m long. Finally, if that were not enough, it is possible to use the famous pivoting roof bars taken from the Sandero and accessible from the second level of finish. They support up to 80 kg load.

Competetion

It is impossible to name a real rival to this Dacia as its price absolutely defies all competition. Among the economical compact station wagons, one of the most interesting performance-price ratios is on the side of the Fiat Tipo SW, recently equipped with an adventurer Cross version. It is a strict five-seater with a large 550 l trunk and whose much higher price (from €23,990) is justified by more generous equipment.
In the family of MPVs, vehicles suitable for economical family use, let us mention the latest Renault Kangoo. Available in a five-seater TCe 100 version – pending the long seven-seater version, which will not be on the market before 2023 – the vehicle trades from €24,900, or some €10,000 more than the Dacia. A world at this price level… Finally, it is in its own family that the Jogger can find a competitor with the Duster, not as livable but also endowed with gun prices.

Find the results of the test, the technical sheet and the equipment on the next page.