IF the Volvo XC90 featured elsewhere today is one of the more expensive seven-seat family cars on the market, then this new offering from Dacia will surely be the most affordable, writes William Scholes.
Called the Jogger, which is a name to conjure with, it is an unusual design which blends elements of estate car, MPV and SUV.
It's a long car and sports a raised driving position and on paper at least has deeply impressive practicality and load space.
The Jogger arrives with two engines - a new 109bhp turbocharged petrol unit and a 99bhp bi-fuel engine that can run on petrol and LPG.
It is due to arrive in Northern Ireland in the first quarter of next year, and in 2023 it is due to become the first Dacia model to have a hybrid engine - a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.2kWh battery that will allow it to start on electric and drive short distances in EV mode.
The firm reckons this system will allow for up to 80 per cent of city driving to be completed on electric, reducing fuel use by up to 40 per cent.
Dacia says the Jogger can seat seven adults and that there are as many as 60 configurations for the folding seats.
With all seats in place, there’s 213 litres of storage space, swelling to 712 litres with the third row of seats folded and up to 1,819 litres with all the back seats dropped.
The seats in the third row have their own armrests, while those in the second row can be had with fold-down tables and cup holders.
The Dacia Jogger will be available to order next month. Prices have yet to be announced.
