Dacia is preparing to launch the Striker, a new family crossover that aims to shake up one of the UK's most competitive car segments with a starting price of less than £25,000.
Designed to rival popular models such as the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Octavia, the Striker expands Dacia's growing range of affordable family cars. The Romanian brand says the new model stays true to its reputation for offering practical, value-focused vehicles while introducing a more refined design and greater versatility.
According to Dacia, the Striker combines the raised driving position and rugged appeal of an SUV with the practicality of an estate car and the efficiency of a traditional saloon.
The launch forms part of the company's wider ambition to grow its presence in the family car market. Dacia wants to increase its share of Europe's C-segment from 20 per cent to 33 per cent by 2030, with the Striker playing a key role in achieving that goal.
While final UK pricing has not yet been confirmed, Dacia says the entry-level model will cost less than £25,000.
Estate practicality meets SUV styling
Rather than following the traditional SUV formula, the Striker adopts a raised estate car design. It features a long roofline, sloping windscreen and clean horizontal body lines that give it a more streamlined appearance than many rivals.
SUV-inspired styling cues include increased ground clearance, chunky lower body cladding, gloss black front grille and integrated roof bars.
Measuring 4.62 metres long, the Striker promises generous interior space for passengers and luggage. At 1.53 metres high, it sits between a conventional estate and a larger SUV, helping create a spacious cabin without adding unnecessary bulk.
Buyers will be able to choose from seven exterior colours, including two new finishes called Frost Green and Cosmic Blue.
Practical cabin designed for families
Every version of the Striker features Dacia's latest dashboard design, centred around a clean horizontal layout intended to improve visibility and create a greater sense of space.
The dashboard is divided into three sections. Soft-touch textiles and scratch-resistant materials are used in the upper areas, while the middle section houses physical controls for key functions, making them easier to operate without taking your eyes off the road.
A 10.1-inch touchscreen is fitted as standard across the range. Higher-spec models also receive Media Nav Live, which adds connected satellite navigation with live traffic updates.
Storage has been carefully considered throughout the cabin. A dedicated cable channel keeps charging leads tidy, while the centre armrest offers 6.7 litres of storage. There's even an integrated ice scraper built into the dashboard.
Family-focused accessories include a built-in bottle holder, a blanket that doubles as a children's play mat and a flexible storage net for carrying everyday items.
Large boot and sustainable materials
The Striker offers a 600-litre boot, making it one of the most practical cars in its class. On higher trim levels, the load area can be divided into three sections to keep luggage organised.
The boot floor can also be positioned at two different heights, creating hidden storage underneath or a flat loading area when the rear seats are folded.
Dacia says more than 32 per cent of the materials used in the Striker come from recycled or circular economy sources, including recycled plastics and rubber.
An optional panoramic glass roof adds more natural light to the cabin while using thermal and acoustic glazing to improve comfort on longer journeys.
Hybrid power and four trim levels
The Striker will launch with a hybrid powertrain combining a 1.8-litre petrol engine producing 109hp, two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery.
Dacia says regenerative braking and the hybrid system allow the car to drive in electric mode for up to 80 per cent of urban journeys, helping reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
The four-wheel-drive system also offers five driving modes, including Off-Road and Sand, alongside Hill Descent Control for tackling more challenging terrain.
The range consists of four trim levels:
- Essential includes the 10.1-inch touchscreen and rear parking sensors.
- Expression adds an electric parking brake and extra USB ports.
- Extreme is aimed at adventure-focused buyers, featuring a panoramic roof, washable upholstery, rubber mats, a digital instrument display and Hill Descent Control.
- Journey focuses on comfort, adding heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, connected navigation and a powered tailgate.
UK launch
The Dacia Striker is expected to arrive in UK showrooms in early 2027, following its global reveal earlier this year.
With a starting price below £25,000, it is set to become one of the most affordable family crossovers in its class, offering buyers a combination of space, hybrid efficiency and practicality without the premium price tag.