Just over a decade ago, Dacia was considered the poor man's Renault, but over the years, Romanians have proven through hard work that this is no longer the case. The latest redesign of the Sandero, Jogger and Logan models only further confirms this.
Renault's decision to take over Dacia in the late 1990s proved to be a huge success. The Romanian manufacturer, once the laughing stock of the automotive industry for its substandard build quality and outdated technologies, has seen a remarkable rise in recent decades. The Sandero was the best-selling car in Europe in 2024 and has been the leader among physical buyers since 2017. Almost 310.000 drivers bought it last year alone. Despite the scarce competition in this price range, Dacia has no intention of resting on its laurels – for 2026 it has prepared a redesign of the Sandero and Sandero Stepway models, as well as the Logan and Jogger. All four get redesigned headlights and a redesigned grille that gives the impression of a single surface.
At the rear, a “pixel” effect is now noticeable in the LED lights, with the Jogger’s light signature still rising upwards, where parallels can be drawn with some Volvo models. The Sandero Stepway has a new matt black strip with the brand logo printed on it, but it is barely noticeable – as if Dacia is saying goodbye to classic emblems. Other exterior innovations include new rims and decorative covers for the basic versions, which still ride on steel rims – but somewhere it is necessary to save. Standard equipment now also includes a fin-shaped roof antenna, while the color palette brings two new options: amber yellow and sand.
Although Dacia remains one of the most affordable cars in Europe, it doesn't skimp on the equipment. All four models now offer a larger, 10-inch central screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Inductive phone charging, automatic headlights, a 360-degree camera and electrically folding mirrors are also available. While many of the features are part of optional packages, Dacia is showing that there is room for comfort and modern solutions even in this class. The YouClip accessory system allows you to attach various accessories, from phone holders to hangers - it can be found on the back of the center console, the trunk lid or inside the luggage compartment, depending on the model.
The biggest innovation is hidden under the hood of the Stepway and Jogger – a hybrid powertrain that combines a naturally aspirated 1,8-liter gasoline engine, two electric motors, a 1,4 kWh battery and an automatic transmission with four gears for the internal combustion engine and two for the electric drive. The total power is 155 hp and 170 Nm of torque, and the cars always start in electric mode, as this is not possible due to the absence of a physical multi-plate clutch or even a torque converter in the transmission. Dacia claims that up to 80% of city driving can be done without starting the gasoline engine. The Jogger is already available with this drive, and the Stepway will be the first electrified Sandero to receive it at the end of next year. For more economical buyers, gas (LPG) engines remain available, which with a 1,2-liter three-cylinder and 120 hp allow a range of up to 1.480 kilometers. In addition, petrol versions with 65, 100 or 110 hp are also available. Dacia's success thus proves once again that there is always room for simple, affordable cars - even in an era of ever-larger and consequently ever-more expensive crossovers.
