Vehicle Overview

The Romanian automaker Dacia released a new light utility vehicle in 2012 based on the same platform as the Dacia Lodgy, launched at the beginning of the same year.

Renault’s budget brand, Dacia, was highly appreciated in Europe thanks to its robust construction and low maintenance costs. Previously, it covered a big chunk of the light-utility vehicles with the Dacia Logan Van, which was discontinued in the summer of 2012. Unlike that model, which was based on the Logan MCV (station wagon), the Dokker was developed right from the start to become an LCV. As a result, it boasted a taller interior loading space and sliding doors, which were much more convenient than the hinged ones from its predecessor. Dacia also made the Dokker as a five-seat vehicle, and that recipe worked better than the Logan MCV. Even though the overall design wasn’t the best in its class, or its features were not on par with what other automakers offered, it managed to convince customers since it was budget-friendly.

With its short and tall front, the Dokker couldn’t win any beauty contest, but it was practical. Base versions sported black and unpainted wrapped-around bumpers. Above them, the automaker placed the same headlights as those installed in the seven-seat Lodgy. Dacia’s chromed badge took center stage on the hexagonal grille that was adorned by two horizontal slats. On the higher grades, the automaker installed body-colored bumpers and round fog lamps that flanked the lower air intake.

Dacia tried to create a compact-sized but roomy utility vehicle. To achieve that, it had to make short overhangs and a spacious cabin. As a result, the hood was tall, which couldn’t be concealed by the addition of enlarged fenders. In addition, the steep windshield was continued on its upper side by the roof in an ascending line. For the passengers, the automaker installed hinged doors, while for the cargo area, it placed sliding ones on both sides. The pre-cut areas used for windows in the passenger version were visible, albeit covered with sheet metal. Finally, at the back, the automaker placed unequal rear doors. Like the front bumper, the rear one was black for lower grades, while the higher versions were fitted with body-colored ones.

With a cabin fit for two and a dashboard made from hard plastic, the Dokker was not the most attractive car on the block. But its simple design and functionality impressed customers. There were plenty of storage areas on the dash, underneath it, in the door cards, and on the center console. Furthermore, there was also a storage area above the windshield. Fronting the driver was a mundane instrument cluster featuring a large dial for the speedometer that took center stage, flanked by the tachometer on the left and by an LCD display on the right, which showed data from the car’s onboard computer and the fuel gauge. At the back, the cargo area had a 2,420 liters (85.5 cu-ft) volume, which could be extended to 3,300 liters (116.5 cu-ft) with the side passenger seat folded down.

Under the hood, Dacia installed a choice of gasoline and turbodiesel engines paired with either a five or a six-speed manual, depending on the version. It wasn’t the fastest vehicle around, but it did its job properly and boasted a low fuel consumption, especially for the oil burner variants.

Vehicle Overview

The Romanian automaker Dacia introduced the Dokker range in 2012 and offered it either as a light commercial vehicle or a family-friendly MPV.

With the first generation of the Dokker, Dacia expanded its range in the LCV segment, replacing the former Dacia Logan Van. The main difference was that while its predecessor was a seven-seat vehicle that morphed into a utility vehicle, the Dokker was the other way around. It was designed as a van and morphed into an MPV. It was a way better solution for everyone.

Dacia produced the parts for the Dokker in its home facility in Romania and exported them to Morocco as CKD kits to be assembled there. This unusual solution lowered the production costs, and the sales went through the roof, with waiting periods that exceeded six months. Still, the vehicle showed its utilitarian roots in its exterior and interior. But customers didn’t care too much about that.

While the exterior design was nothing to write home about, it wasn’t mundane either. It still had some character thanks to the short overhangs and the flat and tall nose. The Dokker’s headlights sported an angular shape on the inner areas and were rounded on the outer ones. They flanked a three-slat grille that could be ordered in body color, depending on the trim level.

On the lower bumper, the automaker added a secondary air intake flanked by a pair of scoops for the optional fog lamps and even a lower splitter, which was there for pedestrian protection. From its profile, the tall greenhouse started with a steep and panoramic windshield and continued with a roof fitted with roof rails.

The vehicle came fitted with generously sized rear sliding doors, which eased ingress and egress for those seated on the second row. Behind them, the automaker added a third row of windows between the C-pillars and the vertical D-posts. Finally, at the back, the automaker added vertical, corner-mounted taillights that flanked the rear unequally-lengths doors.

Inside, Dacia installed high-mounted bucket seats for the front occupants, with almost no side bolstering. But the interior was cleverly designed, even if it was made with cheap materials. The plastic dashboard sported round vents carried over from its Logan sibling and a few storage compartments on its top.

Customers could get the car with a seven-inch infotainment system mounted on the center stack, featuring navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, CD, and a USB port. Lower, closer to the center console, Dacia installed the controls for the HVAC system.

The driver fronted the simple layout of the instrument cluster where the automaker installed the speedometer, the rev counter, and the gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. In addition, a small LCD was placed at the bottom of the instrument panel, and the Dokker displayed data from its onboard computer.

In the back, the 60/40 split-folding bench could be removed completely to get a larger cargo area. This was very useful, especially for those looking for a utility vehicle capable of doing school runs and other similar activities.

Under the hood, Dacia installed the same turbo diesel and gasoline engines that were available for the rest of the Logan range, depending on the market. All versions were paired with five- or six-speed manuals that sent the power to the front wheels only.