Dacia’s Ambitious Leap: Facing Giants with the C-Neo

The next chapter in Dacia’s story is the new compact crossover-wagon, set to position itself above the Jogger in the lineup, targeting one of the strongest players in the European market-Skoda Octavia Combi. Known under the codename Dacia C-Neo, the vehicle was spotted testing on the roads of Southern Europe under heavy camouflage.

Judging by the prototype, the model is close to its production look, maintaining classic wagon proportions. At the front are angular headlights and a massive lower bumper. Small wheel arch extensions suggest the presence of protective cladding, while a slightly raised ride height indicates this will indeed be a cross-wagon akin to the Lada Vesta SW Cross. A long rear overhang and the shape of the tailgate hint at a large trunk capacity.

Unlike the Jogger, which features a seven-seat configuration, the C-Neo is likely to remain five-doored. Inside, expectations include the YouClip attachment system, durable seat materials, and a physical button for disabling driver assistance systems. The novelty is based on the CMF-B platform (also used in a simplified version for the Lada Iskra). The engine range will include petrol and gas engines, ‘mild’ and traditional hybrid systems, based on a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder Renault engine.

In addition to the Skoda Octavia Combi, the new Dacia wagon will compete with the VW Golf Variant, Seat Leon ST, Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, and Hyundai i30 Tourer. None of these models currently offer a cross-version. The official premiere of the new Dacia wagon is expected in the second half of 2026.