Dacia Extreme versions bring a more adventurous edge to the range

In 2021, when Renault Group chief executive Luca de Meo unveiled the Renaulution strategic plan, it became clear that Dacia’s future would involve building on the success it had achieved over the previous 15 years while also broadening its reach.

Part of that strategy will become apparent next year with the unveiling of the production Bigster, an SUV for the C-segment.

Other initiatives are already under way, with one of the most significant having taken place in 2022: Dacia introduced a new visual identity across its entire model range simultaneously, reinforcing its modern image.

The brand is now seeking to emphasise the more adventurous nature of its vehicles, without abandoning its focus on the essentials or losing sight of the affordability that has always been central to Dacia’s DNA.

This latest step is reinforced by the launch of the Extreme trim level, which takes the adventurous and rugged character of Dacia models even further.

Extreme trim is offered on the Sandero Stepway, Duster, Jogger and Spring, and is available with every engine option in each range. The exception is the Spring, which can only have this specification with the new 65 hp version.

Outdoor-inspired design

Extreme versions are distinguished by bespoke visual details inspired by outdoor activities, beginning with the black protective cladding along their sides.

New Cedar Green paint is available for the Sandero Stepway, Duster and Jogger, while the Spring receives Slate Blue. These shades contrast with the gloss-black wheels and copper details on the door-mirror covers, wheel centres and tailgate badging.

Copper accents also appear inside, on the door-panel trim, air-vent surrounds and, in the Spring, the outlines of the centre console. The same colour is used for the seat stitching. The seats feature a new MicroCloud upholstery, similar to velvet and particularly easy to clean.

New rubber mats have also been designed with outdoor use in mind. As well as being thicker, they feature topographical patterns for a more adventurous appearance and can be washed very easily.

Greater off-road assistance

In 4×4 form, the Duster is by far the most capable off-road Dacia. However, the Romanian marque has introduced a technology for the Sandero Stepway and Jogger, exclusively in Extreme trim, intended to improve the performance of these two front-wheel-drive models on more challenging surfaces.

Known as Extended Grip, the system works through the ESP and traction-control systems to optimise grip in more demanding conditions. It can even allow one front wheel to rotate faster than the other to clear an obstacle.

Dacia Spring gains a new powertrain

Alongside the new Extreme trim, the electric Dacia Spring has also received a more powerful new 65 hp motor.

To achieve this power increase, the electric motor now operates at a substantially higher speed - 14,700 rpm rather than 8,500 rpm in the 45 hp version. Its single-speed transmission has also been revised to send more torque to the wheels.

As a result, the 65 hp Spring is now considerably stronger during acceleration and in-gear response. It reaches 50 km/h from rest in 3.9s, which is 1.9s faster than the Spring 45. The time required to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h has been almost halved, falling to 13.5s from 26s.

Battery capacity remains unchanged at 27.4 kWh. In 65 hp form, the Spring quotes 10 km less range in the combined WLTP cycle, at 220 km in total, while its urban-cycle range is stated as up to 305 km.

What do Dacia Extreme versions cost?

Now available to order in the Portuguese market, Extreme versions of the Sandero Stepway, Duster, Jogger and Spring have confirmed prices:

Dacia Sandero Stepway

Sandero Stepway Extreme TCe 90 CVT: 19.299 euros
Sandero Stepway Extreme ECO-G 100: 18.200 euros
Sandero Stepway Extreme TCe 110: 18.999 euros

Dacia Duster

Duster Extreme ECO-G 100 4X2: 21.650 euros
Duster Extreme TCe 130 FAP 4X2: 23.300 euros
Duster Extreme Blue dCi 115 4X2: 25.600 euros
Duster Extreme TCe 150 EDC 4X2: 25.800 euros
Duster Extreme Blue dCi 115 4X4: 28.100 euros

Dacia Jogger

Jogger Extreme ECO-G 110 5 seats: 20.750 euros
Jogger Extreme TCe 110 5 seats: 21.150 euros
Jogger Extreme ECO-G 110 7 seats: 21.650 euros
Jogger Extreme TCe 110 7 seats: 22.050 euros
Jogger Extreme HYBRID 140 7 seats: 28.850 euros

Dacia Spring

Spring Extreme ELECTRIC 65: 22.050€