Family Car of the Year 2022: Dacia Jogger
The Dacia Jogger is the 2022 Auto Express Family Car of the Year, with the Cupra Born and Skoda Octavia commended
Is it an SUV? Is it an MPV? Is it an estate car? Amazingly, the Jogger is all of those things – and it’s also our Family Car of the Year. A full seven-seater that costs the same to buy and run as a supermini, the roomiest model from the value-focused brand is also robustly built, good to drive and packed with all the kit you’ll ever need.
Based on a stretched version of the CMF-B platform that also underpins the supermini class-winning Renault Clio, the Jogger offers unrivalled versatility. There’s more room in the third-row seats than you get in many larger and more expensive SUV rivals, while removing them frees up an estate car-beating 699 litres of boot space. Lower all the rear seats and the Dacia doubles up as a removal van, with a vast 1,809 litres of space to play with.
Moreover, the Jogger feels like it’s been designed from the inside out and with family life front and centre. There are numerous storage spaces, fold-out picnic tables for those in the second row, and large windows that give a great view out.
It’s also robustly built, user-friendly and features plenty of useful tech, including an easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment set-up. And while the Jogger isn’t exactly a handsome car, its high-riding stance, chunky body cladding and boxy proportions are distinctive.
Light controls and soft suspension mean that the Dacia offers an easy-going and relaxing drive. Yet it also feels composed and sharp enough in corners, while the thrummy three-cylinder petrol motor is a perky and efficient performer.
Our choice
Dacia Jogger TCe 110 Expression (£17,945)
The Jogger’s appeal comes from its value; it’s hard to find another new seven-seater on sale today for less than twice the price. The mid-spec Expression trim has all the kit you really need, and on a four-year PCP deal, it’s possible to jump into one for £257 per month – with a tiny deposit of the same amount.
Commended
Cupra’s first dedicated all-electric offering has proved to be a big hit. Based on the same MEB platform as the VW ID.3, the stylish Spanish model adds greater kerb appeal and a slightly sportier driving experience, without sacrificing comfort or practicality. There’s a range of motor and battery options, with the largest 77kWh model serving up an impressive claimed range of 340 miles.
The Skoda’s winning streak has come to an end, but the Octavia remains a great family car choice. Few rivals are as roomy or comfortable, while the interior now mixes practicality with premium appeal. It’s also bursting with cutting-edge tech, while on the road the car mixes comfort and composure effortlessly. The availability of a plug-in powertrain only enhances its appeal.
The 2022 New Car Awards are brought to you in association with Hankook tyres
New Car Awards 2022: the winners
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