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Practical estate with extra ground clearance
Dacia is preparing to broaden its lineup with a no-nonsense station wagon aimed at buyers who prefer a traditional estate over a crossover or SUV. Spotted multiple times under heavy camouflage and now visualized in detailed renderings from Kolesa, the as-yet-unnamed model is being referred to internally as the C‑Neo. The concept is simple: maximize cargo space and everyday utility while retaining Dacia's value-led pricing and straightforward design language.
What the renderings reveal
Kolesa's CGI work, guided by recent spy photos, strips away the disguise to show familiar Dacia styling cues. The front end mirrors the brand's contemporary faces, while conventional door handles and a mostly straight roofline emphasize practicality. At the rear, narrow, sculpted taillights with Dacia lettering span the tailgate, which itself is clean and sensibly proportioned. The rear bumper features an angular recess for the license plate, echoing the brand's minimalist aesthetic.
Two details stand out: raised ride height and protective cladding. The C‑Neo appears to adopt a lifted stance with pronounced plastic cladding around the lower body and faux underbody skid plates at the front and rear. These cues give the estate a tougher look and better approach/exit clearances—features many European buyers value even when they don't choose an SUV.
Underpinnings and likely powertrains
Sources point to the CMF‑B platform as the likely base for the new wagon — specifically the LS variant used by models such as the Jogger, Sandero, Duster, Logan and the Bigster concept. That underfloor architecture already supports a range of efficient powertrains, which suggests the C‑Neo could arrive with multiple options:
- Mild-hybrid and hybrid variants for improved fuel economy
- Conventional gasoline engines for cost-conscious buyers
- LPG-compatible versions, maintaining Dacia's practicality-first positioning
Expect a front-wheel-drive layout and packaging focused on luggage capacity and rear-seat practicality rather than sporty dynamics.
How it will compete
Dacia's target for the C‑Neo is clear: the compact estate segment. That puts it up against established models like the Skoda Octavia Combi and Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. Where Dacia can win is price and simple ownership costs. The C‑Neo is likely to undercut rivals on price while offering competitive cargo volume and rugged styling touches that appeal to families and small-business users alike.
Highlights:
- Practical, roomy boot space designed for families
- Raised ground clearance and protective cladding
- Likely CMF‑B LS underpinnings for cost-efficient production
- Multiple powertrain choices including hybrids and LPG
Market timing and positioning
Launch timing remains uncertain. Some reports suggest a rollout to European showrooms by the end of the year, while others push the debut into 2027. Given Dacia's success selling affordable, pragmatic cars across Europe, the C‑Neo is a logical addition that keeps the brand relevant for buyers who want estate utility without the SUV badge.
"Dacia's approach is always clear: deliver function at a fair price," says one industry observer. "A lifted station wagon could fill a niche between classic estates and urban crossovers."
Whether the C‑Neo name sticks, or Dacia chooses another badge, the story is about choice: a compact station wagon that blends low-cost practicality with the styling cues and ride height many modern buyers now expect. For buyers prioritizing cargo space, simple mechanicals and an affordable price tag, the C‑Neo promises to be an intriguing option in the compact estate segment.
Source: autoevolution
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