Dacia Jogger - Engines, performance and drive
The Dacia Jogger’s 1.0-litre petrol engine is solid enough, while a more efficient hybrid power is available
The Dacia Jogger uses a version of the familiar Renault-Nissan CMF-B platform that forms the basis of the smaller Dacia Sandero and Renault Clio. At just 1,200kg, the Jogger is a lightweight in the seven-seater market. The big, bloated SUVs that offer the same flexibility for carrying more passengers are around 600-700kg heavier, and you often feel every kilo – particularly at lower speeds. In contrast, the Jogger feels more agile and manoeuvrable.
With its 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine delivering just 108bhp, the regular Jogger isn’t a particularly quick car, but its 200Nm of torque is delivered low down the rev range, so it gets off the line rapidly enough and can hold its own around town. The six-speed manual gearbox that comes as standard with the 1.0-litre model works well, and gives the Jogger decent cruising ability. The Hybrid 140 feels a little quicker at low speeds thanks to its electric motor, and it sets off in electric mode from a stop, making it more refined in traffic than the petrol version.
|
Model |
Power |
0-62mph |
Top speed |
|
Jogger 1.0 TCe 110 Essential |
108bhp |
11.2 seconds |
108mph |
|
Jogger 1.6 Hybrid 140 Expression |
138bhp |
10.1 seconds |
106mph |
In town
The nimble supermini character of its Clio heritage is evident once behind the wheel of the Jogger, because it doesn’t feel too daunting to pilot around town or in more built-up areas – not something that can be said about a lot of seven-seat family cars. The steering isn’t too heavy, and everything feels easy to control.
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The Dacia Jogger Hybrid 140 is at its best in town as you always pull away in EV mode, and the electric motors provide enough power to drive smoothly and quietly at lower speeds. There’s a slightly inconsistent feel to the brake pedal as the hybrid system juggles between the regenerative braking system and the mechanical brakes, so it’s worthwhile utilising the 'B' mode on the gear lever that increases the braking force of the regenerative braking system when you lift off the throttle, meaning you’ll have to touch the brake pedal less often. It also helps keep the small 1.2kWh battery topped up, which only helps improve your efficiency further.
On A- and B-roads
Out of town, the Jogger provides a comfortable ride, and its steering is light but pleasingly consistent in the bends. You’ll need to work the 1.0-litre a little to maintain your speed, while the Hybrid 140 feels a little punchier thanks to the assistance of its electric motor.
If the battery does start running low on juice, or you go beyond 43mph, the impressive silence of the Jogger Hybrid in EV mode is interrupted by the 1.6-litre petrol engine kicking in. There's no perceivable judder as the system juggles petrol and electric power, but there is a noticeable drone from under the bonnet.
On the motorway
Taking the seven-seater up to higher speeds on the motorway increases wind noise from around the door mirrors, and some tyre roar. The engines generally settle into the background at speed.
0-62mph acceleration and top speed
The 1.0-litre petrol Jogger is able to accelerate from 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds, which is reasonable enough, although when fully laden, you might find this time a little optimistic. Other seven-seat models, such as the Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq, are able to post 0-62mph times of well under 10 seconds, but the obvious question here is how much you’re willing to pay for that extra oomph.
Meanwhile, the 138bhp Jogger Hybrid 140 offers a little extra performance; 0-62mph takes 10.1 seconds, with its extra slug of torque helping it along.
