Dacia’s New C-Segment Contender: Not Quite an SUV, But Maybe That’s a Plus

Dacia is planning to strengthen its foothold in Europe with a new C-segment model set to debut slightly above the Jogger crossover wagon. The project, known internally as C-Neo, aims to expand on the success of its flagship Bigster.

The new release is a station wagon that combines practicality with off-road style elements, similar to the Sandero Stepway line. Essentially, this novelty will be executed akin to the Lada Vesta SW Cross. As confirmed by Dacia’s Sales Head, Frank Marotte, the vehicle will appear ‘attractive and rugged’, though it will not become a full-fledged crossover. The wagon will have better aerodynamics than a crossover, and its mass will be lighter.

Unfortunately, dense camouflage does not allow the details to be examined, but it is likely that the car will be designed in the spirit of last year’s updated Dacia Logan and Sandero. The C-Neo is based on the CMF-B platform, which is also the foundation of the Lada Iskra in a localized and simplified version. A wide range of power units is expected: gasoline engines, LPG versions, as well as ‘mild’ and full hybrids based on a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine.

The main competitors of the novelty will be the Skoda Octavia Combi, Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, and Hyundai i30 Tourer. The official premiere and details are expected in the coming months.