Dacia’s Next Big Thing Isn’t An Suv At All

Dacia has quietly become the Renault Group’s golden child, carving out a reputation for cars that offer the full package at down-to-earth prices. The next step in that story is a compact crossover wagon that sits above the Jogger and targets one of Europe’s strongest players, the Skoda Octavia Combi.

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Codenamed Dacia C-Neo for now, the newcomer was spotted testing under camouflage in Southern Europe. Its official reveal is expected in the second half of 2026, leaving engineers a few more months to perfect chassis settings and final tweaks to ride comfort.

What’s Hiding Under the Wraps?

The prototype seems close to production and keeps the proportions of a traditional wagon. Up front, angular headlights frame a squared-off lower bumper, giving the car a tougher stance than most family estates.

The hood carries the same chamfered shape seen on the Duster and Bigster SUVs, while the rest of the body favors cleaner, more aerodynamic surfacing.

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Subtle wheel arch contours point to light protective cladding, and the slightly raised ground clearance hints at mild crossover intent. Along the sides, sharp creases and conventional door handles maintain Dacia’s practical character.

The wagon’s roofline leads to a rear spoiler above the inclined rear glass and the slim LED taillights. The long rear overhang and the shape of the tailgate suggest it will have a generous cargo capacity, offering plenty of practicality for the money.

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While Dacia offers a seven-seat option in the Jogger, the C-Neo is likely to stay with a five-seat setup, keeping it focused on space and efficiency rather than passenger count.

Inside, buyers can expect Dacia’s YouClip system for accessory mounts, robust seat fabrics that handle wear without complaint, and a physical switch to disable driver-assist systems when desired.

Powertrain Options

Like the rest of the range, the C-Neo sits on the CMF-B platform. Under the hood, the powertrain mix will mirror that of the Duster and Bigster, offering gasoline, LPG, mild-hybrid, and full-hybrid options built around the Renault Group’s ever-present turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine.

Besides the Skoda Octavia Combi, the upcoming Dacia wagon will go up against a solid lineup that includes the VW Golf Variant, Seat Leon Sports Tourer, Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, and Hyundai i30 Tourer.

Interestingly, none currently embrace the crossover flavor that Dacia is introducing here, as the Skoda Octavia Scout and Ford Focus Active have quietly exited the stage. That absence could hand the Romanian brand a timely advantage.

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