- The new Striker is an affordable compact wagon from Renault’s budget brand Dacia.
- It gets a lifted suspension and plastic body cladding to lure in SUV buyers.
- Power comes from gasoline and hybrid drivetrains.
Introduced today, Renault’s “futuREady” plan calls for 36 new models launching by 2030. Many will carry the company’s diamond logo, while others will be performance vehicles for the Alpine sub-brand. Dacia won’t be ignored either, as new models are on the horizon, kicking off with the Striker. This is the Romanian brand’s second compact car ever, following in the footsteps of the Bigster SUV.
But the Striker bucks the SUV trend and targets the wagon-loving audience as a completely new long-roof model positioned above the Jogger. We actually can’t remember the last time an automaker launched a wagon that didn’t have an immediate predecessor, so it’s nice to see Dacia keeping the estate flame alive in 2026.
With plenty of ground clearance and plastic body cladding, the Striker fills a void left after the demise of compact rugged wagons like the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack and its Skoda Octavia Scout sibling. It’s the perfect compromise for those who haven’t caught the SUV bug yet but also don’t want to worry about scraping the underbody when climbing a curb or tackling the occasional rough road.
Photo by: Dacia
At 4.62 meters (181.8 inches) long, it’s longer than the Bigster and will be available with multiple powertrains. Dacia intends to sell a hybrid version with front-wheel drive and another electrified version with 4×4. Additionally, some markets are also getting an LPG setup with a combustion engine that runs on liquefied petroleum gas.
In its base specification, the Striker will cost less than €25,000 ($29,100). Complete details won’t be disclosed until June, when Dacia intends to fully reveal its new wagon.
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Source: Dacia
Motor1’s Take: Although it’s a type of car Dacia has never offered before, it follows the no-frills formula to stay on a budget. It’s further proof that parent company Renault is doing an excellent job expanding the lineup of affordable vehicles by doing far more than just selling stripped-down, rebadged models.
It’s a strategy that continues to pay off, as the Clio-based Sandero supermini was the best-selling car in Europe last year, while the Duster subcompact crossover also cracked the top 10. The Striker will cater to families who want to stay on a budget without paying the premium that comes with compact wagons from the VW Group or Stellantis.
It’ll certainly find its audience, as wagons remain popular in Europe, where plenty of people are cautious about how much money they’re willing to spend on a family car.
