Dacia Jogger review

Remarkably, fun. The Jogger is an engaging car to drive, thanks to the effort that Dacia has made to keep it light. It’s all very clever – a lower weight means a smaller engine does the same job, and it gives some breathing space for a more generous spec sheet, at least by the company’s usual standards.

What are my engine options?

UK buyers have a choice between a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a six-speed manual, and now a hybrid 1.8-litre four-cylinder car (that replaces the old 1.6-litre version) with two electric motors, a small self-charging battery and a six-speed auto.

The 1.0-litre develops 108bhp and is good for 47mpg on paper, while that 1.8-litre hybrid manages 153bhp and 61mpg – we discovered it’s really, really easy to match this claim.

The acceleration must be glacial?

We'll be honest, the 11.2 seconds it takes the 1.0 to cover 0–62mph is pretty leisurely, but a seven-seater at this price point had to come with some compromises, right? The sportier and more frugal option is the hybrid car, which uses its extra cylinder and e-motors to knock that dash down to 9.0s.

The extra oomph is welcome of course, but as is often the way with hybrids, heavy use of the accelerator can mean a lot of unwelcome noise inside the cabin. Still, it’s a super easy drivetrain to get along with: the tiny battery self charges through brake energy or via the engine when required, and in EV-only mode it’s supremely quiet.

So the hybrid’s the one to go for?

Interesting. The cheap base car is really perfectly fine and well suited to its no-nonsense brief, and because it’s a really mechanical setup – petrol engine, manual gearbox, FWD – we’d err towards that.

But the economy of the hybrid and its additional power is welcome, even if sometimes the calibration between engine, e-power and gearbox feels a little off. Like subtitles that kick in a sentence or so later, if you get what we mean. Noisy bursts in volume are the norm even in mild acceleration.

What's the handling like?

Because of its lightness of touch and keen steering, the Jogger feels sharp and proactive. It rides smoothly because there’s less sprung weight and the 1.0-litre 3cyl engine is perky and willing, the car eager away from a standstill. Even when fully laden with people and things.

As the heavier of the two the hybrid doesn’t feel as agile, but it’s still fun to chuck around and despite being a family chariot, is up for a bit of a giggle. Assuming your kids/pets are a) asleep, or b) somewhere else.