Dacia hits the mark when it comes to value for money, around since 1968; however it really took off when it was relaunched in 2004 across Europe and key to its success in company with attractive pricing has been reliable cars. Today Dacia is on sale in 44 countries and more than 10 million have been sold since Renault came on the scene.
Now in order to strengthen its place in the busy C sector of the market, enter the Striker. This is a new multi energy crossover with the dynamism of an estate, the practical nature of a hatchback and the all-important ground clearance of an SUV and I need not stress just how popular SUV type vehicles are. This Dacia has appeal in all of these three key areas and it is based on the Renault Group’s CMF-B platform Exterior styling is robust with dynamic lines and the front end is complimented by the company’s new daytime running lights. There has been particular attention to design details, including a distinctive front door animation and a glossy black rear link between the lamps. Dacia intends to make electrified mobility accessible in the sector of the market where Striker is and its purposeful design is a new departure for the company.
Like so many manufacturers who have introduced and who intend to further their enhance EV ranges; Dacia will launch four new EVs before 2030 and later this year they will introduce a new EV A segment model built on the Renault Group’s RGEV small platform; this new model will be manufactured in Europe and development has taken a mere 16 months. According to Dacia they will expend electrification across the entire range, they aim to have two thirds of their range to be electrified in the not too distant future. Like other European carmakers Dacia is all too aware of the ever increasing number of Chinese car brands entering the European arena, not only EVs, but also hybrids. They have one advantage, if they can continue to offer value for money and provide choice and well specified models they can face any challenge. I have made it my business to chat with a number of Dacia owners and apart from value, reliability has been strong; another key factor in the purchase of a new set of wheels.
Ian Lynas