Dacia tells about its first hybrid SUV

The Renault spinoff has confirmed the rumors that started late this spring that it was preparing a seven-seater SUV for production, supplying some technical details and the estimated launch date.

The provisionally called Dacia RJI should hit production in October 2021. Like the latest Logan and Sandero models shown in the video here, it will come based on the CMF-B unibody platform and have no diesel engines on the lineup. Instead, it will ship with 1.0-liter engines rated at 100 and 120 horsepower (75 – 90 kilowatts) and 1.3-liter ones good for 140 and 160 hp (104 – 120 kW).

For the first time on record, Dacia will be shipping the car with a hybrid powertrain, specifically the E-Tech system found in the Renault Clio. The 1.3-liter, 160-hp engine will be the only one to profit from an electric starter-generator.

The SUV will be approximately 4.5 meters (14.76 feet) long and come with an assortment of modern systems and driving assists.

Dacia has recently discontinued the production of its Logan MCV, Lodgy and Dokker models (see the pics attached). The new RJI model should inherit the design traits of all three.

Sales are expected to begin either late next year or in early 2022.