DACIA'S FRENCH EVOLUTION...

On the road, the updated Stepway feels far more grown up than when it first arrived on the Irish market.

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It remains refreshingly honest in its approach, but now combines improved refinement with confident styling that gives it genuine presence.

Where it may once have been seen as a budget crossover, it now has real appeal and composure on the road. Both Sandero Stepway and Jogger benefit from the introduction of Starkle protective elements on the wheel arches, lower body sections and fog lamp surrounds.

Developed by Dacia engineers and first seen on the new Duster, Starkle contains 20% recycled plastic. Left untreated and unpainted, it reduces environmental impact during production while offering greater resistance to everyday scratches.

Turning to Duster and Bigster, Dacia has enhanced the powertrain lineup with the introduction of the new Hybrid 150 4x4 system, available on both models.

This advanced setup combines a 1.2-litre, mild-hybrid petrol engine producing 140 horsepower at the front with a rear-mounted electric motor delivering up to 31 horsepower, resulting in a combined output of 154 horsepower.

The combustion engine generates 230 Nm of torque, while the electric motor contributes up to 87 Nm to the rear axle.

The petrol engine is paired with a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission featuring steering wheel-mounted paddles, while the electric motor integrates with a two-speed gearbox and a disengageable rear axle.

The innovative two-speed transmission for the rear electric motor is central to the system's effectiveness.