In short: Dacia Dokker 1.2 TCe 115 Stepway
Dokker, with the addition of a Stepway, which means it has a slightly taller body and therefore a greater distance from the ground to the underside of the vehicle, now installs the first modern gasoline engine that parent brand Renault was willing to leave behind. Romanians. This four-cylinder petrol engine, which was Renault's first direct injection and turbocharged engine, was first installed in 2012 on the Mégane, and a year later it was transferred to the Kangoo.
115 "horses" are already written on the label. So that's a lot for the modest volume of this engine. But these are the current trends to reduce everything in cars, including engine displacement. This engine helps Dokker to make an unexpected leap and, even more surprising for Dacia, to achieve excellent average fuel consumption. However, this time we are not only thinking about the official consumption rate, which car factories can significantly reduce with various little tricks, but in fact almost no one can achieve this, even if they try. This Dokker surprised us with excellent performance from the first kilometer of the test and a little thirst after the first refueling of the fuel tank.
So even our normal circle and the calculation of the average of only 6,9 liters of average consumption were no longer surprising. This also applies to the entire test average, which is a solid result with 7,9 liters. It is possible that over time, when Renault allows the installation of a start-stop system, consumption will fall even more. But it is the engine and the impression left by the Dokker Stepway with such a drive that leads to the wrong conclusions - is it worth buying Kangoo at all if Dokker is here. The latter also offers quite acceptable equipment (for the price we pay), the impression of the materials does not reach the premium brands, but the difference with some products that carry the Renault diamond is not so great that it would be worth considering a more expensive purchase. . As for the Dokker Stepway, it should be added that it is practical, spacious and with a raised bottom from the driving surface, it is also suitable for less paved or more complex paths.
We have already written about this in previous tests about various good aspects, which, of course, are preserved in the new variation. Perhaps the body is a little high for a normal car in which we transport people (but also competitors, too, some are at least once more expensive). But the easy-to-open and close sliding side doors, for example, are convincing. Once again, we were able to see how useful swing doors are in the crowd of modern cities. Slightly less convincing is the implementation of the infotainment system. For a very modest surcharge, they offer speakerphone and navigation equipment. It's reliable, but not quite with the latest map updates, and the phone call isn't very convincing for those on the other side of the connection.
However, much more reputable houses like the Dacia still have such shortcomings, and in the end it's not one of the most important safety or fun features of a car. Dokker proves that it's possible to get a lot of space and a convincing engine for a solid price if we ditch the more respected brands. Still, it can be considered a good buy. Why Schweitzer? Until the current head of Renault Ghosn, he was the one who developed the Dacia brand. He was right: you can get a lot of cars for a solid price. But - what is now left of Renault?
word: Tomaž Porekar
Dokker 1.2 TCe 115 Stepway (2015)
Basic data
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbocharged petrol - displacement 1.198 cm3 - maximum power 85 kW (115 hp) at 4.500 rpm - maximum torque 190 Nm at 2.000 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | front wheel drive engine - 5-speed manual transmission - tires 195/55 R 16 V (Michelin Primacy). |
| Capacity: | 175 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 11,1 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 7,1/5,1/5,8 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 135 g/km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.205 kg - permissible gross weight 1.825 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4.388 mm – width 1.767 mm – height 1.804 mm – wheelbase 2.810 mm – trunk 800–3.000 50 l – fuel tank XNUMX l. |
evaluation
If you don't care about the brand but need the space and the right ability to drive on bad roads, the Dokker Stepway is the perfect choice.
We praise and reproach
spaciousness and flexibility
powerful and economical engine
numerous storage facilities
side sliding door
suitable ergonomics (except radio control)
podcast
brakes
no start-stop system
reduced exterior mirrors
poor call quality in speakerphone mode
