Dacia Striker Crossover to Launch Under £25,000, Targeting Family Car Market

Dacia is introducing the Striker, a new crossover model designed to compete in the family car segment, aiming for a starting price under £25,000. The vehicle is intended to challenge established models such as the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Octavia, expanding Dacia's range of affordable vehicles.

The Striker is described as combining "the high driving position and outdoor capabilities of an SUV, the versatility and convenience of an estate, and the efficiency and performance of a saloon." Dacia, known for its value-focused small cars like the Sandero, aims to increase its presence in the competitive C-segment, targeting a sales increase from 20% to 33% by 2030, with the Striker leading this expansion.

Dacia intends for the Striker to have a distinct appearance, leaning towards a raised estate car. It features flowing body lines inspired by saloons, an elongated roofline, and a raked windscreen, while also incorporating SUV elements such as a raised ground clearance and strong lower proportions. The vehicle measures 4.62 meters in length, with a height of 1.53 meters, suggesting ample cabin and luggage space. It will be available in seven colors, including two new shades: Frost Green and Cosmic Blue.

Interior and Eco-Conscious Design

The Striker's interior features a new cockpit concept with a distinctive horizontal layout designed to enhance the sense of space. The dashboard has an intuitive three-tier structure. The uppermost level, closest to occupants, incorporates textiles and sections of Starkle, a scratch-resistant plastic previously used in the Dacia Duster, marking its first appearance inside a Dacia model as part of the brand's 'Eco-Smart' approach. The middle level houses frequently used physical controls designed for intuitive operation. The lower level contains the display interface, including a standard 10.1-inch central touchscreen, with navigation systems Media Display or Media Nav Live available depending on the trim.

Practical interior features include a concealed cable channel, an integrated ice scraper, and a 6.7-liter armrest compartment that can include a sliding drawer. For families, new features include a water-bottle holder, a blanket that doubles as a child's play mat, and a multi-purpose net. The vehicle is equipped with a 600-liter boot that can be divided into three sections for organized storage. Dacia has emphasized sustainable materials, with over 32% of the Striker composed of recycled and circular-economy-sourced materials, including recycled plastics and rubber. A panoramic glass roof with advanced glazing is also available to enhance cabin ambiance.

Trims and Powertrains

The Striker will be offered in four trim levels: Essential, Expression, Extreme, and Journey. The Essential trim includes the 10.1-inch touchscreen and rear parking sensors. Expression adds features like an electric parking brake and extra USB ports. The Extreme trim is geared towards outdoor use, featuring Copper Brown accents, a panoramic sunroof, washable Microcloud synthetic upholstery, rubber floor and boot mats, a 10-inch digital instrument panel, and hill descent control. The Journey trim focuses on comfort for longer distances, offering heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Media Nav Live, wireless smartphone charging, and an automatic power tailgate.

Powertrain options include an electrified system. The four-wheel-drive Striker Hybrid 155 combines a 109hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery. Dacia states this setup allows the vehicle to operate in all-electric mode for up to 80% of urban driving through regenerative braking and efficient energy recovery. The vehicle will also feature five driving modes, including Off-Road and Sand, along with Hill Descent Control.

The Dacia Striker is expected to go on sale in early 2027, with UK deliveries commencing after its March reveal. Its anticipated price point positions it as potentially the most affordable model in its size and segment in the UK market.