Dacia has launched the hybrid version of the Jogger. A simple car that continues to bet on its strengths and with sensational consumption.
A plane to Lisbon was the plan for the day to test the Dacia Jogger Hybrid 140 along the Portuguese coast. And what a surprise with this family car in a hybrid format, because it exceeds what could be expected of it.
Dacia has proven to be a brand that is very clear about its target audience, where it is going and what its strengths are. The Dacia Jogger came out last year and the implementation of Low Emission Zones (ZBE) in many municipalities in Spain and other countries, have led to the birth of this engine with the DGT ECO label.
A pleasant engine with consumption that impresses
This new hybrid Dacia Jogger has a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated inline 4-cylinder combustion engine along with two electric motors: one 36 kW (49 hp) and another that acts as a high-voltage starter.
In addition, the vehicle features a clutchless multi-mode automatic gearbox. A combination that offers up to four different operating modes. On many occasions, the car will move like an electric one, using only its battery power.
You can also combine that energy with the internal combustion engine when more power is required or recharge on descents through progressive regenerative braking. The engine can even move the car and recharge its battery at the same time.
Up to 80% of driving in the city can be done in fully electric mode and this 1.2 kWh battery together with the engines means a saving of 40% in fuel consumption. And this is where its strong point is: according to the brand, the hybrid Jogger approves 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers.
We are going to say that a server was excessively cheerful with the car, because our route coincided with a section of the WRC Rally of Portugal… And of course, the nuts inevitably had to be tightened on the vehicle. Our average consumption in almost 300 kilometers of motorways, mountain roads and cities was 5.2 liters per 100 kilometres. Simply awesome.
The car can accelerate up to a top speed of 167 km/h and the speed recovery between 80 and 110 km/h is really satisfactory, especially when overtaking. However, from that limit, the car runs out and noticeably loses thrust.
Although in general terms, it offers a very stable platform in curves and on the road, with sound insulation that does its job and really good and comforting sensations at high speed.
On mountain climbs, the gearbox had a couple of slip-ups that briefly spiked the revs, but considering how we drove the car… It will be rare for an average user to push the Jogger up to that level of demand.
The usual aesthetics in the cheapest 7-seater family car on the market
The design has not changed and during the test of the new Dacia Jogger we were able to comfort ourselves with an interior that, despite being far from the luxury and high quality of other cars, fulfills its function perfectly and with complete honesty.
We found ourselves with a somewhat strange seating position at first, but you get used to it quickly. Although, it is noteworthy that the passenger seat has no height adjustment. The rear seats have an acceptable width and in case of choosing the seven-seater version, the last two are inevitably for children.
It is worth noting its multimedia system, with a simple screen that has a built-in smartphone support. Here lies one of its negative points, and that is that in my case, Apple CarPlay disconnected on its own several times and I ended up doing without it. Although when it worked, it was great. It may be a simple detail of the unit.
The car measures 4,547mm in length, 2,007mm in width and 1,691mm in height. Its boot capacity amounts to 829 liters and can be expanded to 2,094 liters in the five-seater, while in the seven-seater with the seats unfolded there are only 212 liters. Something that can be easily fixed.
Data that offers a series of more than solvent features for a family looking for an affordable car, with the essential amenities and a design that allows you to carry everything you need on a trip.
The price of the Dacia Jogger makes it a great bet with an ECO label
The rise of emission regulations and the appearance of LEZs in Spain will trigger buyers’ search for cars with environmental labels. The Zero label is out of reach for many, but the Dacia ECO is a game changer.
The Jogger Hybrid 140 will be available from 24,450 euros in the Expression edition and for 25,800 euros you will have the SL Extreme with 7 seats. Ease of parking, entrance to environments such as Madrid Central…
In short, the Jogger Hybrid 140 test revealed a sincere car that bets on its qualities against the competition, without pretending to be what it is not. This is how the French brand with Renault mechanics presents this great option for drivers looking for calm and space.
