Strict emission limits mean that electrification is making its way into practically every segment of the automotive industry, even under the hoods of cars where no one would have expected it just a few years ago. Even Dacia models are now hybrids, and we tested the very first one equipped with a hybrid powertrain. During our editorial test, we examined how the hybrid Jogger drives.
First Hybrid, Familiar Powertrain
The Dacia Jogger initially entered the market with purely combustion-powered engines. It offered petrol-only versions as well as versions combining petrol and LPG. Some time later, a hybrid version was introduced. This is not only the most powerful but also the most economical Jogger you can buy.
The hybrid powertrain in this case is entirely self-sufficient. It’s a full hybrid that manages electric energy independently. There’s no need to plug it into a socket—it charges itself while driving, either by starting the combustion engine or through regenerative braking. In simple terms, driving the hybrid Dacia Jogger is just like driving a regular petrol version, as the only thing you need to do is refuel with petrol.
Proven Hybrid System
The hybrid system is not entirely new but rather one that Renault has been installing in its models for some time. It can be found in vehicles like the hybrid Clio, Arkana, and others. It combines a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine (with indirect fuel injection) with an electric motor and a starter/generator. This system is paired with a multi-mode automatic transmission featuring four gears for the petrol engine and two gears for the electric motor. Energy is stored in a traction battery with a capacity of 1.2 kWh.
The combined power output of the system is 104 kW (140 hp), with a peak torque of 250 Nm. According to the technical specifications, the top speed is 167 km/h, and the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in exactly ten seconds.
Spacious and Simple
The Dacia Jogger is quite a large car, although photos might not fully convey its size. Below is a comparison with the Škoda Octavia, a model familiar to most people. Despite being significantly shorter, the Jogger offers a notably larger boot. It can also be a seven-seater. Whether for family or work, the Jogger handles its role effortlessly, providing ample space for passengers in both the front and rear seats.
| Model | Dacia Jogger (2024) | Škoda Octavia Combi (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,547 mm | 4,698 mm |
| Width | 1,848 mm | 1,829 mm |
| Height | 1,674 mm | 1,468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,897 mm | 2,686 mm |
| Boot Volume | 829 liters | 640 liters |
Inside the cabin, it’s clear that this is a car designed to offer “the most value for money.” The plastics and upholstery are basic but functional. The dashboard is dominated by a multimedia display, yet Dacia has retained important physical buttons. Rotary dials with integrated displays control the air conditioning and heating—prioritizing simplicity above all.
Driving
Pressing the start button often doesn’t seem to do much because the car starts in electric mode. You simply shift the mechanical automatic gear selector into drive, and off you go. The multi-mode transmission performs beautifully in urban environments, offering smooth starts and gear changes. Despite lacking traditional synchronizers, the transmission manages gear shifts by using the electric motor to match engine speeds.
The hybrid Jogger is best suited for calm driving. At a leisurely pace, everything works seamlessly. However, if you push it harder, you’ll notice that this isn’t its preferred driving style. Pressing the accelerator aggressively makes the transmission slower and more hesitant, as gear changes take longer due to the lack of synchronizers. The engine will also rev loudly in such situations.
The hybrid Jogger is also not fond of fast highway driving, particularly at speeds above the Czech speed limit. At these speeds, it becomes noisy, and gear changes slow down further, especially when accelerating after being slowed down by traffic. A cruise control system is available, so you don’t need to keep your foot on the pedal constantly.
Fuel Consumption and Final Thoughts
In urban settings, the hybrid Jogger works excellently. The combustion engine is often off or idling, as the electric motor does much of the work. The transition between electric and petrol power is smooth and well-tuned. The car also offers excellent responsiveness, with immediate acceleration thanks to the electric motor.
Fuel consumption is surprisingly favorable, even in winter. In city driving, we achieved figures starting at just 5 liters per 100 km. On highways, consumption increased slightly, but we still managed around 6.5 liters per 100 km at speeds of 130–140 km/h. With a 50-liter fuel tank, refueling won’t be a frequent occurrence.
The Dacia Jogger Hybrid 140 is unlikely to make up a significant portion of sales in the Czech Republic. However, it’s the only Jogger model available with an automatic transmission. It’s comfortable, economical, and offers excellent interior space for passengers and cargo. On the downside, it’s not well-suited to aggressive driving or high-speed highway travel, as this reveals its slower transmission and limited refinement.
Pricing starts at CZK 425,500 for a five-seater version with the LPG engine in the Essential trim, with seven-seaters costing CZK 30,000 more. The hybrid version starts at CZK 569,000, and the tested Extreme Hybrid 140 trim begins at CZK 594,500.
Prototypes of a facelifted version of the Jogger have already been spotted on European roads, suggesting that an updated model might arrive this year or next.