We all know what Dacia stands for. Cheap, honest, no-nonsense motoring made possible by a never ending stream of old Renault parts. But more recently, the brand has added another string to its bow: it wants to be known as a rugged, outdoorsy brand too.
And to that end, it’s kicking off 2023 with a string of announcements targeting your inner Bear Grylls. There’s a new ‘Extreme’ trim level for three of the brand’s most popular cars, as well as a new accessory that can turn the seven-seat Dacia Jogger’s rear quarters into a bedroom for two.
The new ‘Extreme’ versions of the Sandero Stepway hatchback (with its raised ride height and plastic cladding, don’t forget), the Duster SUV and the Jogger MPV-cum-estate are all new-range topping versions of their respective models. For the Sandero Stepway, it’s the first time it’s worn Dacia’s off-road Extreme branding.
What Extreme trim entails is exclusive paint – a shade called Cedar Green – as well as copper brown mirror caps, wheel logos, Dacia badging and roof bars, plus a handful more copper touches here and there, both inside and outside and depending on the model. In the case of the front-wheel-drive Sandero Stepway and Jogger, they now come with a version of the four-wheel-drive Duster’s Extended Grip feature – basically a new traction control setting for loose surfaces.
However, the Jogger arrives with a new party trick. It’s called the Sleep Pack, and it’s a new accessory that will be available in the second quarter of this year.
We’ve sort of seen it before. A prototype version of the Jogger with a modular double bed was revealed late last year with a promise of selling it in 2023. And Dacia looks set to do just that.
Dacia says the 50kg Sleep Pack takes as little as two minutes to equip, and it slots into place by removing the third row of seats. You’ll have to leave those at home, but in trade, you’ve now got a 190cm x 130cm fold out mattress. The second row folds flat to extend the mattress out to the front row of seats, while Dacia claims there’s still 60cm of headroom, so hopefully it’s not too claustrophobic.
And, you’re not entirely without space for bags and other equipment. The Sleep Pack features a 220-litre storage box, while there’s also an additional awning tent which connects to the open tailgate and features blackout blinds, if you want to open up the Jogger into a larger camper.
Dacia has not revealed how much the Sleep Pack will cost when it becomes available next year, but has teased further outdoor accessories are coming. Prices for the new Jogger Extreme, which is available now, kick off from £19,445.
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