Dacia’s 2026 Product Offensive: More Technology, More “Value”, and Finally a 4x4 Hybrid

Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Jogger: a facelift in mentality, not just in looks

Jogger gets Hybrid 155 (and that is more than a number on the tailgate)

The Jogger receives a new Hybrid 155 powertrain with a 1.8 petrol engine, an electric motor, starter/generator and a 1.4 kWh battery, coupled to a smart automatic transmission with multiple ratios for both combustion and electric drive. More important than the technical rundown: Dacia claims 10% lower consumption and CO₂ compared to the previous Hybrid 140, and in the city the Jogger could drive fully electric up to 80% of the time (and it starts in electric mode by default).

AutoNext Take: this is exactly the kind of hybrid that suits Dacia. Not “sporty”, but efficient, logical and family-proof. The only thing I am curious about: how this holds up in reality at motorway speed with a full load (and whether the software really stays consistently smart).

Eco-G 120 automatic: LPG + automatic, finally without excuses

Dacia is rolling out a revised 1.2 three-cylinder turbo on petrol/LPG with 120 hp, and for the first time pairs it with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic (manual remains the alternative). Unique detail: paddle shifters on the steering wheel too. On top of that, the LPG tanks grow larger, with a claimed +20% range on LPG and total ranges that Dacia even pushes towards 1,590 km (Sandero) on petrol + LPG combined.

AutoNext Take: this is “quietly brilliant”. LPG is still one of the most rational ways to drive cheaply, and the automatic has until now been the Achilles’ heel for many buyers. If Dacia calibrates this neatly (smooth, not jerky, and reliable), this is a real sweet spot for Europe.

Design & interior: new light signature, Starkle® and a more modern cockpit

The Sandero family gets a new LED light signature with an inverted “T”, and Stepway/Jogger get extra protective panels in Starkle®: a rough, unpainted material with 20% recycled plastic that should be less prone to scratching and claims a lower CO₂ footprint. Inside there is, among other things, a new infotainment system with a 10-inch screen, connected navigation, wireless charging and a revised 7-inch digital instrument cluster.

AutoNext Take: Dacia finally understands that “budget” should no longer feel like “basic”. If you buy rationally today, you still want it to feel modern, especially infotainment and safety.

Duster & Bigster: Hybrid-G 150 4x4 is the real headline

This is where it gets truly interesting: Dacia introduces the Hybrid-G 150 4x4 for Duster and Bigster, a combination of hybrid technology, petrol/LPG and four-wheel drive, and Dacia itself calls it a world first. The essentials:

• at the front a 1.2 48V mild-hybrid petrol engine (140 hp)

• at the rear an electric motor (31 hp) that drives the rear axle

• system output 154 hp

• dual-clutch automatic + paddles

• at the rear a two-speed transmission and a disconnectable rear axle to reduce losses

• up to 60% electric driving in city traffic

Dacia also communicates consumption and CO₂ figures, plus the LPG cost advantage, and even a reference recommended price per litre with a reference date.

AutoNext Take (with a small caveat):
This is a typical Dacia moment: no 400 hp, but a powertrain that is absurdly logical on paper for Europe. Affordable driving (LPG), extra traction (4x4) and yet lower emissions/consumption through electrification.

But… this is also the point where simplicity can tip over into complexity. Two fuels, hybrid logic, rear-axle electric motor, disconnection, two-speed rear transmission, if all of this works smoothly, it is genius. If the calibration feels “hesitant” (as with some hybrids), it suddenly feels less Dacia. I expect Dacia to tune this conservatively and reliably, but the first driving impressions will be decisive here.

Dacia Spring: larger LFP battery, more power and smarter aerodynamics

The Spring gets a new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery of 24.3 kWh with cell-to-pack, plus structural reinforcements and improved weight distribution. In addition: a stabiliser bar on all versions for the first time, aerodynamic optimisations underneath and a new spoiler. Dacia claims a clearly better CdA value and therefore an impact on range.

The engines also change: 70 hp and 100 hp replace the old 45/65 hp, with more punch between 80–120 km/h. Consumption drops to 12.4 kWh/100 km (claim: 9% lower) and range remains up to 225 km WLTP (with 15-inch wheels).

AutoNext Take: this is the Spring you actually already wanted: still simple, but finally less “city-only”. More mid-range punch and better stability matter far more for this type of EV than another 30 km WLTP.

InNature & YouClip: accessories that are finally not “gimmicky”

Dacia expands InNature with a 3x3m awning (40% recycled material) for models with roof rails, and YouClip gets, among other things, a glasses case, shopping bag (100% recycled) and extra attachment points (up to six on the Jogger).

AutoNext Take: accessories are often margin products, but Dacia handles it cleverly: functional, affordable, and in line with how their customers actually use the cars.

Conclusion: Dacia plays 2026 perfectly to its European strength

If you put it all together, this offensive is not a “revolution”, but a very targeted upgrade of Dacia’s formula: more efficiency, more usability, more of a modern feel without losing the price story. The Hybrid-G 150 4x4 is, for me, the most interesting move, because it is a genuine Dacia solution to a typical European problem: affordable driving, with grip and versatility too.