As inflation hits our pockets, we all complain about the cost of living crisis. So I’m happy to tell you about the Dacia Jogger – which might cheer you up a bit.
There’s a lot to like about this highly flexible and practical seven-seater, which has been designed for both hard-working but tight 21st century families on a tight budget and those with active outdoor lifestyles.
Some 8,000 have already been sold in the UK since launching last year, and I just took one for an extended and enjoyable spin.
Dacia is the Romanian budget arm of the French auto giant Renault, and its value for money, no-frills vehicles (unless you want to add them) are a joy to drive and fill the price gap that Skoda left before it got all swanky.
Prices for the seven-seat Jogger range start at a paltry £18,295 for the 1.0-litre 109PS TCe 110 six-speed petrol engine in the Essential trim. I drove the mid-range Expression, from £18,444. But once tempted, 70 per cent of buyers trade in for the top-spec Extreme with all the trimmings, from £20,585.
Value for money: The Dacia Jogger is spacious and good looking
And if you want to push the boat out, there’s the premium self-charging hybrid 140, which pairs a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors. It costs from £22,995 and offers 56.5mpg fuel economy.
The Jogger has a stylish appearance and plenty of space inside. The interior is simple but smart, with a clear, smart layout. Even with all seven seats in place, you can still do a surprising amount of shopping.
Dacia is the budget Romanian arm of French car giant Renault, and its great value, no-frills cars are a joy to drive
The interior is simple but smart, with a clear, smart layout
Prices for the seven-seat Jogger range start at an economical £18,295 for the 1.0-litre 109PS TCe 110 six-speed petrol engine in the Essential trim
Even with all seven seats in place, you can still do a surprising amount of shopping
It is relatively easy to get into the generous two seats in the back by folding the front seats. These can be removed and stored in special bags.
The Jogger is also easy and fun to ride. Riding on 16-inch wheels, my TCe 110 accelerates from rest to 100 km/h in 11.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 184 km/h.
It’s well stocked with equipment, including reversing camera, blind spot alert, cruise control, speed limiter and parking sensors. However, for satellite navigation, you have to rely on your smartphone, which is only available in the top-of-the-range Extreme trim.
The Duke of Richmond presented the Issigonis Trophy
Goodwood’s Duke of Richmond, who presides over one of Britain’s biggest motoring events, has won Autocar magazine’s Issigonis Trophy at the 2023 Autocar Awards at Silverstone.
It is named after the inventor of the Mini, Sir Alec Issigonis, and is awarded to individuals who “have made a historically significant contribution to one of the world’s greatest industries.”
Grand prize: Goodwood’s Duke of Richmond, who presides over one of Britain’s biggest motoring events, has been awarded Autocar magazine’s Issigonis Trophy
The timing couldn’t have been better as 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Goodwood Motor Circuit; the 30th Anniversary of the Festival of Speed (July 13-16); and 25 years since both the Goodwood Revival (September 8-10) and the formation of the Goodwood Road Racing Club.
The Duke said: ‘At Goodwood we take great pride in our events. Even as we celebrate 75 years of motorsport at Goodwood, we look ahead to the next 75 years and beyond.”
UK used car market grows 4.1% in Q1
If you are looking for a used car, there is plenty of choice.
The used car market in the UK grew by 4.1 percent in the first quarter of this year.
According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT), more than 1.84 million used cars were sold in the first three months of the year.
Plenty of choice: the used car market in the United Kingdom grew by 4.1 percent in the first quarter of this year
Pure electric vehicles grew the fastest, with sales skyrocketing 56.5 percent, though they still represent only 1.4 percent of the market.
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales increased 13.9 percent, while hybrid sales increased 38.2 percent. But gasoline and diesel cars still accounted for 95 percent of the market, though sales were down 1.2 percentage points from last year.
Superminis remained the most popular vehicle type. Best sellers were the Ford Fiesta, pictured, Vauxhall Corsa and VW Golf.
The most sought-after car colors were gloomy black, gray, blue and silver.
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