Dacia, Renault’s cheap car spin-off, is coming to Australia

Good news for consumers as value-focused manufacturer sets out plans for an Australian debut, giving new-car buyers a budget alternative.

Australian new-car buyers on a budget will welcome the arrival of Renault spin-off Dacia.

The little-known brand, positioned as an affordable alternative to Renault, is set to arrive locally next year.

Renault’s Dacia spin-off is coming to Australia.

Renault this year handed control of its local arm to ATECO, a third-party importer already responsible for brands such as Ram, Maserati and LDV.

ATECO boss Neville Crichton told Carsales.com.au that Dacia is “absolutely” coming to Australia.

“We will be bringing Dacia in. We are talking to them right now about the details,” he told the website.

The Dacia Duster crossover is in ATECO’s sights.

Dacia is positioned as one of Europe’s most affordable manufacturers.

The entry-level Sandero hatchback starts at just £7,995 ($14,600) drive-away in the UK, about £3000 ($5500) less than the cheapest Kia Picanto sold in Australia for about $19,000 drive-away.

Dacia’s rock-bottom prices are made possible by the omission of technology found in more expensive cars.

The Dacia Sandero has a smartphone dock instead of a touchscreen.

The Sandero hatchback does not have a conventional touchscreen with satellite navigation, but it does provide a clever dock allowing drivers to securely mount their smartphone to make use of its mapping and entertainment features.

Five-star safety ratings with cutting-edge driver assistance are also off the menu.

The Dacia Oroch ute is unlike any pick-up currently sold in Australia.

But the success of bargain-basement machines such as the China-sourced MG3 hatchback, Australia’s best-selling city car, proves some customers don’t want to spend a lot of money on their next set of wheels.

Dacia’s Australian range could include the popular Duster crossover.

Powered by a range of Renault-sourced engines with up to 110kW and 250Nm, the Duster is available with a choice of two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive traction.

The manufacturer is also considering the Oroch ute.

The next-generation Dacia Oroch ute could come to Australia.

Based on the Duster, the Oroch light ute is primarily offered in South America, where small pick-ups based on front-wheel-drive hatchbacks are a popular option.

A new version of the Oroch is likely to be revealed in 2022, giving ATECO the chance to evaluate whether it is appropriate for Australia.