Following the launch of Lodgy at the beginning of 2012, the Dacia range has been expanded with the addition of two brand new models: Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van. Dacia Dokker is a five-seat crew van for mixed private and professional use. It offers one of the biggest boots and the best modularity in its class. Dacia Dokker Van is a small Light Commercial Vehicle. Its best-in-class utilitarian features will prove attractive to tradespeople and craftsmen. In keeping with the values championed by the Dacia brand, both newcomers deliver a generous list of practical features for an unrivalled low price. They on sale initially in Morocco June 2012, and then in the models' other Mediterranean and European markets at the end of the summer 2012.
Dacia Dokker targets customers with mixed needs who want a vehicle that can transport bulky loads yet also accommodate their family in comfort. Indeed, in addition to its ability to carry up to five occupants, it also offers the market's biggest boot capacity. The user-friendly modularity of the rear bench seat enables up to 3m3 of extra carrying capacity to be freed up, making it ideal for professional use. It can be ordered with either one or two glazed sliding side doors which facilitate access to the cargo area or rear seats.
In addition to being reliable and robust, Dacia Dokker Van delivers the biggest carrying capacity in its segment thanks to the cleverly designed modular front passenger seat (the optional Dacia Easy Seat), while its wide sliding side door facilitates loading. To meet the needs of traders and tradespeople as closely as possible, a high number of conversions and a wide range of accessories are available for Dokker Van.
Like that of Dacia Lodgy, the interiors of Dokker and Dokker Van are comfortable, modern and particularly functional. The Media Nav multimedia system comes with a seven-inch (18cm) touchscreen and comprises navigation and radio functions, plus Bluetooth connectivity. The options catalogue includes a speed limiter and rear parking sensors.
Depending on market, Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van are available with a choice of four powerplants: the brand new 1.2 TCe 115 and existing 1.6 MPI 85 petrol engines, plus the 1.5 dCi 75hp and 90hp diesel engines. Both diesel engines qualify for the Dacia eco² signature thanks to fuel consumption of just 4.5 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 118g/km.
Dacia's trademark reliability and build quality have long been acclaimed by customers and the media alike, but Dacia has taken these strengths further still thanks to the expertise of Renault, Europe's leading Light Commercial Vehicles brand since 1998. Many of Dokker Van's components were designed to meet the exacting briefs specified by Renault for its own vans and the model was submitted to the same punishing tests as Renault LCVs in order to take the most punishing types of use into account.
A VERY FUNCTIONAL DESIGN
The name Dokker is a play on the word 'dockworker' and expresses the high carrying capacity of the two models, as well as their modular interior layout and robustness.
The lines, proportions and generous dimensions of Dacia Dokker and Dacia Dokker Van (length: 4.36m / width: 1.75m / height: 1.81m) point to a particularly spacious interior. This sensation is reinforced by the uncluttered vertical body sides, while the apertures of the sliding side doors and asymmetric rear doors ensure easy access.
The family likeness of these two new models with the other vehicles of the Dacia range is evident in the form of their grille and large headlight units. Meanwhile, the modern, hi-tech feel of their design showcases Dacia's new styling identity as pioneered by Lodgy.
The newcomers' exterior volumes, assertive forms and frill-free lines point to the Dacia brand's trademark quality and robustness, a sensation which is further accentuated by the high waistline and big door handles. The standard black grain-effect bumpers of Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van wrap around the entire bottom part of their front end, right up to the headlights, while the rear bumpers have been positioned to protect the light clusters. Certain versions are equipped with side protective mouldings.
The optional body colour bumpers available for the higher-end crew van versions are more inline with passenger car styling cues.
The interior features a modern, functional dashboard which incorporates several stowage spaces that have been thought through for intensive use. The dash's sweeping forms heighten the impression of solidity and its two-tone colour scheme has been carried over to the door panels (depending on equipment level). The unmistakeably modern, high-tech feel of the cabin is reinforced by the new design of the instruments - inherited from Dacia Lodgy - and the incorporation of a Media Nav multimedia system.
Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van also benefit from the enhanced driver-friendly appointments that were first seen on Lodgy, including new headlight and windscreen wiper controls. The switches for the electric windows fall readily to hand on the door armrests and the controls for the climate control are more accessible than those of the Logan family of models.
The cabin of the crew van version has more of a passenger car feel about it, beginning with the different colours employed for the interior trim. The higher-end equipment levels come with a Gunmetal Grey centre console, plus the use of chrome for the front door handles, instrument, heater controls and gear lever knob.
Dacia Dokker, the versatile crew van
Dacia Dokker comfortably carries up to five people and, for their luggage, boasts the biggest boot in its segment, with a capacity of 800 litres and a maximum load length of 1.16m.
Dacia Dokker comes as standard with one glazed sliding side door and a second can be ordered as an option (standard on the high-end version). The side door frees up an aperture of 703mm to facilitate safe access to the rear seats.
Rear passengers benefit from comfortable seats and plenty of space (headroom: 1,065mm / shoulder room: 1,458mm / knee room: 177mm).
The modular 60/40-split rear bench seat is easy to convert into one of a wide choice of arrangements. Thanks to a readily accessible handle, each section of the seat back can be folded forward independently. The bench can also be tipped forward against the front seats to free up a flat floor with a load length of 1.57m and a carrying capacity of 3m3.
Dacia Dokker Van, one of the most practical vehicles in its class
Thanks to its dimensions (length: 4.36m / width: 1.75m / height: 1.81m), Dacia Dokker Van offers a generous 3.3 cubic metres of carrying capacity and a maximum load length of 1.9m.
Its carrying capacity can be extended thanks to the clever optional Dacia Easy Seat. The back of this versatile front passenger seats tips forward to form a table. Alternatively, the whole seat can be tipped forward against the glove box to free up space for loads of up to 2.42 metres in length. It can also be removed altogether to provide 3.9 cubic metres of carrying space. This arrangement permits items of three metres in length to be transported with ease (maximum load length: 3.11m). These market-best figures position Dacia Dokker Van as one of the most functional vehicles in its segment, yet comfort hasn't suffered since the Dacia Easy Seat is fore/aft adjustable and has a reclining back. Dacia Dokker Van's maximum payload is 750kg.
Depending on version and national legislation, the cabin is separated from the cargo area by two tubular protective bars, a fully glazed bulkhead or a mesh pivoting bulkhead. The latter enables carrying capacity to be increased by folding the passenger seat (optional Dacia Easy Seat) to increase carrying capacity yet still ensure the driver's protection.
Dacia Dokker Van is fitted as standard with one wide sliding side door and a second is available as an option. These doors benefit from an extremely robust design and open effortlessly to facilitate access to the cargo area thanks to their big handle.
The asymmetric rear doors swing open to 90 degrees and are held in place by a retention system which prevents the door from slamming shut in windy weather. This lock can be freed by a handle located on the inside of the door to enable the latter to be opened to 180 degrees.
Numerous stowage solutions for Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van
To simplify the day-to-day life for drivers, a number of practical stowage spaces totalling up to 44.2 litres in the crew van version are positioned around the cabin. The large non-lidded dashboard bin can accommodate a laptop computer or A4-size documents. Dacia Dokker is also equipped with a lidded 6.6-litre glove box (depending on equipment level), as well as 12 litres of easily -accessible overhead stowage (depending on equipment level). A small lidded bin to the driver's left is particularly useful for ensuring that items such as loose change are always close to hand.
A 1.5-litre bottle can be stored in the front door bins, while a double can-holder and tray on the centre console can also be specified.
In the case of the crew van version, rear passengers benefit from a 0.5-litre bottle holder on the centre console, plus small additional door bins and map pockets of the front seat backs (depending on version).
When it comes to conversions for specific business uses, Dacia benefits extensively from Renault's expertise. Indeed, the brand has worked closely with the network of Renaultapproved converters to develop a long list of conversions. Those available for Dacia Dokker Van include ambulances, TPRM solutions, the transport of refrigerated or frozen goods, mobile workshops or intervention vehicles, etc.
In order to meet the varied needs of its customers, Dacia has developed an extensive selection of accessories and interior fitments. The accessories designed to enhance comfort or carrying capacity include a central armrest, DVD player, seat back document holder, child seats, a portable ice box cooler, a roof box, a mesh grille behind rear seats (crew van version), etc.
Dacia Dokker Van comes with a range of accessories designed especially for business customers: wood linings, wheel-well protection, stowage kits, wooden cupboard kit, steel roof bars, protective bars for glazed rear doors, etc.
Vehicles can also be personalised in the colours of the customer's company.
UPGRADED CABIN EQUIPMENT
Since the launch of Dacia Lodgy, a number of features have been upgraded to be even more comfortable, modern or practical. Needless to say, Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van benefit from these improvements.
Media Nav: user-friendly technology
Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van are equipped with the Media Nav multimedia system first seen inside Dacia Lodgy. The system has been perfectly integrated into the central fascia and comprises a seven-inch (18cm) touchscreen. In addition to being very simple to use, this attractively-priced option (€430) combines navigation and audio functions, as well as Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity.
The home page enables users to scroll swiftly through the six Media Nav functions. It is also possible to connect a portable music player via the fascia-mounted USB or jack sockets. Users can select tracks using either the touchscreen display or the steering wheel-mounted remote controls.
The tactile, intuitive navigation system has both 2D and 3D (Birdview) graphics. A dedicated website enables customers to access mapping updates and upload them via the USB port.
Alternatively, two other multimedia systems are available to tailor the offering to the needs of each customer:
- Dacia Plug & Radio. This system features a radio with a large display, an MP3-compatible CD player, Bluetooth® technology, dash-mounted USB and jack sockets and steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control.
- The smaller (1 DIN) entry level radio, Dacia Plug & Music, allows additional stowage space to be fitted. This radio comes with the same features as the Dacia Plug & Radio, with the exception of the CD player.
All the radios benefit from 3D Sound by Arkamys which is derived from Renault's audio range. The Arkamys process uses digital treatment software to deliver tailor-engineered sound and noticeably superior quality. The three-dimensional sound produced by the four loudspeakers has been engineered to take both the layout of the cabin and the materials it uses into account.
More comfortable and practical for the driver Drivers sit 3.5cm higher up in Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van than they do in Logan MCV, while the seat height and steering wheel can be adjusted to find the most comfortable driving position. Comfort is further enhanced by a big footrest.
Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van also feature the same new, more modern and more practical dashboard as Dacia Lodgy. The centrally positioned odometer is flanked to the left by the rev-counter and to the right by a screen which incorporates the fuel gauge and total/split distance readouts. In the case of versions equipped with a trip computer, the same display provides data concerning the quantity of fuel used, journey distance, average and real-time fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, the distance until the next service, speed limiter selection and a clock.
Like Lodgy, the new models come with new driver aids. The speed limiter allows drivers to programme a maximum speed they do not wish to exceed, enabling journeys to be completed in stress-free safety. This function can be activated or deactivated using a button located on the central fascia. The speed setting is selected using the '+' or '-' buttons on the steering wheel. Pressing hard on the accelerator pedal permits the driver to override the system if required.
Rear parking sensors are available for Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van. They are located in the rear bumper and provide drivers with an audible indication of the distance between their vehicle and any obstacle. The function can be activated or deactivated using a switch positioned to the left of the steering wheel.
The climate control system figures among the ludospace market's best in terms of its performance. Its capacity has been engineered to match the size of the cabin and total glazed surface area. Engineers from the Renault Group took their inspiration from the climate control system used for Renault Mégane and have succeeded in uprating airflow and capacity with no additional noise. Cooling air is distributed more evenly throughout the cabin thanks to the fitment of vents at the front and rear.
Careful attention was also paid to acoustic comfort. The surface area of soundproofing materials inside the engine compartment, underneath the vehicle, in the wheel arches and at the junction between the body and windscreen has been increased by 30 percent compared to Dacia Duster. The engine runs more quietly thanks to 1.5 dCi engine's new fuel injectors. Wind noise has also been reduced thanks to work on the form of the door mirror housings and roof bars. Road noise has been further diminished through the design of the foam inserts and seals, as well as the reinforcement of certain components parts to suppress resonance.
RELIABLE, FUEL-EFFICIENT ENGINES
The Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van ranges feature a wide choice of responsive, fuel-efficient and reliable engines to match the different needs of drivers. The 1.2 TCe 115 and 1.6 MPI 85 petrol engines are joined by the 1.5 dCi diesel engine which is available in a choice of two power outputs (75hp and 90hp).
First seen under the bonnet of Collection 2012-versions of Renault Mégane and Renault Scénic, the 1.2 TCe 115 (Euro5) is the first Renault Group engine to benefit from direct injection and turbocharging, while its light weight is due to its aluminium block. This powerplant delivers a combination of driving enjoyment, frugal fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions, yet it still provides a level of performance (115hp) comparable to that of a 1.6-litre engine. Its generous peak torque of 190Nm is equivalent to that of a 2.0-litre engine, and 90 percent of this figure is available from as low as 1,500rpm, with maximum torque available between 2,000 and 4,000rpm to ensure crisp re-acceleration. This downsized powerplant drives through a five-speed manual gearbox and delivers combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 6.1 litres/100km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 140g/km (Dokker Van: 6.2 litres/100km and 143g of CO2/km).
This low fuel consumption means that running costs are significantly lower, while the fitment of a maintenance-free timing chain (instead of the more traditional belt) also plays a part in bringing down costs, which will obviously appeal to business customers.
1.6 MPI 85 Euro 5
This 60.5kW entry level petrol engine drives through a five-speed manual gearbox. Combined cycle fuel consumption is 7.5 litres/100km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 175g/km.
The Euro 4 version has a power output of 59kW (80hp). Its combined cycle fuel consumption is 8 litres/100km (CO2 emissions: 189g/km).
1.5 dCi 75 and 90 (Euro5)
Widely acclaimed for its reliability, performance and respect for the environment, the 1.5 dCi is available with a power output of either 75hp or 90hp. Both versions qualify for the Dacia eco² signature and are particularly fuel efficient, with NEDC combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.5 litres/100km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 118g/km.
Both versions drive through a five-speed manual gearbox. The 90hp version delivers 200Nm of torque, 90 percent of which is available from 1,750rpm to guarantee real driving pleasure, even at low revs. The 1.5 dCi 75 version boasts maximum torque of 180Nm available from 1,750rpm.
The peak power of the Euro4 version of this engine is 63kW (85hp). It is mated to a fivespeed manual gearbox and combines flexibility, performance and low running costs. Its combined cycle fuel consumption is 4.9 litres/100km (CO2 emissions: 130g/km).
Like Dacia Lodgy, Dokker and Dokker Van are based on the new M0 platform which incorporates a new engine compartment and a specific rear section.
The MacPherson-type front suspension with triangular arm uses the same layout as all Dacia's other models. Derived from that of Renault Kangoo, the rear suspension features a programmed-deflection flexible beam with spiral springs. The crew van version is equipped with a 20.3-mm-diameter anti-roll bar. In addition to being robust and particularly suited to its load capacity, this arrangement has been engineered to reduce body roll and improve Dacia Dokker's cornering stability. There is consequently no difference in the amount of body roll between a laden and an unladen vehicle, thereby providing efficient, surprise-free handling at all times.
Because of their different end-uses, the specification and calibration of the suspension is specific to each version. The wheelbase of 2.81 metres - which is almost 10cm shorter than that of Logan MCV - ensures agile performance, including a turning circle of 11.1 metres. The ground clearances of Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van are respectively 189mm and 186mm which means they are able take most types of road in their stride.
DACIA RELIABILITY AND QUALITY BACKED BY RENAULT'S EXPERIENCE
It goes without saying that Dacia's hallmark reliability and build quality, which are acclaimed by customers and the media alike, have been incorporated into the genes of Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van. On top of that, both models benefit from the expertise of Renault, Europe's number one LCV brand since 1998.
Many of the parts used for Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van were developed to the same brief as that which Renault has drawn up for its own range of LCVs. The underbody and body shell are built to the same exacting demands as those of Renault Kangoo and can cover 300,000 kilometres without any loss of performance. The MacPherson-type front suspension with triangular arm arrangement has been reinforced to meet Renault's criteria for LCVs, while the rear suspension is derived from that of Renault Kangoo - itself reputed for its ride comfort and robustness - and has been especially adapted to the payload.
In order to cover as many types of end-use as possible, Dacia Dokker endured 1.9 million kilometres of validation testing in punishing conditions. Its dynamic performance and reliability were put through their paces on paved roads, cobblestones, pot holes, water crossings, sandy tracks and in dust, as well as in extreme hot and cold climates.
Dacia Dokker Van was submitted to Renault's specific LCV test programme, including endurance running on the severest washboard surface test bench. Meanwhile, the sliding side doors and rear doors need to be of heavy duty for professional use and were put through 100,000 open and shut cycles.
Dacia Dokker Van's durability was also tested in the field. First employed for Renault Mégane III, this test programme today consists in taking some 30 vehicles as they come off the line and driving them in severe real-life conditions in Romania for three months. Dacia Dokker Van totalled almost 850,000 kilometres across an extensive spectrum of situations, equivalent to vehicle-ageing of between four and six years. The areas where improvements can be made are exposed and rapidly dealt with before changes are incorporated into the manufacturing process. This approach further ensures that the end-product genuinely matches the demanding expectations of business users.
Dacia Dokker comes with a warranty of three years/100,000km.
Active safety
Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van feature the same braking system as Dacia Lodgy, including ABS with EBD electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist. The optional ESC uses the latest-generation Continental unit (Continental Mark 100) which is also available for Dacia Lodgy. The system incorporates traction control and active rollover protection to help keep the vehicle on its line when cornering in difficult conditions, as well as in situations like avoiding an obstacle, a loss of grip or slippery roads.
Passive safety
To ensure maximum occupant protection, Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van benefit from a reinforced architecture validated by Renault group engineers. The structure is in the front line when it comes to protecting occupants, and that of Dokker and Dokker Van uses steel and other materials which have better energy absorption and dissipation properties.
The seat belts are equipped with load limiters which protect the thorax in an impact. The driver retention system of versions of Dacia Dokker sold in Europe also comprises pyrotechnic pretensioners which gradually tighten the belt across the thorax and groin to optimise the way the occupant is held in place under heavy braking. Standard equipment includes driver and front passenger airbags, as well as lateral head/thorax airbags.
The three rear seats are equipped with ISOFIX anchorage which permits the safe fitment of child and booster seats.
Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van were designed to offer a high level of pedestrian protection. The thickness and rigidity of the front bumper were selected to protect lower limbs. The bonnet and wings were developed to absorb impact energy should a pedestrian be hit, and no rigid elements are located under the bonnet at places where a pedestrian's head might strike the vehicle.
THE DACIA SUCCESS STORY
With worldwide sales totalling more than 1.9 million vehicles, the Dacia brand is a genuine success story and has enjoyed the fastest growth in Europe and the Euromed region over the past eight years. It tops the market in Romania and Morocco and is also expanding in numerous European countries. It is France's fifth best-selling passenger car brand.
This success story can be explained by the promise of durable, functional, no-frill vehicles at unbeatable prices. These values have tempted a high number of former used-car owners to step up to a new vehicle for the very first time. Customers are pleased with their acquisition and proud to drive a Dacia, as illustrated by the unique phenomenon of Dacia picnics which gathered more than 10,000 customers across Europe in 2011.
Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van are worthy flagships for the brand's values and their launches take the total number of models introduced by Dacia in a period of just eight years to nine.
Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van manufactured in Tangiers
Like Lodgy, these two new models are manufactured in the brand new factory in Tangiers, Morocco. The plant's annual production capacity is currently 170,000 vehicles but will go on to reach 400,000 vehicles per year.
Tangiers stands out as the world's first zero-carbon, zero-effluent automobile factory, while its CO2 emissions represent a saving of 98 percent (equivalent to 135,000 tonnes of CO2 per year) compared to an equivalent production facility thanks to the optimisation of energy consumption and the use of renewable energies, such as wind and biomass. The small amount of remaining CO2 will be compensated for either by the purchase of carbon credits or by means of projects such as reforesting and the development of solar panels.
The Tangiers factory draws 70 percent less water for production purposes than a factory with an equivalent production capacity. Wastewater is treated and re-employed thanks to cuttingedge recycling technologies conceived by Veolia Environnement.
This new facility represented an investment of €1 billion and rounds off the production infrastructure in Morocco along with the country's existing capacity in Casablanca.
A bespoke Dacia network
Dacia Dokker and Dokker Van will be distributed by the Dacia network which has expanded continuously since the brand's launch. The brand is present in 1,830 showrooms, 818 of which are dedicated to Dacia. Some 1,300 sales people are dedicated to the sale of Dacia vehicles in European and Mediterranean rim countries.
Dacia has launched a new after-sales policy designed to deliver economical, straightforward, high quality servicing tailored to meet the needs of individual customers. This new offer allows customers to specify precise Dacia servicing plans at a very competitive price. For even closer control of budgets, the cover and duration of Dacia's servicing plans and warranty extensions can be adapted as a function of customers'
