FAMILY motorists who want a seven-seat folks mover would do properly to take a look at the Dacia Jogger.
It’s a extra fascinating and versatile proposition than lots of its rivals, very spacious inside and it's pleasing to drive. In widespread with different fashions from the Romanian model, the Jogger can be very competitively priced.
I not too long ago had a top-spec Excessive SE mannequin for a household journey to St Andrews from my residence south of Glasgow and it actually impressed me.
The Jogger provides a mix of property automobile practicality with baggage of room for all on board and a few rugged SUV styling to extend its kerb attraction.
From the skin, the check automobile appears to be like prepared for journey, with a daring, broad grille, protecting cladding, entrance and rear skid plates, sturdy 16in black alloys and varied black highlights.
Its readiness for out of doors actions is enhanced by progressive modular roof rails that may take something from skis to mountain bikes. Not like many different such automobiles, the 2 third-row seats aren’t only for youngsters however actually do enable adults to journey in consolation.
But even with all seats in use, the boot nonetheless provides a helpful 212 litres of space for storing, rising to 699 litres with the third-row pair folded.
Eradicating them and folding the second row ends in a whopping 2085 litres, and there are a great deal of sensible storage locations across the cabin.
Styling-wise, I appreciated the textile strip that ran throughout the sprint and on the entrance door armrests, in addition to the satin chrome detailing and soft-feel leather-based steering wheel.
There’s an eight-inch touchscreen mounted excessive on the dashboard and angled in direction of the motive force for simple entry to an array of features.
Within the Excessive SE, this infotainment set-up consists of DAB radio, wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a transparent and easy-to-use sat nav.
Different goodies embody a keyless entry card, auto lights and wipers, local weather management and heated entrance seats. Driver aids run to entrance and rear parking sensors with reversing digital camera, blind spot warning, cruise management and pace limiter and an eco mode.
There may be additionally an lively emergency braking system, hill begin help, digital stability management and an emergency name button. All-in-all, the Jogger actually was a nice place to spend time on what was a 180-mile round-trip.
Energy comes from a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine, mated to a six-speed handbook gearbox, growing 109hp. Though I by no means travelled absolutely laden, it felt fairly punchy and able to accelerating throughout the vary.
Formally, it'll journey from 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds and has a prime pace of 114mph, whereas averaging 48.7mpg, with CO2 ranges of 130g/km.
What shocked me was how nimble the Jogger felt to drive, with responsive steering and braking including to its take-off capabilities. Regardless of being a seven-seater and having a 200mm floor clearance, it didn’t behave like a big automobile.
It was straightforward to manoeuvre round city, cruised effortlessly on motorways and all the time felt properly planted on twisting nation roads, with little proof of physique roll when cornering.
Its stance additionally supplies a great view of the world round you and it's straightforward to get a snug driving place, whereas the cloth-upholstered seats are very supportive.
My check automobile was priced from simply £18,745, which I assumed made it wonderful worth for cash and ultimate for households on a restricted funds.
When Dacia launched the Jogger, it promised it might redefine the seven-seat household automobile and I feel it definitely deserves to win over many followers.