Dacia Jogger Extreme review: Adventurous new trim and a hidden double bed

Not only has Ireland’s only real alternative to a hulking SUV got rugged good looks, hybrid technology and proper all-wheel drive capability, it also doubles up as a camper.

More about that later.

First let’s look at what makes the new Jogger Extreme stand out from the crowd. For starters, it comes in it’s own unique colour – cedar green (very outdoorsy), 16in alloy wheels finished in high-gloss black paint, copper detailing on the wing mirrors, lower front bumper and snazzy decals on the wings and door sills.

Inside it’s a similar affair, with new hard-wearing velvet-­like upholstery, which has the new branding embossed in the seats, while copper inserts in the front door panels and air vents add a touch of class.

The driver-focused cockpit is simple and easy to navigate, with a fully-digital display replacing traditional binnacles, while an 8in infotainment screen sits high in the centre console. It’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means Google Maps.

Thankfully the climate controls are separate to the touchscreen and can be accessed through a series of dials – one for fan speed, one for temperature and one for direction.

Our car came with Dacia’s latest self-charging hybrid tech. It’s powered by Renault’s tried-and-tested 1.6-litre ­petrol engine mated to a 36kWh motor and, combined, generates 140bhp.

This drives the front wheels with the help of a six-speed automatic gearbox and facilitates the beginning of every journey in EV mode. Like all hybrids, they dislike aggressive driving and hard acceleration, but once you get it up the revs, it cruises effortlessly at motorway speeds.

Around town, it’s an absolute dream and despite its larger dimensions handy to park, thanks to the light steering.

It’s pretty handy on juice too – returning a decent 4.8 litres/100km or 58mpg.

The Extreme models are also now equipped with ‘Extended Grip’ as standard.

This clever feature, activated via a button on the centre console, adjusts the electronic stability control (ESC) settings to maximise the available traction on loose surfaces, helping drivers venture further off the beaten track.

It’s perfect for reasonably uneven terrain and soft sand – just enough to get you out of a tricky situation. I’d avoid boggy fields or knee-deep mud, just to be on the safe side.

Speaking of adventures, Dacia has just launched a new range of accessories called InNature. Topping the list of must-haves is its new Sleep Pack, which turns the Jogger’s spacious interior into a bedroom for two in a matter of minutes.

This piece of kit comprises a 220-litre storage box that can be accessed with the double bed unfolded or folded. The bed itself can be assembled unassisted in less than two minutes, requiring only the removal of the third-row seats. The whole pack weighs less than 50kg and when set up with its 190cm x 130cm mattress, still offers a surprising 60cm of headroom.

If even more sleeping/living space is needed, a bespoke tent is also available that can be connected to the Jogger’s open tailgate, while blackout blinds for all windows offer privacy.

The biggest thrill of all has to be the price, which will set you back around €1,500 for the whole ensemble.

Tag that on to the €25,040 (starting price) and you not only have best value-for-money seven-seater, you also have a family bus that doubles up as a camper van. Now, where’s me sleeping bag and rucksack?

VW makes California dream a reality with new camper

With over 280,000 happy campers (current model)worldwide, Volkswagen has decided it is time for a new California.

The latest bus will be based on the long version of its current Multivan – making it the most spacious, versatile and sustainable camper van yet.

Being VW, the design has evolved but the key elements of the original will stay, such as the pop-up roof and clever interior that can go from everyday shuttle to weekend camper effortlessly.

To make life even easier, the Cali will for the first time be equipped with two sliding doors as standard, feature All-Wheel drive and come with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The new offering comes in five models – Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean – and standard camper kit includes built-in kitchen, sink, fridge, picnic table and chairs, and sleeps up to five people.

Vehicles from the Beach Tour version upwards are also equipped with a brand-new camper van control unit in the C-pillar with digital display. It also gets individual rear seats, as the bench is consigned to history.

It is longer that its predecessor – up 270mm – but identical in height, which means it is again suitable for multi-storey car parks.

You will have a choice of either a petrol or two diesels with power outputs of 148-198bhp or an AWD PHEV which churns out 242bhp and can travel up to 100km on pure electric on a single charge. It also has a towing capacity of up to two tonnes.

Order books are now open now. Prices to follow.

Sizzling 40th anniversary Seat Ibiza FR for €179pm

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Ibiza, Seat is releasing a limited-edition FR trim to reflect the sportiness of the little hot hatch.

It will come with a unique graphene grey paint job, matching grey 18in Cosmo alloys and special bucket sports seats in the front. Also on offer will be the Arona FR Limited Edition, with similar sports pack and including grey air vents and dark aluminium matte mouldings.

This special open event, which runs until this Saturday, also offers low finance rates and 0pc APR on some models and all come with a free three-year service plan.

The following models are up for grabs: the Ibiza from €179 per month; the Arona, also from €17; and the Ateca from €269 per month. All of the above models also come with 0pc APR.

You can also get the Leon from €239pm (1.9pc APR) and the seven-seat Tarraco SUV from €419 per month (4.9pc APR).

See seat.ie for more details.