New Dacia ‘C-Neo’ family hatch will aim to beat Skoda Octavia on value
Dacia will expand its range in the coming years while retaining a focus on affordability
2024 promises to be a big year for Dacia with the launch of the new second-generation Duster and further details on the flagship Bigster SUV model - splitting the two however will be an all-new car, codenamed ‘C-Neo’.
Not much is known about Dacia’s latest model, but we don’t expect it to join the range until 2026 - after the upcoming Bigster has launched. In terms of size and pricing, the C-Neo is expected to sit between the Duster and Bigster as an alternative to the Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra.
The production ‘C-Neo’ (it will take on a different name at launch) will most likely utilise an internal-combustion engine. A softening of the Euro 7 emissions regulations that were due to come into force by 2025 and have now been pushed back two years will certainly help Dacia’s bid to launch a new ICE car around that time - although we still expect the C-Neo to comply with Euro 7 emission regulations. CEO of Dacia’s parent company Renault, Luca de Meo, has previously warned that Euro 7 could add thousands of euros to the price of a car and has been vocal in his opposition to the incoming emissions rules, stating “Everybody is feeling that Euro 7 is not what we need now; we have other things to do.”
The CMF-B architecture that underpins a variety of Dacia and Renault models seems the most obvious choice. With this platform options currently available include a mild-hybrid, a hybrid and even a bi-fuel LPG powertrain - which will find its way into the latest Duster in some markets. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine from Renault seems the most likely, given it’s already used in the Duster and Bigster.
While the C-Neo will sit between the Duster and Bigster in terms of price (circa £25,000), it will bring a new shape to the Dacia range. It’ll be sleeker than the Duster SUV but will still offer family hatchback-levels of practicality to act as a close rival to the Skoda Octavia.
Dacia has regularly used words like ‘robust’ and ‘rugged’ to describe its recent design direction, with ‘adventurous colours’ like Dusty Khaki forming the basis of the brand’s look. While the C-Neo won’t have the off-road ability of the Duster or Bigster due to its hatchback bodystyle, it could receive chunky wheelarch cladding and pronounced bumpers - design details that have become commonplace across Dacia’s range.
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