The Dacia Striker is the sensible, cheap family estate we didn't expect to love
An estate, not an SUV, and for once that's the whole point
Now this is refreshing. While almost every rival keeps pumping out taller, heavier SUVs, Dacia has gone the other way with the new Striker, a genuine family estate that promises the space you actually need without the bulk, and at a price that undercuts nearly everything. As committed estate lovers, we are all for it.
The best of three worlds
Dacia calls the Striker the best of all three worlds, combining the robustness of an SUV, the versatility of an estate and the efficiency of a saloon. It measures 4.62 m long but stands just 1.53 m tall, notably lower than a typical C-segment SUV, which helps efficiency while keeping a useful 19 to 20 cm of ground clearance. The design mixes horizontal, aerodynamic upper lines with more rugged vertical SUV cues lower down, topped off with a new T-shaped LED signature at all four corners and fresh colours like Frost Green and Cosmic Blue.
Proper practicality
This is where an estate earns its keep. The Striker offers a 600-litre boot, seating for five, and trim levels that flex to suit: the rugged Extreme adds washable upholstery, Starkle body protection and 4x4 capability for active, outdoorsy buyers, while the Journey focuses on comfort with power-adjustable seats, a heated steering wheel and a powered tailgate. Downhill speed control is standard across the range. It is refreshingly honest, useful family transport, in the same practical spirit as the Lynk & Co 07 GT shooting brake, just far cheaper.
Electrified, and even LPG
Under the skin, Dacia keeps things pragmatic with a multi-energy line-up. There is a 140 hp mild-hybrid version that runs on LPG as well as petrol for low running costs, a 155 hp full self-charging hybrid using a 1.8-litre engine with dual electric motors and a small battery, and a hybrid 4x4 with an added rear motor for light off-road ability. No plug-in fuss, no range anxiety, just efficient, affordable, everyday powertrains, exactly the kind of sensible thinking that has made Dacia so successful.
Price and when you can get one
The headline, as ever with Dacia, is the price: the Striker starts at under 25,000 euro, which for a spacious, electrified family estate is remarkable value. It slots in alongside the larger Bigster as part of Dacia's push into the C-segment, and takes clear aim at the likes of the Skoda Octavia Combi. It goes on sale in Belgium and the Netherlands late in 2026.
AutoNext Take
We really like the thinking here. In a market obsessed with jacked-up SUVs, Dacia building a low, light, spacious estate and charging less than 25,000 euro for it feels almost rebellious, and it is exactly the kind of honest, no-nonsense car we wish more brands made. A big boot, sensible hybrid and LPG options and a rock-bottom price is a recipe that should sell by the boatload, especially with fast-rising Chinese value rivals like the Leapmotor B03X turning up the pressure. And any brand championing the humble estate earns bonus points from us, whether it is a bargain family hauler like this or a full-blown racer like BMW's M3 Touring 24H. Long live the wagon.
