2024: The Year of Dacia

2024: The Year of Dacia

From a double win at the What Car? Car of The Year Awards, to being named ‘Best Value Brand’. 2024 is officially shaping up to be the year of Dacia.

Romanian-born brand Dacia is claiming 2024 as their own, after a string of high-profile award wins.

The brand recently picked up two awards at the prestigious What Car? Car of The Year Awards, while being named ‘Best Value Brand’.

What Car? Car of The Year Awards

At the What Car? COTY Awards, it was the Dacia Sandero that scooped up ‘Best Small Car for Value’, while the Dacia Jogger was awarded ‘Best Seven-Seater for Value’.

Though this was not the first time both models have been singled out for their greatness. The Sandero has now held its title for three consecutive years, and this is the 11th time it has been recognised overall at the awards.

As for the Jogger, this is the second year in a row it has claimed its victory. Both models were recognised for their practical design, equipment, and driving experience.

Commenting on the Sandero’s win, What Car? Editor Steve Huntingford, said:

“There’s more interior space than in most rivals, while fuel economy is good, and it can run on LPG, which is much cheaper than petrol. The Sandero is also decent to drive and – in our preferred trim – pretty well equipped.”

On the Jogger’s victory, he added:

“There’s a lot more to like than just its price. It’s a very easy car to drive and has plenty of space for adults in all three rows. Plus, our recommended Expression trim comes with all of the convenience features you’re likely to want, including keyless entry, cruise control, and rear parking sensors.”

Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, added:

“When it comes to offering family-focused cars that not only deliver great value, but also durability and driver appeal, Dacia is unrivalled. Value will always be core to Dacia, but these awards reaffirm that there’s so much more to our cars than just the price. This is where Dacia excels, blending affordability with everything that car buyers and families need for years of fun adventures.”

The Sandero is now known to be Europe’s best-selling new car, selling 164,789 models in the first half of 2024. This is 18.5% more than last year, and with prices starting from £13,795 OTR, it remains one of the most affordable new car options.

Since its introduction in 2008, it has sold more than 3.1 million units with its robust, modern design and affordable price tag. Generously equipped with features like air conditioning and cruise control, the Sandero is an icon for value.

Auto Trader New Car Awards

In addition to claiming top spot for two of its models, Dacia was also crowned Best Value Brand at the Auto Trader New Car Awards. This is for the sixth time running, after winning the title previously in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Real-world feedback from a survey was used to determine the winner, with the help of over 200,000 UK car owners. The survey asked them to rate their cars in 16 different areas, ranging from reliability and performance to running costs.

Dacia and its Sandero Stepway beat almost every other manufacturer when it came down to value. Auto Trader’s Editorial Director, Erin Baker, commented:

“The Dacia Sandero Stepway continues to appeal to those looking for value in their new car. This is our favourite car on a budget, and this is the second year running that Dacia has taken away this award. The Sandero Stepway offers excellent value for money and generous levels of kit for the price. As owners highlighted it’s “cheap to buy but loaded with bits such as climate control and heated seats.”

“Dacia also remains top of the tree when it comes to value with no other manufacturer matching the value that Dacia currently offers. Dacia drivers felt overwhelmingly that their car offered the best “bang for buck” on the market with one owner commenting “I’m on my third Dacia, all have been reliable, cheap to run and insure, together with being fun to drive.”

Browse new Dacia deals at Bristol Street Motors

Dacia’s recent success at the industry’s biggest car awards show the brand’s continued dedication to value. Offering motorists affordable, high-quality cars that look fantastic and are fun to drive is simply a part of the brand’s DNA. An ethos that continues even with electric vehicles like the all-electric Dacia Spring.

Ready to experience award-winning performance and value for yourself? Browse our latest new Dacia cars for sale. From popular favourites like the Duster and Jogger to the Sandero Stepway and more. Want to save further? Check out our range of used Dacia cars for sale, with a wide range of models on offer to suit your needs.

Book an appointment at your local Bristol Street Motors Dacia retailer for a test drive or get in touch with our expert team.

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