Renault’s budget brand Dacia, which is on the radar for an Australian launch as household budgets contract in real terms, has launched its first electrified car at home in Europe.
It’s based on the 5+2 seat Dacia Jogger wagon, which launched with petrol and LPG options in March this year – and has since accumulated 83,000 orders in Europe.
The Jogger Hybrid 140 uses a Renault hybrid system pairing a 1.6-litre petrol with 67kW with a 37kW drive motor, a high-voltage starter-generator, and a clutchless electric gearbox with four gears coupled to the combustion engine and two gears coupled to the electric motor.
Regenerative braking (amplified with a ‘B’ transmission mode) charges the 1.2kWh battery, enabling a 40 per cent cut in urban fuel efficiency.
Dacia claims emissions of 108g/km, which equates to likely fuel consumption of about 4.5L/100km, and a WLTP range of about 900km.
The entry price of the Jogger Hybrid MPV in France is about the same as a mid-range Renault Clio or Volkswagen Polo light car, for a little context.
“The Jogger Hybrid 140 represents Dacia’s position perfectly – it is the most accessible hybrid family vehicle on the market and always offers a generous interior space as well as all the essential features,” claims vice president Lionel Jaillet.
Given budget brands such as MG and Haval from China are making huge inroads in sales in Australia on the back of sharp prices, there’s clearly an appetite for vehicles like those made by Dacia which put value first and foremost.
What do you think? We reckon a cheap hybrid runabout with a third (kid-friendly) seating row would slot in well at the bottom of the market.
MORE: Why Renault Australia wants to bring Dacia Down Under
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