We like the Dacia Jogger here at Business Car, it's an affordable, practical combination that's good to drive and as such was awarded 'Best Budget Car,' at last year's awards. It is now Dacia's first model to be offered with a hybrid drivetrain, leading the value
manufacturer's electrification strategy in the UK. It is a car of 'firsts' as it's their first to be offered with automatic transmission, too!

A self-charging hybrid powertrain, it's the same as that found previously in the Renault Clio, Captur and recently the Arkana. It is unusual, as the hybrid system is made up of a 1.6-litre petrol and not one, but two electric motors. 

Firstly, there's the starter-generator, which is connected to the crankshaft and replaces the starter motor, thus turning the engine over and topping up the battery. Elsewhere, there's a larger 49hp electric motor in the gearbox, which can drive the Jogger Hybrid at speeds of up to 43mph on EV power alone. 

The Jogger's battery pack is a 1.2kWh unit, that's fitted where you'd find the spare wheel on other Jogger models. So, whilst the lack of a proper spare wheel is disappointing, the 213-litre boot space is unaffected and there's no loss of seats. 

Outside, the Jogger's unusual estate shape has received a makeover thanks to the company's new logo and badges, with new headlights and grille at the front, and new badging at the back.

Inside, this Dacia gets the latest 7in instrument display, on top of the already standard 8in central touchscreen, and a push-button start. The hard plastics on the dashboard, centre console and door cards show its budget origins, but the cloth interior trim is more workmanlike than luxurious, and the carpet has a thin pile. The third row of seats is only really suitable for kids, or adults on short trips. On the positive side, the Jogger's interior feels sturdy and spacious.

It's available in the Expression grade that we drove, with a P11D figure of £22,740, and the range-topping Extreme, that has a P11D of just £1,000 more and is expected to be the top-seller. Expression standard kit is more than adequate for fleet and family in our opinion.

On the road, the Jogger Hybrid starts off in silence thanks to the lack of starter motor, keeping it in EV power. How long it stays in EV mode seems dependent on how much power is in the battery and the environment you're driving in. It is a much more likeable drivetrain than in the Arkana, but you wonder how much is forgiven here because of the Dacia's more affordable pricing. Firstly, the transitions between battery and engine are variable - most of the time they're smooth, others less so and your ears are met with the sound of the racing 1.6-litre petrol - like we've previously experienced with a CVT transmission. 

However, the Jogger does have a proper auto gearbox, which Dacia calls a multimode. It is very long-geared, but on the flip side, once this Dacia is on the move and the engine calms down you can make the most of the 140hp without hurting your ears too much. 

With the Expression's standard 16in wheels, tall ride height and soft suspension, the Jogger remains all about comfort - and we're pleased to report this remained unchanged over standard versions. There is still plenty of grip and despite some body roll, this Dacia surprises and impresses how it hides its extra length and still feels supermini nimble. Finally, the Jogger Hybrid's steering remains reasonably precise.