Dacia Jogger undergoes camper evaluation in the trial phase
With the Dacia Jogger, you get an incredibly affordable family vehicle that can even be transformed into a makeshift camper using Dacia's specific camping accessories at a reasonable price. However, it has certain flaws.
For many, the dream of a fully-fledged motorhome is way too expensive if they don't desire a permanent construction site. The Jogger offers a budget-friendly alternative with its sleeping package. This allows the estate car's rear to be converted into a temporary sleeping quarters in just a few minutes when required. The design is smart and provides an instant bed for two people when necessary. However, as a camper, this makeshift solution is merely a moderately compelling compromise, particularly when a rear tent is installed.
Dacia provides various camping accessories for the Jogger under its accessories program. The €1650 sleeping package, comprising a wooden box and a folding mattress, turns the Jogger into a modestly equipped camper. A €300 privacy package shields against unwanted glances and sunlight. This can be added with a €560 rear tent that covers the open rear hatch and offers a substantial living space, as well as an extra inner tent for three people when combined with the Jogger. In total, it can accommodate up to five sleepers.
Our test vehicle also featured a large roof box (€430) and an aluminum roof rack for €237. Those who opt for this camper and leisure equipment will need to shell out an additional €3000. Regardless, this vehicle will be adequately equipped for a camping trip with family and friends. As a family of three, we chose such a car with all the mentioned accessories for a weekend camping trip. There were no space issues, even with the large roof box and the rear bench occupied by just one person, there was more than enough storage space for plenty of luggage, despite the wooden box reducing the trunk space significantly.
From wooden box to bed frame
The campsite setup is generously proportioned. With a few simple steps, the wooden box can be transformed into a bed frame that stretches from the folded rear seat backrest to the front seat backrests. The construction, securely connected to the cargo area tie-downs, is solid and precise. A three-piece foam mattress is then placed on top - the approximately 1.90 x 1.30 meter sleeping area is ready. We also installed the precise black fabric and flexible metal frame privacy inserts into all the Jogger's windows, which took a few minutes.
Setting up the rear tent was more complex. When erected, it's draped over the open rear hatch, and the tent fabric is further secured to the Jogger using straps, which can sometimes be tricky. The extensive space under the tent fabric and rear hatch is convenient. For example, it can provide shelter from rain or allow cooking. A board that folds out of the wooden sleeping box functions as a cooking and dining table. There is also a protected passage between the bed in the Jogger and the inner tent, which can be opened in both directions.
Tent spacious, but quality lacking
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The tent is quite roomy, offering a spacious interior while maintaining a compact packed size. However, the quality of the fabric is questionable. The outer material feels flimsy and synthetic, and the zippers and pegs are far from strong. On the first morning, as the sun rose, it became uncomfortably hot inside the tent. Although opening both entrances provided some temporary relief, the heat was unbearable in the best summer weather. We couldn't test its waterproofing as it didn't rain.
Even in the Dacia, with the tailgate open, it quickly became too warm for our son. Furthermore, he was bothered by numerous mosquito bites as the open tailgate does not offer the same level of protection as the inner tent's mosquito netting. He was, however, delighted with the mattress.
To fetch pastries in the morning, we had to disconnect the tent from the car and reconfigure the rear bed, which was somewhat inconvenient. For the second night, we didn't connect the two sleeping quarters, allowing us to sleep in the Jogger protected from mosquitoes, but the heat problem worsened in the morning sun. The fabric of the connecting piece hung limply from the tent.
Investing in high-quality camping gear
After the weekend, we decided that the money spent on the Jogger's camping accessories would be better invested in high-quality, standalone camping gear. This way, the car can be used spontaneously and flexibly as needed.
The Dacia Jogger, spanning more than 4.5 meters in length, is a suitable choice for many everyday scenarios and as a vacation car, thanks to its spacious interior and large trunk. With the rear seats folded and no sleep package installed, the trunk can hold more than 1800 liters.
Our test car was powered by a 74 kW/101 PS strong LPG-Otto engine, offering a range of over 1000 kilometers with two tanks for autogas and gasoline. We drove exclusively on gasoline, with fuel costs of around €9 per 100 kilometers at favorable prices.
Extremely affordable
When camping, you often meet neighbors, and many were intrigued by our unique camper setup and its costs. The Jogger always garnered surprised looks. Our top-spec Extreme+ model costs around €21,000, making it extremely affordable, especially considering its included features. Unlike older Dacias, the Jogger no longer feels entirely spartan and cheap.
Dacia Jogger 5-seater TCe 100 Eco-G - Tech Features
- Upcoming, 5-passenger compact minivan
- Length: 4.55 meters, Width: 1.78 meters, Height: 1.67 meters, Wheelbase: 2.90 meters, Cargo space: 607-1819 liters
- 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine, 75 kW/101 hp, peak torque: 160/170 Nm at 2900-3500 rpm, 6-speed manual transmission, Front-wheel drive
- 0-100 km/h: 12.3/12.5 s, Max speed: 180 km/h
- Average fuel consumption: 6.0 l (Gas), 7.7 l (Autogas), CO2 emissions: 135-118 g/km, Emission standard: Euro 6d, Test consumption: 9.0 liters LPG
- Price: starting at 17,900 Euro
- Test car price: 21,250 Euro (no camping gear included)
But, there are trade-offs at this price point. The seats lack comfort for long-distance journeys, the suspension is a bit unresponsive, and there are audible sounds and vibrations. You get accustomed to these drawbacks. However, after a two-week test drive, we observed a considerable improvement when switching to a family-oriented electric SUV with air suspension.
Despite the dream of a fully-fledged motorhome being too expensive for some, the Dacia Jogger offers an affordable alternative with its sleeping package. This transformation allows the estate car's rear to function as a temporary sleeping quarters, turning it into a budget-friendly motor home or motor home alternative. Those who prefer a more traditional motor home experience could consider investing in high-quality camping gear instead, allowing the Jogger to be used flexibly and spontaneously.
